INNOVATE (VATE) 10-Q11 May 152015 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	HC2 Holdings, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1006837
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,487,023
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Services revenue	$73,718	$43,354
Sales revenue	128,090	0
Net revenue	201,808	43,354
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue - services	61,920	41,107
Cost of revenue - sales	110,536	0
Selling, general and administrative	23,053	6,204
Depreciation and amortization	5,006	210
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	473	-80
Total operating expenses	200,988	47,441
Income/(loss) from operations	820	-4,087
Interest expense	-8,608	-1
Amortization of debt discount	-92	0
Interest income and other expense, net	193	-49
Foreign currency transaction loss	-771	-34
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and loss from equity investees	-8,458	-4,171
Loss from equity investees	-2,688	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	5,833	-9
Loss from continuing operations	-5,313	-4,180
Gain/(loss) from discontinued operations	-9	17
Loss from sale of discontinued operations	0	-784
Net loss	-5,322	-4,947
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	261	0
Net loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	-5,061	-4,947
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion	1,088	0
Net loss attributable to common stock and participating preferred stockholders	-6,149	-4,947
Basic loss per common share:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.29)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Loss from sale of discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.05)
Net income (loss) attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.34)
Diluted loss per common share:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.29)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Loss from sale of discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.05)
Net loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.34)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	24,146	14,631
Diluted (in shares)	24,146	14,631
Amounts attributable to common shareholders of HC2 Holdings, Inc.
Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	-6,140	-4,180
Gain/(loss) from discontinued operations	-9	17
Loss from sale of discontinued operations	0	-784
Net loss attributable to common stock and participating preferred stockholders	($6,149)	($4,947)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($5,322)	($4,947)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-4,361	-374
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-762	0
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	261	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	($10,184)	($5,321)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$128,872	$107,978
Short-term investments	11,768	4,867
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable of $2,675 and $2,760 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)	195,878	151,558
Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	24,656	28,098
Deferred tax asset - current	1,701	1,701
Inventories	17,062	14,975
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,337	22,455
Assets held for sale	11,485	3,865
Total current assets	420,759	335,497
Restricted cash	7,063	6,467
Long-term investments	58,827	48,674
Property, plant and equipment, net	224,815	239,851
Goodwill	27,990	27,990
Other intangible assets, net	30,067	31,144
Deferred tax asset - long-term	15,198	15,811
Other assets	18,334	18,614
Total assets	803,053	724,048
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	61,888	79,794
Accrued interconnection costs	19,507	9,717
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	22,883	20,023
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	40,183	34,042
Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts	31,848	41,959
Accrued income taxes	0	512
Accrued interest	12,043	3,125
Current portion of long-term debt	38,811	10,444
Current portion of pension liability	5,697	5,966
Total current liabilities	232,860	205,582
Long-term debt	376,549	332,927
Pension liability	28,384	31,244
Other liabilities	8,002	1,617
Total liabilities	645,795	571,370
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)
Temporary equity (See Note 12)
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value - 20,000,000 shares authorized; Series A - 30,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014; Series A-1 - 10,500 and 11,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014; Series A-2 - 14,000 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	53,444	39,845
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value - 80,000,000 shares authorized; 25,400,886 and 23,844,711 shares issued and 25,369,260 and 23,813,085 shares outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	25	24
Additional paid-in capital	148,762	147,081
Accumulated deficit	-46,941	-41,880
Treasury stock, at cost - 31,626 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	-378	-378
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-20,301	-15,178
Total HC2 Holdings, Inc. stockholders' equity before noncontrolling interest	81,167	89,669
Noncontrolling interest	22,647	23,164
Total stockholders' equity	103,814	112,833
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders' equity	$803,053	$724,048

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$2,675	$2,760
Temporary equity (See Note 12)
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	25,400,886	23,844,711
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,369,260	23,813,085
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	31,626	31,626
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary equity (See Note 12)
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	30,000	30,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,000	30,000
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary equity (See Note 12)
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	10,500	11,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	10,500	11,000
Series A-2 Preferred Stock [Member]
Temporary equity (See Note 12)
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	14,000	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	14,000	0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Non-controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Non-controlling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$112,833	$24	$147,081	($378)	($41,880)	($15,178)	$23,164
Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		23,813,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation expense	2,235	0	2,235	0	0	0	0
Preferred stock dividend and accretion	-1,088	0	-1,088	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock, (in shares)		2,000
Issuance of restricted stock	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of restricted stock, (in shares)		1,436,000
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	500	0	500	0	0	0	0
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in shares)		118,000
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	-222	0	0	0	0	0	-222
Excess book value over fair value of purchased noncontrolling interest	0	0	34	0	0	0	-34
Net loss	-5,322	0	0	0	-5,061	0	-261
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-4,361	0	0	0	0	-4,361	0
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-762	0	0	0	0	-762	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$103,814	$25	$148,762	($378)	($46,941)	($20,301)	$22,647
Balance, (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		25,369,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($5,322)	($4,947)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	95	107
Share-based compensation expense	2,235	238
Depreciation and amortization	6,881	210
Amortization of deferred financing costs	329	0
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	473	704
(Gain) loss on sale of investments	-164	0
Equity investment (income)/loss	2,688	0
Amortization of debt discount	92	0
Deferred income taxes	-387	1
Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss on intercompany and foreign debt	172	-34
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	-45,764	2,767
(Increase) decrease in costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	3,468	0
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-2,355	0
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,492	6,662
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-2,122	798
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	-18,908	-1,795
Increase (decrease) in accrued interconnection costs	10,111	-1,181
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and employee benefits	3,723	-846
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,995	279
Increase (decrease) in billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts	-10,116	0
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes	-6,238	-4
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	8,918	0
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	-146	-856
Increase (decrease) in pension liability	-1,125	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-48,959	2,103
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-3,124	-89
Sale of property and equipment and other assets	998	80
Purchases of equity investments	-8,644	0
Sale of equity investments	1,026	0
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-6,664	0
Investment in debt securities	-3,250	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	-222	0
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-893	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-20,773	-9
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term obligations	181,303	0
Principal payments on long-term obligations	-103,690	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	-1,136	0
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net	14,032	0
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants and stock options	0	2,891
Payment of dividend equivalents	0	-550
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities	90,509	2,341
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	117	-391
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	20,894	4,044
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	107,978	8,997
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	128,872	13,041
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	1,287	969
Cash paid for taxes	112	22
Preferred stock dividends and accretion	1,088	0
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment under financing arrangements	1,808	0
Property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable	1,632	0
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	$500	$0

ORGANIZATION_AND_BUSINESS

ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS	3 Months Ended
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS	Mar. 31, 2015
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS	1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

	On May 29, 2014, HC2 Holdings, Inc. (“HC2” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we” and “our”) completed the acquisition of 2.5 million shares of common stock of Schuff International, Inc. (“Schuff”), a steel fabrication and erection company, and negotiated an agreement to purchase an additional 198,411 shares, representing an approximately 65% interest in Schuff. The aggregate consideration for the shares of Schuff acquired was approximately $85 million, which was funded using the net proceeds from (i) the issuance of $30 million of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of HC2 (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and $6 million of common stock of HC2, and (ii) the entry into a senior secured credit facility providing for an eighteen month, floating interest rate term loan of $80 million (the “May Credit Facility”), each of which was also completed on May 29, 2014. Schuff repurchased a portion of its outstanding common stock in June 2014, which had the effect of increasing the Company’s ownership interest to 70%. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the final results of a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Schuff were announced and various open-market purchases were made, which resulted in the acquisition of 809,043 shares and an increase in our ownership interest to 91%. We intend to execute a short-form merger, which will increase our ownership of Schuff shares to 100%.

	Schuff and its wholly-owned subsidiaries primarily operate as integrated fabricators and erectors of structural steel and heavy steel plates with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona and operations in Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Kansas and California. Schuff’s construction projects are primarily in the aforementioned states. In addition, Schuff has construction projects in select international markets, primarily Panama. Schuff has a 49% interest in Schuff Hopsa Engineering, Inc. (“SHE”), a Panamanian joint venture with Empresas Hopsa, S.A., that provides steel fabrication services. Schuff controls the operations of SHE, as provided in the operating agreement. Therefore, the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of SHE are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of Schuff. Empresas Hopsa, S.A.’s 51% interest in SHE is presented as a noncontrolling interest component of total stockholders’ equity.

	On August 1, 2014, the Company paid $15.5 million to acquire 15,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of American Natural Gas (“ANG”), representing an approximately 51% interest in ANG. ANG is a premier distributor of natural gas motor fuel headquartered in the Northeast that designs, builds, owns, acquires, operates and maintains compressed natural gas fueling stations for transportation.

	On September 22, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Bridgehouse Marine Limited (“Bridgehouse”), the parent holding company of Global Marine Systems Limited (“GMSL”). The purchase price reflects an enterprise value of approximately $260 million, including assumed indebtedness, and was funded using a portion of the net proceeds from (i) the issuance of $11 million of Series A-1 Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of HC2 (the “Series A-1 Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a senior secured credit facility providing for a twelve month, floating interest rate term loan of $214 million and a delayed draw term loan of $36 million (the “September Credit Facility”), each of which was also completed on September 22, 2014. With a portion of the proceeds from the September Credit Facility, the Company paid off its May Credit Facility and its senior unsecured credit facility consisting of a term loan of $17 million entered into on September 8, 2014 (the “Novatel Acquisition Term Loan”) for the purpose of acquiring an ownership interest in Novatel Wireless, Inc. The September Credit Facility was subsequently repaid using the proceeds from HC2’s issuance of its Existing Notes discussed below under Note 8—“Long-Term Obligations”. GMSL is a leading provider of engineering and underwater services on submarine cables. In conjunction with the acquisition, approximately 3% of the Company’s interest in GMSL was purchased by a group of individuals, leaving the Company’s controlling interest as of March 31, 2015 at approximately 97%.

	In our Telecommunications segment, we operate a telecommunications business including a network of direct routes and provide premium voice communication services for national telecom operators, mobile operators, wholesale carriers, prepaid operators, Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) service operators and Internet service providers (“ISPs”) from our International Carrier Services (“ICS”) business unit.

	In our Life Sciences segment, we operate Pansend, LLC (“Pansend”), which has an 80% interest in Genovel Orthopedics, Inc., which seeks to develop products to treat early osteoarthritis of the knee, and a 61% interest in R2 Dermatology (f/k/a “GemDerm Aesthetics, Inc.”), which develops skin lightening technology.

	Additionally, in 2014 we acquired a 100% ownership interest in DMi, Inc. (“DMi”), which owns licenses to create and distribute NASCAR^® video games.

	The Company currently has six reportable operating segments based on management’s organization of the enterprise—Manufacturing (Schuff), Marine Services (GMSL), Utilities (ANG), Telecommunications (ICS), Life Sciences and Other, which includes operations that do not meet the separately reportable segment thresholds.

	HC2 was formed as a corporation under the laws of Delaware in 1994 and operates as a holding company of operating subsidiaries primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Mar. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

	Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of HC2 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such principles and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are of a normal and recurring nature), which are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) for the interim periods. The results for the Company’s three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

	Principles of Consolidation—The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other subsidiaries over which the Company exerts control. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has a 97% interest in GMSL, a 91% interest in Schuff, a 51% interest in ANG and a 100% interest in DMi. Through its subsidiary, Pansend, the Company has an 80% interest in Genovel Orthopedics, Inc. and a 61% interest in R2 Dermatology (f/k/a “GemDerm Aesthetics, Inc.”). The results of each of these entities are consolidated with the Company’s results from and after their respective acquisition dates based on guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). The remaining interests not owned by the Company are presented as a noncontrolling interest component of total equity. Schuff uses a 4-4-5 week quarterly cycle, which for the first quarter of 2015 ended on March 29, 2015.

	Foreign Currency Transactions—Foreign currency transactions are transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency. A change in the exchange rates between a subsidiary’s functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated increases or decreases the expected amount of functional currency cash flows upon settlement of the transaction. That increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows is reported by the Company as a foreign currency transaction gain (loss).

	Foreign Currency Translation—The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the reporting date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. The net effect of such translation gains and losses are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

	Inventories

	Schuff—Inventories, primarily steel components, are stated at the lower of cost or market under the first-in, first-out method.

	GMSL—Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market value under the first-in first-out method. Provision for obsolescence is made where appropriate and is charged to cost of revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Short-term work in progress on contracts is stated at cost less foreseeable losses. These costs include only direct labor and expenses incurred to date and exclude any allocation of overhead. The policy for long-term work in progress contracts is disclosed within the Revenue and Cost Recognition accounting policy for GMSL.

	Short-term Investments—The current investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and the change in value is recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

	Long-term Investments —Investments in non-wholly-owned companies are generally consolidated if the Company’s interest exceeds 50% or if the Company has the power to direct the economic activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses, or accounted for under the equity method of accounting when the Company exercises significant influence over the venture.

	Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate interest in the underlying income or loss of the equity method investee. Additional investments made or distributions received are recorded as increases and decreases, respectively, to the carrying value of the equity method investment. Equity method investments are evaluated for potential impairment as circumstances warrant and an impairment charge is recorded when an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary.

	When the Company’s investment in an equity method investee is greater than its proportionate share of the underlying net assets of that investee, a basis difference is created under ASC No. 323, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”). When this situation occurs, the Company is required to determine the acquisition date fair value of the identifiable assets and assumed liabilities in the same manner as for a business combination under ASC No. 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”). If the basis difference is assigned to amortizable assets, it is amortized (net of tax) against the Company’s investment in the equity method investee.

	Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity of the assets as well as expenditures necessary to place assets into readiness for use. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use. Cost includes finance costs incurred prior to the asset being available for use. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, up to 35 years for cable-ships and submersibles, 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 to 20 years for plant and motor vehicles. Plant includes equipment on the cable-ships that is portable and can be moved around the fleet and computer equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the leases or estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Assets under construction are not depreciated until they are complete and available for use. Costs for internal use software that are incurred in the preliminary project stage and in the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. When assets are sold or otherwise retired, the costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the books and the resulting gain or loss is included in operating results. Property, plant and equipment that have been included as part of the assets held for sale are no longer depreciated from the time that they are classified as such. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its property, plant and equipment based upon the estimated cash flows to be generated by the related assets. If impairment is indicated, a loss is recognized.

	Use of Estimates—The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the extent of progress towards completion on contracts, contract revenue and costs on long-term contracts, market assumptions used in estimating the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the calculation used in determining the fair value of HC2’s stock options required by ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), income taxes and various other contingencies.

	Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates developed with the assistance of independent appraisals or various valuation techniques and, where the foregoing have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially.

	Revenue and Cost Recognition

	GMSL—GMSL generates revenue by providing maintenance services for subsea telecommunications cabling. GMSL also generates revenue from the design and installation of subsea cables under contracts. GMSL also provides installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic communication and power infrastructure to offshore oil and gas platforms and installs inter-array power cables for use in offshore wind farms and in the offshore wind market.

	Telecommunication/Maintenance—GMSL provides vessels on standby to repair fiber optic telecommunications cables in defined geographic zones, and its maintenance business is provided through contracts with consortia of up to 60 global telecommunications providers. Typically, GMSL enters into five to seven year contracts to provide maintenance to cable systems that are located in specific geographical areas. Revenue from these maintenance agreements is recognized on a straight line basis unless the pattern of costs associated with repairs indicates otherwise.

	Telecommunications/Installation—GMSL provides installation of cable systems including route planning, mapping, route engineering, cable laying, and trenching and burial. GMSL’s installation business is project-based with fixed price contracts typically lasting one to five months. Revenue is recognized as time and costs are incurred.

	Charter hire—rentals from short term operating leases in respect of vessels are recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

	Oil & Gas—GMSL provides installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic communication and power infrastructure to offshore platforms. Its primary activities include providing power from shore, enabling fiber-based communication between platforms and shore-based systems and installing permanent reservoir monitoring systems which allow customers to monitor subsea seismic data. The majority of GMSL’s oil & gas business is contracted on a project-by-project basis with major energy producers or tier I engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors. Revenue is recognized as time and costs are incurred.

	A loss is recognized immediately if the expected costs during any contract exceed expected revenues. Amounts billed in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue.

	Schuff —Schuff performs its services primarily under fixed-price contracts and recognizes revenues and costs from construction projects using the percentage of completion method. Under this method, revenue is recognized based upon either the ratio of the costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs to complete the project or the ratio of tons fabricated to date to total estimated tons. Revenue recognition begins when work has commenced. Costs include all direct material and labor costs related to contract performance, subcontractor costs, indirect labor, and fabrication plant overhead costs, which are charged to contract costs as incurred. Revenues relating to changes in the scope of a contract are recognized when the work has commenced, Schuff has made an estimate of the amount that is probable of being paid for the change and there is a high degree of probability that the charges will be approved by the customer or general contractor. At March 31, 2015, Schuff had $66.9 million of unapproved change orders on open projects, for which it has recognized revenues on a percentage of completion basis. While Schuff has been successful in having the majority of its change orders approved in prior years, there is no guarantee that the unapproved change orders at March 31, 2015 will be approved. Revisions in estimates during the course of contract work are reflected in the accounting period in which the facts requiring the revision become known. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period a loss on a contract becomes determinable.

	Construction contracts with customers generally provide that billings are to be made monthly in amounts which are commensurate with the extent of performance under the contracts. Contract receivables arise principally from the balance of amounts due on progress billings on jobs under construction. Retentions on contract receivables are amounts due on progress billings, which are withheld until the completed project has been accepted by the customer.

	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts primarily represent revenue earned under the percentage of completion method which has not been billed. Billings in excess of related costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts represent amounts billed on contracts in excess of the revenue allowed to be recognized under the percentage of completion method on those contracts.

	ICS—Net revenue is derived from carrying a mix of business, residential and carrier long-distance traffic, data and Internet traffic. For certain voice services, net revenue is earned based on the number of minutes during a call, and is recorded upon completion of a call. Revenue for a period is calculated from information received through the Company’s network switches. Customized software has been designed to track the information from the switch and analyze the call detail records against stored detailed information about revenue rates. This software provides the Company the ability to do a timely and accurate analysis of revenue earned in a period. Separate prepaid services software is used to track additional information related to prepaid service usage such as activation date, monthly usage amounts and expiration date. Revenue on these prepaid services is recognized as service is provided until expiration, when all unused minutes, which are no longer available to the customers, are recognized as revenue. Net revenue is also earned on a fixed monthly fee basis for unlimited local and long-distance voice plans and for the provision of data/Internet services (including retail VoIP), hosting, and colocation. In the United States, we charge customers Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) fees. We recognize revenue on a gross basis for USF and related fees. We record these fees as revenue when billed. Net revenue represents gross revenue, net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, service credits and service adjustments. Cost of revenue includes network costs that consist of access, transport and termination costs. The majority of the Company’s cost of revenue is variable, primarily based upon minutes of use, with transmission and termination costs being the most significant expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees such as Federal USF fees. Such costs are recognized when incurred in connection with the provision of telecommunications services.

	Share-Based Compensation—The Company accounts for share-based compensation under ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments, including stock options and restricted stock units. ASC 718 generally requires that share-based compensation be accounted for using a fair-value based method. The Company records share-based compensation expense for all new and unvested stock options that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.

	The Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to determine the beginning balance of the additional paid in capital (“APIC”) pool related to the tax effects of share-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and the statement of cash flows of the tax effects of share-based awards that were fully vested and outstanding upon the adoption of ASC 718.

	The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of share-based compensation under ASC 718. The Black-Scholes model incorporates various assumptions including the expected term of awards, volatility of stock price, risk-free rates of return and dividend yield. The expected term of an award is no less than the option vesting period and is based on the Company’s historical experience. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rate is approximated using rates available on U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term similar to the option’s expected life. The Company uses a dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes option valuation model as it does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future that do not contain antidilution provisions requiring the adjustment of exercise prices and option shares. Share-based compensation is recorded net of expected forfeitures.

	Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Basic income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock, adjusted for the dilutive effect of potential common stock and related income from continuing operations, net of tax. Potential common stock, computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, includes options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible preferred stock.

	In periods when the Company generates income, the Company calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method, pursuant to ASC No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The two-class method is required as the shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock qualify as participating securities, having the right to receive dividends should dividends be declared on common stock. Under this method, earnings for the period are allocated on a pro-rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of preferred stock based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the number of shares that could be converted. The Company does not use the two-class method in periods when it generates a loss as the holders of the Preferred Stock do not participate in losses.

	Reclassification —Certain previous year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentations, as related to the reporting of new balance sheet line items.

Newly Adopted Accounting Principles

In April 2014, an update was issued to the Presentation of Financial Statements Topic No. 205 and Property, Plant and Equipment Topic No. 360, ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. The ASU revises the definition of a discontinued operation and expands the disclosure requirements. Entities should not apply the amendments to a component of an entity that is classified as held for sale before the effective date even if it is disposed of after the effective date. That is, the ASU must be adopted prospectively. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported in the financial statements. On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”, which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP relating to whether or not to consolidate certain legal entities. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect this accounting update to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items”, which eliminates the concept from U.S. GAAP the concept of an extraordinary item. Under the ASU, an entity will no longer (1) segregate an extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations; (2) separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations; or (3) disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect this accounting update to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_CONTRA

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS	3 Months Ended
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS	Mar. 31, 2015
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS [Abstract]
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS	3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS

	Accounts receivable consist of the following (in thousands):

		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Contract receivables:
	Contracts in progress	$	134,457		$	105,071
	Unbilled retentions		35,213			32,850
	Trade receivables		28,667			16,202
	Other receivables		216			195
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(2,675	)		(2,760	)
		$	195,878		$	151,558

	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts and billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:


		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$	576,733		$	531,129
	Estimated earnings		79,192			73,540
			655,925			604,669
	Less progress billings		663,117			618,530
		$	(7,192	)	$	(13,861	)
	The above is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet under the following captions:
	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts		24,656			28,098
	Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts		(31,848	)		(41,959	)
		$	(7,192	)	$	(13,861	)

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
INVENTORIES	Mar. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	4. INVENTORIES

	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	14,908	$	12,956
	Work in process		1,918		1,779
	Finished goods		236		240
		$	17,062	$	14,975

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	3 Months Ended
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	Mar. 31, 2015
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	5. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

	The Company’s acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Estimates of fair value included in the condensed consolidated financial statements, in conformity with ASC No. 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), represent the Company’s best estimates and valuations developed with the assistance of independent appraisers and, where such valuations have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The following estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially.

	Any changes to the initial estimates of the fair value of the assets and liabilities will be recorded as adjustments to those assets and liabilities and residual amounts will be allocated to goodwill. In accordance with ASC 805, if additional information is obtained about these assets and liabilities within the measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition), including finalization of asset appraisals, the Company will refine its estimates of fair value to allocate the purchase price more accurately.

	Schuff

	On May 29, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of 2.5 million shares of common stock of Schuff, a steel fabrication and erection company and negotiated an agreement to purchase an additional 198,411 shares, representing an approximately 65% interest in Schuff. Schuff repurchased a portion of its outstanding common stock in June 2014, which had the effect of increasing the Company’s ownership interest to 70%. During the fourth quarter, the final results of a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Schuff were announced and various open-market purchases were made, which resulted in the acquisition of 809,043 shares and an increase in our ownership interest to 91%. We intend to execute a short-form merger, which will increase our ownership of Schuff shares to 100%. Schuff and its wholly-owned subsidiaries primarily operate as integrated fabricators and erectors of structural steel and heavy steel plates with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona and operations in Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Kansas and California. Schuff’s construction projects are primarily in the aforementioned states. In addition, Schuff has construction projects in select international markets, primarily Panama. The Company acquired Schuff to diversify its portfolio of holdings and saw Schuff as an opportunity to enter the steel fabrication and erection market.

	The table below summarizes the preliminary estimates of fair value of the Schuff assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The Company purchased 2.5 million shares of common stock of Schuff for $78.75 million. The purchase price of Schuff was valued at $31.50 per share which represented both the cash paid by the Company for its 60% interest, and the fair value of the noncontrolling interest of 40%.

	The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):


	Cash and cash equivalents		$	(627	)
	Investments			1,714
	Accounts receivable			130,622
	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts			27,126
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			3,079
	Inventories			14,487
	Assets held for sale			—
	Property and equipment, net			85,662
	Goodwill			24,612
	Trade names			4,478
	Other assets			2,947
	Total assets acquired			294,100
	Accounts payable			37,621
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits			11,668
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			12,532
	Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts			65,985
	Accrued income taxes			1,202
	Accrued interest			76
	Current portion of long-term debt			15,460
	Liabilities held for sale			—
	Long-term debt			4,375
	Deferred tax liability			7,815
	Other liabilities			604
	Noncontrolling interest			4,365
	Total liabilities assumed			161,703
	Enterprise value			132,397
	Less fair value of noncontrolling interest			53,647
	Purchase price attributable to controlling interest		$	78,750

	The acquisition of Schuff resulted in goodwill of approximately $24.6 million. Goodwill was the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill was recognized as a new stand-alone reporting unit. Goodwill is not amortized and is not deductible for tax purposes.

	The acquired amortizable intangible assets and the related estimated useful lives consist of the following (in thousands):



			Preliminary		Preliminary
			Estimated		Estimated
			Useful		Value
			Lives		May 29,
					2014
	Trade names		15 years		$	4,478
	Total intangible assets				$	4,478

	ASC 810 requires that transactions that result in an increase in ownership of a subsidiary be accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted to reflect the controlling interest’s decreased ownership interest in the subsidiary’s net assets and any difference between the consideration paid by the parent to a noncontrolling interest holder (or contributed by the parent to the net assets of the subsidiary) and the adjustment to the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest in the subsidiary is recognized directly in equity attributable to the controlling interest. Due to the increase of the Company’s ownership to 91% from the acquisition date through December 31, 2014, the Company recorded an adjustment of Schuff’s noncontrolling interest by $3.4 million and recorded as excess book value over fair value of purchased noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company acquired an additional 6,800 shares of Schuff that resulted in less than $0.1 million of excess book value over fair value of purchased noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity. The ownership interest of 91% did not change.

	ANG

	On August 1, 2014, the Company paid $15.5 million to acquire 15,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of ANG (the “ANG Preferred Stock”), representing an approximately 51% interest in ANG. The ANG Preferred Stock is convertible into 1,033,333 shares of common stock and also has voting rights. The noncontrolling interest represents 1,000,000 shares of common stock; thereby giving the Company a controlling interest. ANG is a premier distributor of natural gas motor fuel headquartered in the Northeast that designs, builds, owns, operates and maintains compressed natural gas fueling stations for transportation. The Company acquired ANG for its strong growth potential which is in line with the Company’s strategy to find investments that can generate high returns and significant cash flow.

The table below summarizes the preliminary estimate of fair value of the ANG assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The purchase price of ANG was valued at $17.7 million which represented both the cash paid by the Company for its 51% interest ($15.5 million), and the fair value of the noncontrolling interest of 49%, which was determined by an outside appraisal to be $2.2 million.

The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):


Cash and cash equivalents		$	15,704
Accounts receivable			306
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			31
Inventories			27
Property and equipment, net			1,921
Customer contracts			2,700
Trade names			6,300
Other assets			2
Total assets acquired			26,991
Accounts payable			49
Accrued payroll and employee benefits			5
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			26
Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts			114
Current portion of long-term debt			34
Long-term debt			870
Deferred tax liability			3,530
Total liabilities assumed			4,628
Fair value of net assets acquired			22,363
Purchase price			17,689
Excess of fair value of net assets over purchase price		$	4,674


The acquisition of ANG resulted in an excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price of $4.7 million. The Company does not believe that the circumstances surrounding the transaction give rise to a bargain purchase. The existing shareholders of ANG continue to manage the day-to-day operations and own the noncontrolling interest. Accordingly, due to the related party nature of the transaction, management has recorded the excess of the fair value of the assets acquired over the purchase price in additional paid-in capital.

The acquired amortizable intangible assets and the related estimated useful lives consist of the following (in thousands):


		Preliminary			Preliminary
		Estimated			Estimated
		Useful			Value
		Lives			August 1,
					2014
Customer contracts		10 years		$	2,700
Trade names		10 years			6,300
Total intangible assets				$	9,000

GMSL

On September 22, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Bridgehouse and its subsidiary, GMSL. The purchase price reflects an enterprise value of approximately $260 million, including assumed indebtedness of approximately $130 million leaving a net enterprise value of approximately $130 million. GMSL is a leading provider of engineering and underwater services on submarine cables. The Company acquired GMSL for its attractive valuation and strong cash position.

The table below summarizes the preliminary estimates of fair value of the GMSL assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The net enterprise value of GMSL was valued at $130.4 million which represented both the cash paid by the Company for its 97% interest, and the fair value of the noncontrolling interest of 3%.

The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):


Cash and cash equivalents		$	62,555
Accounts receivable			26,183
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			9,886
Inventories			7,395
Restricted cash			4,682
Property and equipment, net			156,976
Customer contracts			7,796
Trade name			1,137
Developed technology			1,624
Investments			24,266
Other assets			7,482
Total assets acquired			309,982
Accounts payable			8,965
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			34,767
Accrued income taxes			1,251
Current portion of long-term debt			8,140
Long-term debt			78,356
Pension liability			45,923
Deferred tax liability			1,013
Other liabilities			1,179
Total liabilities assumed			179,594
Enterprise value			130,388
Less fair value of noncontrolling interest			3,803
Purchase price attributable to controlling interest		$	126,585


The values for customer contracts, trade name, developed technology and investments are estimates and may change.

The acquired amortizable intangible assets and the related estimated useful lives consist of the following (in thousands):


		Preliminary			Preliminary
		Estimated			Estimated
		Useful			Value
		Lives			September 22,
					2014
Customer contracts		15 years		$	7,796
Trade name		3 years			1,137
Developed technology		4 years			1,624
Total intangible assets				$	10,557

Pro Forma Adjusted Summary

The results of operations for Schuff, ANG, and GMSL have been included in the consolidated financial statements subsequent to their acquisition dates.

The following schedule presents unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations data as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2014. This information does not purport to be indicative of the actual results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had actually been completed on the date indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future operating results or the financial position of the combined company (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
Net revenue		$	193,632
Net income (loss) from continuing operations			7,725
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations			5
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations			(784	)
Net income (loss) attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		$	6,946

All expenditures incurred in connection with the acquisitions were expensed and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company recorded revenue of $126.9 million and net income of $3.2 million from Schuff for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company recorded revenue of $1.2 million and net loss of $0.1 million from ANG for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company recorded revenue of $27.0 million and net income of $1.6 million from GMSL for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS	Mar. 31, 2015
INVESTMENTS [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	6. INVESTMENTS

	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had both current and long-term investments. The current investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and the change in value is recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The fair market value is determined using quoted market prices (a Level 1 approach). The long-term investments are comprised of two types of investments; those accounted for under the equity method of accounting and investments in debt securities.

	The long-term investments accounted for under the equity method and cost method of accounting are as follows (in thousands):

	Company		Investment	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Equity Method
	Global Cable Technology Ltd.		Stock	$	—	$	49
	SB Submarine Systems Co., Ltd.		Stock		15,731		12,882
	International Cableship Pte., Ltd.		Stock		2,393		2,111
	Sembawang Cable Depot Ptd., Ltd.		Stock		874		808
	Huawei Marine Systems Co., Ltd.		Stock		8,090		10,087
	Visser Smit Global Marine Partnership		Stock		414		464
	Novatel Wireless, Inc.		11,473,799 shares and 1,593,583 warrants		19,368		13,419
	Kaneland, LLC		Stock		1,120		1,151
	NerVve Technologies, Inc.		885,286 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock		5,538		5,538
	Benevir Biopharm, Inc.		2,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock		1,799		1,915
	Cost Method
	DTV America Corporation		Convertible Debt		3,000		—
	mParticle		Convertible Debt		500		250
				$	58,827	$	48,674

	2015 Activity

	Novatel Wireless, Inc. (“Novatel”)

		•	In February 2015, the Company sold 586,095 shares of common stock and 293,047 warrants for $1.0 million which resulted in a gain of $0.2 million.

		•	In March 2015, the Company exercised its warrants which converted into 3,824,600 shares of common stock for $8.6 million and also received a new warrant to purchase 1,593,583 shares of common stock at $5.50 per share.

		•	The Company’s ownership increased to approximately 23% of Novatel’s common stock.

		•	A basis difference, net of tax for the additional investment in March 2015 of $5.6 million consists of a trade name of $0.6 million (being amortized over 15 years), a technology and customer intangible of $0.8 million (being amortized over 7 years) and goodwill of $4.2 million.

	DTV America Corporation (“DTV”)

		•	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company purchased $3.0 million of convertible debt.

	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded $2.7 million of equity in net loss from these investments.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	Mar. 31, 2015
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

	Goodwill

	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

		Schuff			ICS			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	24,612		$	3,378		$	27,990
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			—			—
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	24,612		$	3,378		$	27,990

	Amortizable Intangible Assets

	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):

		Schuff			GMSL			ANG			Pansend		Other		Corporate		Total
	Trade names
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,304		$	997		$	6,037		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,338
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(49	)		—			—		—		—		(49	)
	Amortization		(75	)		(86	)		(158	)		—		—		—		(319	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	4,229		$	862		$	5,879		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,970

	Customer relationships
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	7,333		$	4,881		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	12,214
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(321	)		—			—		—		—		(321	)
	Amortization		—			(119	)		(106	)		—		—		—		(225	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	—		$	6,893		$	4,775		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,668

	Developed technology
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	1,456		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,456
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(70	)		—			—		—		—		(70	)
	Amortization		—			(93	)		—			—		—		—		(93	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	—		$	1,293		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,293

	Other
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	6,136
	Amortization		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Acquisition of business/development		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	6,136

	Total amortizable intangible assets
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,304		$	9,786		$	10,918		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	31,144
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(440	)		—			—		—		—		(440	)
	Amortization		(75	)		(298	)		(264	)		—		—		—		(637	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	4,229		$	9,048		$	10,654		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	30,067

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	3 Months Ended
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	Mar. 31, 2015
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	8. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

			March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	Senior Secured Notes collaterized by the Company's assets, with interest payable semi-yearly based on a fixed annual interest rate of 11% with principal due in 2019		$	300,000			$	250,000
	Note payable collaterized by GMSL's assets, with			15,692				16,732
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3.65% and principal payable monthly, maturing in 2019			15,692				16,732
	Note payable collaterized by Schuff's real estate, with			4,479				4,635
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4% and principal payable monthly with one final balloon payment of $1.9 million, maturing in 2019			4,479				4,635
	Note payable collaterized by Schuff's equipment, with			12,352				8,333
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4% and principal payable monthly with one final balloon payment of $1.9 million, maturing in 2019			12,352				8,333
	Line of credit collaterized by Schuff's assets, with			27,391				—
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3%			27,391				—
	Note payable collaterized by ANG's assets, with interest payable monthly at 5.5% and principal payable monthly, maturing in 2018			773				810
	Obligations under capital leases			56,648				65,176
	Other			28				30
	Subtotal			417,363				345,716
	Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes			(2,003	)			(2,345	)
	Subtotal			415,360				343,371
	Less: Current portion of long-term obligations			(38,811	)			(10,444	)
	Total long-term obligations		$	376,549			$	332,927

	Aggregate debt maturities are as follows (in thousands):

		2015			$	36,054
		2016				11,771
		2017				12,043
		2018				15,107
		2019				313,142
		Thereafter				29,246
					$	417,363


	Aggregate maturities for the capital leases are as follows (in thousands):

		2015			$	5,137
		2016				6,843
		2017				6,834
		2018				10,479
		2019				10,478
		Thereafter				31,813
		Total minimum principal & interest payments				71,584
		Less: Amount representing interest				(14,936	)
		Total capital lease obligations			$	56,648

	The interest rates on the capital leases range from approximately 4% to 10.4%.

	11% Senior Secured Notes due 2019

	On November 20, 2014, the Company issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “Existing Notes”). The Existing Notes were issued at 99.05% of par, which resulted in a discount of $2.4 million. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Existing Notes were used to pay off the September Credit Facility entered into in connection with the GMSL acquisition. On March 26, 2015, the Company issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “New Notes” and together with the Existing Notes, the “11% Notes). The New Notes were issued at 100.5% of par, plus accrued interest from November 20, 2014, which resulted in a premium of $0.3 million. The 11% Notes were issued under an indenture dated November 20, 2014, by and among HC2, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association (“U.S. Bank”), as trustee (the “11% Notes Indenture”).

	Maturity and Interest. The 11% Notes mature on December 1, 2019. The 11% Notes accrue interest at a rate of 11% per year. Interest on the 11% Notes is paid semi-annually on December 1 and June 1 of each year.

	Ranking. The 11% Notes and the guarantees thereof will be HC2’s and certain of its direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries’ (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) general senior secured obligations. The 11% Notes and the guarantees thereof will rank: (i) senior in right of payment to all of HC2’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ future subordinated debt; (ii) equal in right of payment with all of HC2’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ existing and future senior debt and effectively senior to all of its unsecured debt to the extent of the value of the collateral; and (iii) effectively subordinated to all liabilities of its non-guarantor subsidiaries.

	Collateral. The 11% Notes and the guarantees thereof will be collateralized on a first-priority basis by substantially all of HC2’s assets and the assets of the Subsidiary Guarantors (except for certain “Excluded Assets,” and subject to certain “Permitted Liens,” each as defined in the 11% Notes Indenture). The 11% Notes Indenture permits the Company, under specified circumstances, to incur additional debt in the future that could equally and ratably share in the collateral. The amount of such debt is limited by the covenants contained in the 11% Notes Indenture.

	Certain Covenants. The 11% Notes Indenture contains covenants limiting, among other things, the ability of HC2, and, in certain cases, HC2’s subsidiaries, to incur additional indebtedness; create liens; engage in sale-leaseback transactions; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock; make certain restricted payments; sell assets; engage in transactions with affiliates; or consolidate or merge with, or sell substantially all of its assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. HC2 is also required to maintain compliance with certain financial tests, including minimum liquidity and collateral coverage ratios. As of March 31, 2015, HC2 was in compliance with these covenants.

	Redemption Premiums. The Company may redeem the 11% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 11% Notes plus a make-whole premium before December 1, 2016. The make-whole premium is the greater of (i) 1% of principal amount or (ii) the excess of the present value of redemption price at December 1, 2016 plus all required interest payments through December 1, 2016 over the principal amount. After December 1, 2016, the Company may redeem the 11% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. The Company is required to make an offer to purchase the 11% Notes upon a change of control. The purchase price will equal 101% of the principal amount of the 11% Notes on the date of purchase plus accrued interest.

	Terminated HC2 Credit Facilities

In 2014, HC2 entered into (i) the May Credit Facility to finance a portion of the acquisition of Schuff, (ii) the Novatel Acquisition Term Loan to finance the acquisition of Novatel and (iii) the September Credit Facility to finance a portion of the acquisition of GMSL. HC2 used a portion of the proceeds from the September Credit Facility to repay the May Credit Facility and the Novatel Acquisition Term Loan. HC2 used the net proceeds from the issuance of the Existing Notes to repay the September Credit Facility.

Prior to the payoff of the May Credit Facility, the Company made partial principal payments according to covenants within the agreement that required that portions of escrows received and proceeds from the exercise of warrants be used to pay down the May Credit Facility. In connection with those partial prepayments, the Company wrote off $0.1 million of deferred financing costs and $0.2 million of original issue discount in the second quarter of 2014 to amortization of debt discount. In connection with those partial prepayments, the Company wrote off $0.1 million of deferred financing costs and $1.9 million of original issue discount in the third quarter of 2014 to loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt. In connection with the payoff of the remaining balance of the May Credit Facility, the Company incurred $0.9 million of prepayment premiums and wrote off $0.3 million of deferred financing costs and $2.5 million of original issue discount in the third quarter of 2014 to loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt. In connection with the payoff of the Novatel Acquisition Term Loan, the Company wrote off $0.4 million of deferred financing costs and $0.8 million of original issue discount in the third quarter of 2014 to loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt. In connection with the payoff of the September Credit Facility, the Company wrote off $0.5 million of deferred financing costs and $4.5 million of original issue discount, which is net of a credit for previous paid funding fees of $2.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2014 to loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt.

Schuff Credit Facilities

Schuff has a Credit and Security Agreement (“Schuff Facility”) with Wells Fargo Credit, Inc. (“Wells Fargo”), pursuant to which Wells Fargo agreed to advance up to a maximum amount of $50.0 million to Schuff. On October 21, 2014, Schuff amended the Schuff Facility, pursuant to which Wells Fargo allowed for the issuance of a note payable up to $10.0 million, collateralized by its machinery and equipment (“Real Estate (2) Term Advance (M&E)”) and the issuance of a note payable up to $5.0 million, collateralized by its real estate (“Real Estate (2) Term Advance (Working Capital)”). At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Schuff had borrowed $12.4 million and $8.3, respectively, under the Real Estate (2) Term Advance (M&E) and Real Estate (2) Term Advance (Working Capital). The Real Estate (2) Term Advance (M&E) and Real Estate (2) Term Advance (Working Capital) have a 5 year amortization period requiring monthly principal payments and a final balloon payment at maturity. The Real Estate (2) Term Advance (M&E) and Real Estate (2) Term Advance (Working Capital) have a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.0% and requires monthly interest payments.

On May 6, 2014, Schuff amended the Schuff Facility, pursuant to which Wells Fargo extended the maturity date of the Schuff Facility to April 30, 2019, lowered the interest rate charged in connection with borrowings under the line of credit and allowed for the issuance of a note payable totaling $5.0 million, collateralized by its real estate (“Real Estate Term Advance”). At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Schuff had borrowed $4.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, under the Real Estate Term Advance. The Real Estate Term Advance has a 5 year amortization period requiring monthly principal payments and a final balloon payment at maturity. The Real Estate Term Advance has a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.0% and requires monthly interest payments.

The Schuff Facility has a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00% (3.27% at March 31, 2015) and requires monthly interest payments. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Schuff had $27.4 million and $0, respectively, outstanding under the Schuff Facility. The Schuff Facility is secured by a first priority, perfected security interest in all of Schuff’s assets, excluding the real estate, and its present and future subsidiaries and a second priority, perfected security interest in all of Schuff’s real estate. The security agreements pursuant to which Schuff’s assets are pledged prohibit any further pledge of such assets without the written consent of the bank. The Schuff Facility contains various restrictive covenants. At March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

SHE has a Line of Credit Agreement (“International LOC”) with Banco General, S.A. (“Banco General”) in Panama pursuant to which Banco General agreed to advance up to a maximum amount of $2.5 million. The line of credit is secured by a first priority, perfected security interest in the SHE’s property and plant. The interest rate is 5.25% plus 1% of the special interest compensation fund (“FECI”). The line of credit contains covenants that, among other things, limit the SHE’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, change its business, merge, consolidate or dissolve and sell, lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of its assets, without prior written notice.

There was $3.9 million in outstanding letters of credit issued and $18.7 million available under the Schuff Facility at March 31, 2015. At March 31, 2015, Schuff had no borrowings and no outstanding letters of credit issued under its International LOC. There was $2.5 million available under Schuff’s International LOC at March 31, 2015.

GMSL Credit Facility

GMSL established a term loan with DVB Bank in January 2014 (the “GMSL Facility”). This GMSL facility has a 4.5 year term and bears interest at the rate of 3.65% plus the USD LIBOR rate. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $15.7 million and $16.7 million, respectively, remained outstanding under the GMSL Facility. The GMSL Facility contains various restrictive covenants. At March 31, 2015, GMSL was in compliance with these covenants.

ANG Term Loan

ANG established a term loan with Signature Financial in October 2013. This term loan has a 5 year term and bears interest at the rate of 5.5%. As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $0.8 million remained outstanding under this term loan.

GMSL Capital Leases

GMSL is a party to two leases to finance the use of two vessels: the Innovator (such applicable lease, the “Innovator Lease”) and the Cable Retriever (such applicable lease, the “Cable Lease,” and together with the Innovator Lease, the “GMSL Leases”). The Innovator Lease expires in 2018, subject to the Company’s ability to extend the Innovator Lease for four one-year periods through 2022. The principal amount thereunder bears interest at the rate of approximately 10.4%. The Cable Lease expires in 2023. The principal amount thereunder bears interest at the rate of approximately 4.0%.

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $56.6 million and $65.2 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount remained outstanding under the GMSL Leases.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Mar. 31, 2015
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	9. INCOME TAXES

	Income Tax Benefit

	Income tax benefit was $5.8 million and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The tax provision benefit resulted primarily from the projected benefit as calculated under ASC 740 without applying a valuation allowance. The March 31, 2014 provision was under a full valuation allowance.

	NOL Limitation

	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had an estimated NOL carryforward in the amount of $60.1 million. This amount does not include 2015 activity. In the first quarter of 2014, substantial acquisitions of HC2 stock were reported by new beneficial owners of 5% or more of the Company’s common stock on Schedule 13D filings made with the SEC. On May 29, 2014, the Company issued 30,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 1,500,000 shares of common stock to finance the acquisition of Schuff. During the second quarter the Company completed a Section 382 review. The conclusions of this review indicate that an ownership change had occurred as of May 29, 2014. The Company’s annual Section 382 base limit following the ownership change is estimated to be $2.2 million per year.

	Unrecognized Tax Benefits

	The Company follows the provision of ASC No. 740-10, “Income Taxes” which prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. The Company is subject to challenge from various taxing authorities relative to certain tax planning strategies, including certain intercompany transactions as well as regulatory taxes. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change in the next 12 months, however, the Company does not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company.

	Examinations

	The Company conducts business globally, and as a result, HC2 or one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The open tax years contain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations as they relate to the amount, character, timing or inclusion of revenue and expenses or the applicability of income tax credits for the relevant tax period. Given the nature of tax audits there is a risk that disputes may arise. Tax years 2002 - 2014 remain open for examination.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

			Operating
	Year Ending December 31,		Leases
		2015 (as of March 31, 2015)	$	3,016
		2016		3,804
		2017		3,142
		2018		2,356
		2019		1,869
		Thereafter		10,698
		Total long-term obligations	$	24,885

	The Company has contractual obligations to utilize an external vendor for certain customer support functions and to utilize network facilities from certain carriers with terms greater than one year.

	The Company’s rent expense under operating leases was $1.8 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 includes costs associated with the terminations of facilities leases.

	Litigation

	On November 6, 2014, a putative stockholder class action complaint challenging the buyout by HC2 Holdings, Inc. of the noncontrolling interest in Schuff International, Inc. (“Schuff International”) was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, captioned Mark Jacobs v. Philip A. Falcone, Keith M. Hladek, Paul Voigt, Michael R. Hill, Rustin Roach, D. Ronald Yagoda, Phillip O. Elbert, HC2 Holdings, Inc., and Schuff International, Inc., Civil Action No. 10323 (the “Complaint”). On November 17, 2014, a second lawsuit was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, captioned Arlen Diercks v. Schuff International, Inc. Philip A. Falcone, Keith M. Hladek, Paul Voigt, Michael R. Hill, Rustin Roach, D. Ronald Yagoda, Phillip O. Elbert, HC2 Holdings, Inc., Civil Action No. 10359. The Complaints allege, among other things, that in connection with the buyout, the individual members of the Schuff International board of directors and HC2 Holdings, the controlling stockholder of Schuff, breached their fiduciary duties to members of the plaintiff class. The Complaints seek a rescission of the buyout and/or compensatory damages, as well as attorney’s fees and other relief. On February 19, 2015, the court consolidated the actions (now designated as Schuff International, Inc. Stockholders Litigation) and appointed lead plaintiff and counsel. No responsive pleading has been filed yet by the defendants. We believe that the allegations and claims set forth in the Complaint are without merit and intend to defend them vigorously.

	On January 16, 2014, Xplornet Communications Inc. and Xplornet Broadband Inc. (“Xplornet”) instituted an action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice styled Xplornet Communications Inc. and Xplornet Broadband Inc. vs. Inukshuk Wireless Inc., et al. Other defendants include Globility Communications Corporation (“Globility”), MIPPS Inc. (“MIPPS”), Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. and the Company (sued under its previous name). In such action, Xplornet alleges that it entered into an agreement to acquire certain licenses for radio spectrum in Canada from Globility, a former subsidiary of the Company. Xplornet alleges that Globility agreed to sell Xplornet certain spectrum licenses in a Letter of Intent dated July 12, 2011 but then breached the Letter of Intent by selling the licenses to Inukshuk Wireless Inc. (“Inukshuk”) and that Globility further failed to negotiate with Xplornet in good faith. Xplornet also alleges that it reached an agreement with Inukshuk to purchase the licenses on June 26, 2012, but that Inukshuk breached that agreement by not completing the sale. Xplornet claims that, as a result of the foregoing, it has been damaged in the amount of $50 million. Xplornet also seeks injunctive relief against Inukshuk, pre and post-judgment interest, and costs. We intend to assert that we have meritorious defenses in the foregoing matter and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.

	The Company is indemnifying Primus Telecommunications Canada, Inc., Globility, and MIPPS subject to a full reservation of rights pursuant to the Equity Purchase Agreement among PTUS, Inc., PTCAN, Inc. Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated, Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc., Lingo Holdings, Inc. and Primus Telecommunications International, Inc. dated as of May 10, 2013 in connection with this case.

	On March 13, 2015, Inukshuk Wireless Partnership filed a cross claim against Globility, MIPPS, Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc., and the Company. Inukshuk asserts that if Inukshuk is found liable to Xplornet, then Inukshuk is entitled to contribution and indemnity, compensatory damages, interest, and costs from the Company. Inukshuk alleges that Globility represented and warranted that it owned the licenses at issue, that Globility held the licenses free and clear, and that no third party had any rights to acquire them. Inukshuk claims breach of contract and misrepresentation if the Court finds that any of these representations are untrue. We intend to assert that we have meritorious defenses to the cross claim and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.

	The Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such matters are inherently uncertain, and there can be no guarantee that the outcome of any such matter will be decided favorably to the Company or that the resolution of any such matter will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow. The Company does not believe that any of such pending claims and legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

	Tax Matters

	Currently, the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) is auditing a subsidiary previously held by the Company. The Company intends to cooperate in audit matters. To date, CRA has not proposed any specific adjustments and the audit is ongoing.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	Mar. 31, 2015
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

	On April 11, 2014, HC2’s Board of Directors adopted the HC2 Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Equity Award Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on June 12, 2014. The Omnibus Plan provides that no further awards will be granted pursuant to HC2’s Management Compensation Plan, as amended (the “Prior Plan”). However, awards that had been previously granted pursuant to the Prior Plan will continue to be subject to and governed by the terms of the Prior Plan. As of March 31, 2015, there were 469,871 shares of HC2 common stock underlying outstanding awards under the Prior Plan.

	The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of HC2 administers HC2’s Omnibus Plan and the Prior Plan and has broad authority to administer, construe and interpret the plans.

	The Omnibus Plan provides for the grant of awards of non-qualified stock options, incentive (qualified) stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, other stock based awards, performance compensation awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing. HC2 typically issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options, as opposed to using treasury shares. The Omnibus Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of HC2 common stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Omnibus Plan.

	The Company follows guidance which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the enterprise or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. The guidance generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value based method and share-based compensation expense be recorded, based on the grant date fair value, estimated in accordance with the guidance, for all new and unvested stock awards that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered.

	There were 691,205 and 8,521 options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of the 691,205 options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015, 169,697 of such options were granted to Philip Falcone, pursuant to anti-dilution provisions of a standalone option agreement entered in connection with Mr. Falcone’s appointment as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of HC2, and not pursuant to the Omnibus Plan. The weighted average fair value at date of grant for options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $3.16 per option. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions shown as a weighted average for the year:

			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Expected option life			5.25 years				6 years
	Risk-free interest rate			1.49 - 1.68%				2.62 - 2.73%
	Expected volatility			36.29- 39.58%				37.20%
	Dividend yield			0%				0%

	Total share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Most of HC2’s stock awards vest ratably during the vesting period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for equity awards, reduced by estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line basis.

	Restricted Stock

	A summary of HC2’s restricted stock activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

									Weighted
									Average
									Grant Date
					Shares				Fair Value
		Unvested – December 31, 2014				338,702			$	4.26
		Granted				1,436,281			$	9
		Vested				(876,014	)		$	8.99
		Forfeitures				—			$	—
		Unvested – March 31, 2015				898,969			$	7.23

	As of March 31, 2015, the unvested restricted stock represented $5.7 million of compensation expense that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.1 years. The number of shares of unvested restricted stock expected to vest is 898,969.

	Stock Options

	A summary of HC2’s stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

									Weighted
									Average
					Shares				Exercise Price
		Outstanding – December 31, 2014				3,573,141			$	4.27
		Granted				691,205			$	8.82
		Exercised				—			$	—
		Forfeitures				(4,335	)		$	2.79
		Outstanding – March 31, 2015				4,260,011			$	5.01
		Eligible for exercise				1,576,470			$	5.16

	The following table summarizes the intrinsic values and remaining contractual terms of HC2’s stock options (in thousands):

									Weighted
									Average
					Intrinsic				Remaining
					Value				Life in Years
		Options outstanding – March 31, 2015			$	26,781				9.4
		Options exercisable – March 31, 2015			$	9,649				9.3

	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the intrinsic value of the exercised options was $0. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had 2,683,541 unvested stock options outstanding of which $3.1 million of compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.2 years. The number of unvested stock options expected to vest is 2,683,541 shares, with a weighted average remaining life of 9.4 years, a weighted average exercise price of $5.01, and an intrinsic value of $26.8 million.

EQUITY

EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
EQUITY [Abstract]
EQUITY	12. EQUITY

	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were 25,369,260 and 23,813,085 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were 54,500 and 41,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, respectively.

	Preferred and Common Stock

	On May 29, 2014, HC2 issued 30,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 1,500,000 shares of common stock, the proceeds of which were used to pay for a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Schuff. On September 22, 2014, HC2 issued 11,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A-1 Preferred Stock is convertible at a conversion price of $4.25. In connection with the issuance of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, HC2 amended the certificate of designation governing the Series A Preferred Stock on September 22, 2014, which changed the applicable conversion price from $4.25 to $4.00, reflected the issuance of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock as a class of preferred stock which ranks at parity with the Series A Preferred Stock and made certain other changes to conform the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock to those of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock. On January 5, 2015, HC2 issued 14,000 shares of Series A-2 Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of HC2 (together with the Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”). Each share of Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible at a conversion price of $8.25. In connection with the issuance of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, HC2 amended the certificates of designation governing the Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock on January 5, 2015, which reflected the issuance of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock as a class of preferred stock which ranks at parity with the Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock and made certain other changes to conform the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock to those of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock. The conversion prices for the Preferred Stock are subject to adjustments for dividends, certain distributions, stock splits, combinations, reclassifications, reorganizations, mergers, recapitalizations and similar events. The Preferred Stock will accrue a cumulative quarterly cash dividend at an annualized rate of 7.5%. The accrued value of the Preferred Stock will accrete quarterly at an annualized rate of 4% that will be reduced to 2% or 0% if the Company achieves specified rates of growth measured by increases in its net asset value.

	The Company recorded a beneficial conversion feature on both of its Series A and Series A-1 Preferred Stock as a result of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock exceeding the conversion price. The Company recorded a $0.3 million beneficial conversion feature on its Series A-1 Preferred Stock which was calculated using the intrinsic value ($4.36—$4.25) multiplied by the number of convertible common shares ($11,000,000 / $4.25). The Company recorded a $0.4 million beneficial conversion feature on its Series A Preferred Stock as a result of the adjustment to the conversion price from $4.25 to $4.00. The beneficial conversion feature was calculated using the intrinsic value ($4.05—$4.00) multiplied by the number of convertible common shares ($30,000,000 / $4.00).

	Each share of Preferred Stock may be converted by the holder into common stock at any time based on the then-applicable conversion price. On the seventh anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock, holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem the Preferred Stock at the accrued value per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Each share of Preferred Stock that is not so redeemed will be automatically converted into shares of common stock at the conversion price then in effect. Upon a change of control, holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cause HC2 to redeem their Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to the greater of (i) the accrued value of the Preferred Stock, which amount would be multiplied by 150% in the event of a change in control occurring on or prior to the third anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock plus and accrued but unpaid dividends and (ii) the value that would be received if the share of Preferred Stock were converted into common stock immediately prior to the change of control.

	At any time after the third anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock, HC2 may redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole but not in part, at a price per share generally equal to 150% of the accrued value per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends. After the third anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock, HC2 may force conversion of the Preferred Stock into common stock if the common stock’s thirty-day volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price and the common stock’s daily VWAP exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price for at least twenty trading days out of the thirty trading day period used to calculate the thirty-day VWAP.

	In the three months ended March 31, 2015, 500 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock were converted into 117,763 shares of common stock at the option of the holder.

	Dividends

	During 2015, HC2’s Board of Directors declared cash dividends with respect to HC2’s issued and outstanding preferred stock, as presented in the following table (Total Dividend amount presented in thousands):

	Declaration Date		31-Mar-15
	Holders of Record Date		31-Mar-15
	Payment/Accrual Date		15-Apr-15
	Total Dividend	$	1,021

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES	3 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES	Mar. 31, 2015
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES	13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

	The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings, accounts payable, accrued expenses, billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings, and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to relatively short periods to maturity. The Company’s investments in available-for-sale securities, recorded at fair value using quoted market prices (a Level 1 approach), as of March 31, 2015 was $11.8 million. The estimated aggregate fair value of the Company’s debt, based on significant other observable inputs (a Level 2 approach) approximated $419.0 million at March 31, 2015.

RELATED_PARTIES

RELATED PARTIES	3 Months Ended
RELATED PARTIES	Mar. 31, 2015
RELATED PARTIES [Abstract]
RELATED PARTIES	14. RELATED PARTIES

	GMSL has investments in various entities for which it exercises significant influence. Summary of transactions with such entities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and balances outstanding at March 31, 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15
	Revenue	$	5,688
	Operating costs		970
	Capital lease interest		411
	Dividends received		—


		March 31,
		2015
	Accounts receivable	$	3,473
	Obligations under capital leases		40,375
	Trade creditors		—

OPERATING_SEGMENT_AND_RELATED_

OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION [Abstract]
OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION	15. OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

	The Company currently has two primary reportable geographic segments—United States and United Kingdom; and Other. The Company has six reportable operating segments based on management’s organization of the enterprise—Telecommunications, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Marine Services, Utilities and Other. The Company also has a non-operating Corporate segment. Net revenue and long-lived assets by geographic segment is reported on the basis of where the entity is domiciled. All inter-segment revenues are eliminated. The Company has no single customer representing greater than 10% of its revenues.

	Summary information with respect to the Company’s geographic and operating segments is as follows (in thousands):

			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Net Revenue by Geographic Region
	United States		$	147,135			$	25,280
	United Kingdom			50,995				18,074
	Other			3,678				—
	Total		$	201,808			$	43,354
	Net Revenue by Segment
	Telecommunications		$	46,717			$	43,354
	Manufacturing			126,866				—
	Utilities			1,224				—
	Marine Services			27,001				—
	Total		$	201,808			$	43,354
	Income (Loss) from Operations
	Telecommunications			(207	)			333
	Life Sciences			(1,235	)			—
	Manufacturing			6,179				—
	Utilities			(216	)			—
	Marine Services			3,765				—
	Other			(241	)			—
	Corporate			(7,225	)			(4,420	)
	Total		$	820			$	(4,087	)
	Capital Expenditures
	Telecommunications		$	(11	)		$	(67	)
	Manufacturing			(1,157	)			—
	Utilities			(389	)			—
	Marine Services			(1,567	)			—
	Corporate			—				(22	)
	Total		$	(3,124	)		$	(89	)

	The above capital expenditures exclude assets acquired under terms of capital lease and vendor financing obligations.


			March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	Long-term investments
	Life Sciences		$	1,799			$	1,916
	Marine Services			27,502				26,401
	Corporate			29,526				20,357
	Total		$	58,827			$	48,674


			March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
	United States		$	79,036			$	87,091
	United Kingdom			140,462				147,323
	Other			5,317				5,437
	Total		$	224,815			$	239,851


			March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	Total Assets
	Telecommunications		$	42,457			$	24,501
	Life Sciences			10,235				11,007
	Manufacturing			289,892				281,067
	Utilities			24,481				25,391
Marine Services			275,582				283,948
Other (1)			6,610				6,369
Corporate			153,796				91,765
Total		$	803,053			$	724,048

(1) Other also includes property, plant and equipment—net and total assets related to discontinued operations.

BACKLOG

BACKLOG	3 Months Ended
BACKLOG	Mar. 31, 2015
BACKLOG [Abstract]
BACKLOG	16. BACKLOG

	Schuff’s backlog was $306.1 million ($253.3 million under contracts or purchase orders and $52.8 million under letters of intent) at March 31, 2015. Schuff’s backlog increases as contract commitments, letters of intent, notices to proceed and purchase orders are obtained, decreases as revenues are recognized and increases or decreases to reflect modifications in the work to be performed under the contracts, notices to proceed, letters of intent or purchase orders. Schuff’s backlog can be significantly affected by the receipt, or loss, of individual contracts. Approximately $172.4 million, representing 56.3% of Schuff’s backlog at March 31, 2015, was attributable to five contracts, letters of intent, notices to proceed or purchase orders. If one or more of these large contracts or other commitments are terminated or their scope reduced, Schuff’s backlog could decrease substantially.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	Mar. 31, 2015
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	17. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

	On July 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of Lingo, Inc., iPrimus, USA, Inc., 3620212 Canada Inc., Primus Telecommunications Canada, Telesonic Communications Inc., and Globility Communications Corporation to affiliates of York Capital Management, an investment firm (together “York”), for $129 million. The sale of Primus Telecommunications, Inc. (“PTI”) was also contemplated as part of this transaction but was deferred pending receipt of regulatory approval of such sale. The closing of the sale of PTI, which constituted the remainder of our North America Telecom segment, was completed on July 31, 2014 upon receipt of the necessary regulatory approval. The Company recorded a $13.8 million gain from the sale of this segment during the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition, the purchase agreement contains customary indemnification obligations, representations, warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature. The Company received $126.0 million, net of $15.25 million held in escrow as part of the initial closing, with an additional $3.0 million held in escrow and paid upon closing of the sale of PTI.

	Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, $6.45 million of the purchase price was placed in escrow to be released 14 months after the closing date, subject to any deductions required to satisfy indemnification obligations of HC2 under the purchase agreement, which amount was released to the Company in October 2014. In addition, $4.0 million of the purchase price was placed in escrow to cover any payments required in connection with the post-closing working capital and cash adjustments, of which $3.2 million was disbursed to the Company and $0.8 million was disbursed to York upon completion of such adjustments in February 2014. The $0.8 million was recorded as an adjustment to the gain that was recorded in 2013, which resulted in a net gain from this transaction of $13.0 million. Furthermore, $4.8 million of the purchase price was placed in escrow to cover certain tax liabilities, which escrow amount will be released after a positive ruling with respect to the underlying matter is received or 30 days after expiration of the applicable statute of limitations relating to the underlying matter. The $4.8 million escrow deposit is recorded in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, of which $0.4 million is reserved.

	Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net revenue	$	—		$	3,278
	Operating expenses		19			3,229
	Income from operations		(19	)		49
	Interest income and other income (expense)		4			(26	)
	Loss before income tax		(15	)		23
	Income tax benefit (expense)		6			(6	)
	Income from discontinued operations	$	(9	)	$	17

BASIC_AND_DILUTED_INCOME_LOSS_

BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	3 Months Ended
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	Mar. 31, 2015
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE	18. BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

	Basic income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share adjusts basic income per common share for the effects of potentially dilutive common share equivalents.

	The Company had no dilutive common share equivalents during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the results of operations being a loss from continuing operations, net of tax. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the following were potentially dilutive but were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share due to their antidilutive effect:

	Three months ended March 31, 2015

		•	1.8 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs under the Prior Plan and Omnibus Plan.

	Three months ended March 31, 2014

		•	0.3 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs under the Prior Plan; and

		•	18.6 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants.

	A calculation of basic income (loss) per common share to diluted income (loss) per common share is set forth below

	(in thousands, except per share amounts):

			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.			(6,140	)		(4,180	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(9	)		17
	Loss from sale of discontinued operations			—			(784	)
	Net loss - basic		$	(6,149	)	$	(4,947	)
	Net loss - diluted		$	(6,149	)	$	(4,947	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic			24,146			14,631
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted			24,146			14,631
	Basic loss per common share:
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.29	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			—
	Loss from sale of discontinued operations			—			(0.05	)
	Loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.34	)
	Diluted loss per common share:
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		$	(0.25)		$	(0.29)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			—			—
	Loss from sale of discontinued operations			—			(0.05	)
	Net loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		$	(0.25	)	$	(0.34	)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Mar. 31, 2015
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

	Purchase of United Teacher Associates Insurance Company and Continental General Insurance Company

	On April 13, 2015, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Continental General Corporation and Great American Financial Resources, Inc. (collectively, the “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of United Teacher Associates Insurance Company and Continental General Insurance Company (collectively, the “Targets”), as well as all assets owned by the Sellers or their affiliates that are used exclusively or primarily in the business of the Targets, subject to certain exceptions. The consideration payable by the Company at closing is approximately $7 million, which amount will be increased or decreased by the amount by which the Targets’ adjusted capital and surplus exceeds or falls short of, respectively, an agreed-upon target capital and surplus amount (the “Closing Purchase Price”). The Closing Purchase Price will be paid in a mix of cash, debt and/or common stock of the Company, depending on the amount of the Closing Purchase Price. The Company also agreed to contribute to the Targets, at the closing, $13 million in cash or assets (the “Reserve Release Amount”), and to pay to the Sellers, on an annual basis with respect to the years 2015 through 2019, the amount, if any, by which the Targets’ cash flow testing and premium deficiency reserves decrease from the amount of such reserves as of December 31, 2014, up to the Reserve Release Amount. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2015, subject to receipt of required governmental approvals.

	Purchase of Convertible Debt of Gaming Nation Acquisition Corporation

	In April 2015, the Company invested CAD$20 million (or approximately $16 million) in convertible debentures of Gaming Nation Acquisition Corporation. The convertible debentures, which have a maturity date of April 6, 2017, are convertible into future shares of common stock, by the holder at various percentages that are dependent upon the timing of the conversion. The convertible debentures accrue interest at 6% which is compounded annually.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of HC2 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such principles and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are of a normal and recurring nature), which are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) for the interim periods. The results for the Company’s three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation—The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other subsidiaries over which the Company exerts control. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has a 97% interest in GMSL, a 91% interest in Schuff, a 51% interest in ANG and a 100% interest in DMi. Through its subsidiary, Pansend, the Company has an 80% interest in Genovel Orthopedics, Inc. and a 61% interest in R2 Dermatology (f/k/a “GemDerm Aesthetics, Inc.”). The results of each of these entities are consolidated with the Company’s results from and after their respective acquisition dates based on guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). The remaining interests not owned by the Company are presented as a noncontrolling interest component of total equity. Schuff uses a 4-4-5 week quarterly cycle, which for the first quarter of 2015 ended on March 29, 2015.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions—Foreign currency transactions are transactions denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency. A change in the exchange rates between a subsidiary’s functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated increases or decreases the expected amount of functional currency cash flows upon settlement of the transaction. That increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows is reported by the Company as a foreign currency transaction gain (loss).
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation—The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the reporting date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. The net effect of such translation gains and losses are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Inventories	Inventories

	Schuff—Inventories, primarily steel components, are stated at the lower of cost or market under the first-in, first-out method.

	GMSL—Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market value under the first-in first-out method. Provision for obsolescence is made where appropriate and is charged to cost of revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Short-term work in progress on contracts is stated at cost less foreseeable losses. These costs include only direct labor and expenses incurred to date and exclude any allocation of overhead. The policy for long-term work in progress contracts is disclosed within the Revenue and Cost Recognition accounting policy for GMSL.
Short-term Investments	Short-term Investments—The current investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and the change in value is recognized within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Long-term Investments	Long-term Investments —Investments in non-wholly-owned companies are generally consolidated if the Company’s interest exceeds 50% or if the Company has the power to direct the economic activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses, or accounted for under the equity method of accounting when the Company exercises significant influence over the venture.

	Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate interest in the underlying income or loss of the equity method investee. Additional investments made or distributions received are recorded as increases and decreases, respectively, to the carrying value of the equity method investment. Equity method investments are evaluated for potential impairment as circumstances warrant and an impairment charge is recorded when an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary.

	When the Company’s investment in an equity method investee is greater than its proportionate share of the underlying net assets of that investee, a basis difference is created under ASC No. 323, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”). When this situation occurs, the Company is required to determine the acquisition date fair value of the identifiable assets and assumed liabilities in the same manner as for a business combination under ASC No. 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”). If the basis difference is assigned to amortizable assets, it is amortized (net of tax) against the Company’s investment in the equity method investee.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity of the assets as well as expenditures necessary to place assets into readiness for use. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use. Cost includes finance costs incurred prior to the asset being available for use. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is determined on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, up to 35 years for cable-ships and submersibles, 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 to 20 years for plant and motor vehicles. Plant includes equipment on the cable-ships that is portable and can be moved around the fleet and computer equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lives of the leases or estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Assets under construction are not depreciated until they are complete and available for use. Costs for internal use software that are incurred in the preliminary project stage and in the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. When assets are sold or otherwise retired, the costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the books and the resulting gain or loss is included in operating results. Property, plant and equipment that have been included as part of the assets held for sale are no longer depreciated from the time that they are classified as such. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its property, plant and equipment based upon the estimated cash flows to be generated by the related assets. If impairment is indicated, a loss is recognized.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates—The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the extent of progress towards completion on contracts, contract revenue and costs on long-term contracts, market assumptions used in estimating the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the calculation used in determining the fair value of HC2’s stock options required by ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), income taxes and various other contingencies.

	Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates developed with the assistance of independent appraisals or various valuation techniques and, where the foregoing have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially.
Revenue and Cost Recognition	Revenue and Cost Recognition

	GMSL—GMSL generates revenue by providing maintenance services for subsea telecommunications cabling. GMSL also generates revenue from the design and installation of subsea cables under contracts. GMSL also provides installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic communication and power infrastructure to offshore oil and gas platforms and installs inter-array power cables for use in offshore wind farms and in the offshore wind market.

	Telecommunication/Maintenance—GMSL provides vessels on standby to repair fiber optic telecommunications cables in defined geographic zones, and its maintenance business is provided through contracts with consortia of up to 60 global telecommunications providers. Typically, GMSL enters into five to seven year contracts to provide maintenance to cable systems that are located in specific geographical areas. Revenue from these maintenance agreements is recognized on a straight line basis unless the pattern of costs associated with repairs indicates otherwise.

	Telecommunications/Installation—GMSL provides installation of cable systems including route planning, mapping, route engineering, cable laying, and trenching and burial. GMSL’s installation business is project-based with fixed price contracts typically lasting one to five months. Revenue is recognized as time and costs are incurred.

	Charter hire—rentals from short term operating leases in respect of vessels are recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

	Oil & Gas—GMSL provides installation, maintenance and repair of fiber optic communication and power infrastructure to offshore platforms. Its primary activities include providing power from shore, enabling fiber-based communication between platforms and shore-based systems and installing permanent reservoir monitoring systems which allow customers to monitor subsea seismic data. The majority of GMSL’s oil & gas business is contracted on a project-by-project basis with major energy producers or tier I engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors. Revenue is recognized as time and costs are incurred.

	A loss is recognized immediately if the expected costs during any contract exceed expected revenues. Amounts billed in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue.

	Schuff —Schuff performs its services primarily under fixed-price contracts and recognizes revenues and costs from construction projects using the percentage of completion method. Under this method, revenue is recognized based upon either the ratio of the costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs to complete the project or the ratio of tons fabricated to date to total estimated tons. Revenue recognition begins when work has commenced. Costs include all direct material and labor costs related to contract performance, subcontractor costs, indirect labor, and fabrication plant overhead costs, which are charged to contract costs as incurred. Revenues relating to changes in the scope of a contract are recognized when the work has commenced, Schuff has made an estimate of the amount that is probable of being paid for the change and there is a high degree of probability that the charges will be approved by the customer or general contractor. At March 31, 2015, Schuff had $66.9 million of unapproved change orders on open projects, for which it has recognized revenues on a percentage of completion basis. While Schuff has been successful in having the majority of its change orders approved in prior years, there is no guarantee that the unapproved change orders at March 31, 2015 will be approved. Revisions in estimates during the course of contract work are reflected in the accounting period in which the facts requiring the revision become known. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period a loss on a contract becomes determinable.

	Construction contracts with customers generally provide that billings are to be made monthly in amounts which are commensurate with the extent of performance under the contracts. Contract receivables arise principally from the balance of amounts due on progress billings on jobs under construction. Retentions on contract receivables are amounts due on progress billings, which are withheld until the completed project has been accepted by the customer.

	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts primarily represent revenue earned under the percentage of completion method which has not been billed. Billings in excess of related costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts represent amounts billed on contracts in excess of the revenue allowed to be recognized under the percentage of completion method on those contracts.

	ICS—Net revenue is derived from carrying a mix of business, residential and carrier long-distance traffic, data and Internet traffic. For certain voice services, net revenue is earned based on the number of minutes during a call, and is recorded upon completion of a call. Revenue for a period is calculated from information received through the Company’s network switches. Customized software has been designed to track the information from the switch and analyze the call detail records against stored detailed information about revenue rates. This software provides the Company the ability to do a timely and accurate analysis of revenue earned in a period. Separate prepaid services software is used to track additional information related to prepaid service usage such as activation date, monthly usage amounts and expiration date. Revenue on these prepaid services is recognized as service is provided until expiration, when all unused minutes, which are no longer available to the customers, are recognized as revenue. Net revenue is also earned on a fixed monthly fee basis for unlimited local and long-distance voice plans and for the provision of data/Internet services (including retail VoIP), hosting, and colocation. In the United States, we charge customers Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”) fees. We recognize revenue on a gross basis for USF and related fees. We record these fees as revenue when billed. Net revenue represents gross revenue, net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, service credits and service adjustments. Cost of revenue includes network costs that consist of access, transport and termination costs. The majority of the Company’s cost of revenue is variable, primarily based upon minutes of use, with transmission and termination costs being the most significant expense. Cost of revenue also includes fees such as Federal USF fees. Such costs are recognized when incurred in connection with the provision of telecommunications services.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation—The Company accounts for share-based compensation under ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments, including stock options and restricted stock units. ASC 718 generally requires that share-based compensation be accounted for using a fair-value based method. The Company records share-based compensation expense for all new and unvested stock options that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.

	The Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to determine the beginning balance of the additional paid in capital (“APIC”) pool related to the tax effects of share-based compensation and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and the statement of cash flows of the tax effects of share-based awards that were fully vested and outstanding upon the adoption of ASC 718.

	The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to determine the fair value of share-based compensation under ASC 718. The Black-Scholes model incorporates various assumptions including the expected term of awards, volatility of stock price, risk-free rates of return and dividend yield. The expected term of an award is no less than the option vesting period and is based on the Company’s historical experience. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest rate is approximated using rates available on U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term similar to the option’s expected life. The Company uses a dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes option valuation model as it does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future that do not contain antidilution provisions requiring the adjustment of exercise prices and option shares. Share-based compensation is recorded net of expected forfeitures.
Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Basic income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock, adjusted for the dilutive effect of potential common stock and related income from continuing operations, net of tax. Potential common stock, computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, includes options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible preferred stock.

	In periods when the Company generates income, the Company calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method, pursuant to ASC No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The two-class method is required as the shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock qualify as participating securities, having the right to receive dividends should dividends be declared on common stock. Under this method, earnings for the period are allocated on a pro-rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of preferred stock based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the number of shares that could be converted. The Company does not use the two-class method in periods when it generates a loss as the holders of the Preferred Stock do not participate in losses.
Reclassification	Reclassification —Certain previous year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentations, as related to the reporting of new balance sheet line items.
Newly Adopted Accounting Principles	Newly Adopted Accounting Principles

	In April 2014, an update was issued to the Presentation of Financial Statements Topic No. 205 and Property, Plant and Equipment Topic No. 360, ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. The ASU revises the definition of a discontinued operation and expands the disclosure requirements. Entities should not apply the amendments to a component of an entity that is classified as held for sale before the effective date even if it is disposed of after the effective date. That is, the ASU must be adopted prospectively. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported in the financial statements. On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

	New Accounting Pronouncements

	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”, which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP relating to whether or not to consolidate certain legal entities. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect this accounting update to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.

	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items”, which eliminates the concept from U.S. GAAP the concept of an extraordinary item. Under the ASU, an entity will no longer (1) segregate an extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations; (2) separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations; or (3) disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect this accounting update to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_CONTRA1

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consist of the following (in thousands):

		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Contract receivables:
	Contracts in progress	$	134,457		$	105,071
	Unbilled retentions		35,213			32,850
	Trade receivables		28,667			16,202
	Other receivables		216			195
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(2,675	)		(2,760	)
		$	195,878		$	151,558
Costs and Recognized Earnings in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs and Recognized Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts and billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:


		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$	576,733		$	531,129
	Estimated earnings		79,192			73,540
			655,925			604,669
	Less progress billings		663,117			618,530
		$	(7,192	)	$	(13,861	)
	The above is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet under the following captions:
	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts		24,656			28,098
	Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts		(31,848	)		(41,959	)
		$	(7,192	)	$	(13,861	)

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
INVENTORIES (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	14,908	$	12,956
	Work in process		1,918		1,779
	Finished goods		236		240
		$	17,062	$	14,975

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Tables

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Unaudited Consolidated Pro Forma Results of Operations	The following schedule presents unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations data as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2014. This information does not purport to be indicative of the actual results that would have occurred if the acquisitions had actually been completed on the date indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future operating results or the financial position of the combined company (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Net revenue	$	193,632
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		7,725
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations		5
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations		(784	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	$	6,946
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation	The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):


	Cash and cash equivalents	$	(627	)
	Investments		1,714
	Accounts receivable		130,622
	Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts		27,126
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,079
	Inventories		14,487
	Assets held for sale		—
	Property and equipment, net		85,662
	Goodwill		24,612
	Trade names		4,478
	Other assets		2,947
	Total assets acquired		294,100
	Accounts payable		37,621
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits		11,668
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		12,532
	Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts		65,985
	Accrued income taxes		1,202
	Accrued interest		76
	Current portion of long-term debt		15,460
	Liabilities held for sale		—
	Long-term debt		4,375
	Deferred tax liability		7,815
	Other liabilities		604
	Noncontrolling interest		4,365
	Total liabilities assumed		161,703
	Enterprise value		132,397
	Less fair value of noncontrolling interest		53,647
	Purchase price attributable to controlling interest	$	78,750
Schedule of Acquired Amortizable Intangible Assets and Related Estimated Useful Lives	The acquired amortizable intangible assets and the related estimated useful lives consist of the following (in thousands):



		Preliminary		Preliminary
		Estimated		Estimated
		Useful		Value
		Lives		May 29,
				2014
	Trade names	15 years		$	4,478
	Total intangible assets			$	4,478
American Natural Gas [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation	The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):


	Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,704
	Accounts receivable		306
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		31
	Inventories		27
	Property and equipment, net		1,921
	Customer contracts		2,700
	Trade names		6,300
	Other assets		2
	Total assets acquired		26,991
	Accounts payable		49
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits		5
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		26
	Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts		114
	Current portion of long-term debt		34
	Long-term debt		870
	Deferred tax liability		3,530
	Total liabilities assumed		4,628
	Fair value of net assets acquired		22,363
	Purchase price		17,689
	Excess of fair value of net assets over purchase price	$	4,674
Schedule of Acquired Amortizable Intangible Assets and Related Estimated Useful Lives	The acquired amortizable intangible assets and the related estimated useful lives consist of the following (in thousands):


		Preliminary			Preliminary
		Estimated			Estimated
		Useful			Value
		Lives			August 1,
					2014
	Customer contracts	10 years		$	2,700
	Trade names	10 years			6,300
	Total intangible assets			$	9,000
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation	The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):


	Cash and cash equivalents	$	62,555
	Accounts receivable		26,183
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,886
	Inventories		7,395
	Restricted cash		4,682
	Property and equipment, net		156,976
	Customer contracts		7,796
	Trade name		1,137
	Developed technology		1,624
	Investments		24,266
	Other assets		7,482
	Total assets acquired		309,982
	Accounts payable		8,965
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		34,767
	Accrued income taxes		1,251
	Current portion of long-term debt		8,140
	Long-term debt		78,356
	Pension liability		45,923
	Deferred tax liability		1,013
	Other liabilities		1,179
	Total liabilities assumed		179,594
	Enterprise value		130,388
	Less fair value of noncontrolling interest		3,803
	Purchase price attributable to controlling interest	$	126,585
Schedule of Acquired Amortizable Intangible Assets and Related Estimated Useful Lives	The acquired amortizable intangible assets and the related estimated useful lives consist of the following (in thousands):


		Preliminary			Preliminary
		Estimated			Estimated
		Useful			Value
		Lives			September 22,
					2014
	Customer contracts	15 years		$	7,796
	Trade name	3 years			1,137
	Developed technology	4 years			1,624
	Total intangible assets			$	10,557

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
INVESTMENTS [Abstract]
Summary of Long Term Investments Accounted Under Equity and Cost Method	The long-term investments accounted for under the equity method and cost method of accounting are as follows (in thousands):

	Company	Investment	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Equity Method
	Global Cable Technology Ltd.	Stock	$	—	$	49
	SB Submarine Systems Co., Ltd.	Stock		15,731		12,882
	International Cableship Pte., Ltd.	Stock		2,393		2,111
	Sembawang Cable Depot Ptd., Ltd.	Stock		874		808
	Huawei Marine Systems Co., Ltd.	Stock		8,090		10,087
	Visser Smit Global Marine Partnership	Stock		414		464
	Novatel Wireless, Inc.	11,473,799 shares and 1,593,583 warrants		19,368		13,419
	Kaneland, LLC	Stock		1,120		1,151
	NerVve Technologies, Inc.	885,286 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock		5,538		5,538
	Benevir Biopharm, Inc.	2,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock		1,799		1,915
	Cost Method
	DTV America Corporation	Convertible Debt		3,000		—
	mParticle	Convertible Debt		500		250
			$	58,827	$	48,674

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

		Schuff			ICS			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	24,612		$	3,378		$	27,990
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			—			—
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	24,612		$	3,378		$	27,990
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):

		Schuff			GMSL			ANG			Pansend		Other		Corporate		Total
	Trade names
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,304		$	997		$	6,037		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,338
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(49	)		—			—		—		—		(49	)
	Amortization		(75	)		(86	)		(158	)		—		—		—		(319	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	4,229		$	862		$	5,879		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	10,970

	Customer relationships
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	7,333		$	4,881		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	12,214
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(321	)		—			—		—		—		(321	)
	Amortization		—			(119	)		(106	)		—		—		—		(225	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	—		$	6,893		$	4,775		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,668

	Developed technology
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	1,456		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,456
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(70	)		—			—		—		—		(70	)
	Amortization		—			(93	)		—			—		—		—		(93	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	—		$	1,293		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,293

	Other
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	6,136
	Amortization		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Acquisition of business/development		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	6,136

	Total amortizable intangible assets
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,304		$	9,786		$	10,918		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	31,144
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates		—			(440	)		—			—		—		—		(440	)
	Amortization		(75	)		(298	)		(264	)		—		—		—		(637	)
	Acquisition of business		—			—			—			—		—		—		—
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	4,229		$	9,048		$	10,654		$	114	$	6,000	$	22	$	30,067

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS_Tables

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

			March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	Senior Secured Notes collaterized by the Company's assets, with interest payable semi-yearly based on a fixed annual interest rate of 11% with principal due in 2019		$	300,000			$	250,000
	Note payable collaterized by GMSL's assets, with			15,692				16,732
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3.65% and principal payable monthly, maturing in 2019			15,692				16,732
	Note payable collaterized by Schuff's real estate, with			4,479				4,635
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4% and principal payable monthly with one final balloon payment of $1.9 million, maturing in 2019			4,479				4,635
	Note payable collaterized by Schuff's equipment, with			12,352				8,333
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 4% and principal payable monthly with one final balloon payment of $1.9 million, maturing in 2019			12,352				8,333
	Line of credit collaterized by Schuff's assets, with			27,391				—
	interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3%			27,391				—
	Note payable collaterized by ANG's assets, with interest payable monthly at 5.5% and principal payable monthly, maturing in 2018			773				810
	Obligations under capital leases			56,648				65,176
	Other			28				30
	Subtotal			417,363				345,716
	Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes			(2,003	)			(2,345	)
	Subtotal			415,360				343,371
	Less: Current portion of long-term obligations			(38,811	)			(10,444	)
	Total long-term obligations		$	376,549			$	332,927
Schedule of Aggregate Debt Maturities	Aggregate debt maturities are as follows (in thousands):

		2015			$	36,054
		2016				11,771
		2017				12,043
		2018				15,107
		2019				313,142
		Thereafter				29,246
					$	417,363
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities for Capital Leases	Aggregate maturities for the capital leases are as follows (in thousands):

		2015			$	5,137
		2016				6,843
		2017				6,834
		2018				10,479
		2019				10,478
		Thereafter				31,813
		Total minimum principal & interest payments				71,584
		Less: Amount representing interest				(14,936	)
		Total capital lease obligations			$	56,648

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Purchase Obligations and Non-Cancellable Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

			Operating
	Year Ending December 31,		Leases
		2015 (as of March 31, 2015)	$	3,016
		2016		3,804
		2017		3,142
		2018		2,356
		2019		1,869
		Thereafter		10,698
		Total long-term obligations	$	24,885

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Fair Value of Each Option Grant Estimated	The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions shown as a weighted average for the year:

			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Expected option life			5.25 years				6 years
	Risk-free interest rate			1.49 - 1.68%				2.62 - 2.73%
	Expected volatility			36.29- 39.58%				37.20%
	Dividend yield			0%				0%

Summary of Company's Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of HC2’s restricted stock activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

									Weighted
									Average
									Grant Date
					Shares				Fair Value
		Unvested – December 31, 2014				338,702			$	4.26
		Granted				1,436,281			$	9
		Vested				(876,014	)		$	8.99
		Forfeitures				—			$	—
		Unvested – March 31, 2015				898,969			$	7.23
Summary of Company's Stock Option Activity	A summary of HC2’s stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

									Weighted
									Average
					Shares				Exercise Price
		Outstanding – December 31, 2014				3,573,141			$	4.27
		Granted				691,205			$	8.82
		Exercised				—			$	—
		Forfeitures				(4,335	)		$	2.79
		Outstanding – March 31, 2015				4,260,011			$	5.01
		Eligible for exercise				1,576,470			$	5.16
Intrinsic Values and Remaining Contractual Terms of Company's Stock Options	The following table summarizes the intrinsic values and remaining contractual terms of HC2’s stock options (in thousands):

									Weighted
									Average
					Intrinsic				Remaining
					Value				Life in Years
		Options outstanding – March 31, 2015			$	26,781				9.4
		Options exercisable – March 31, 2015			$	9,649				9.3

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
EQUITY (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
EQUITY [Abstract]
Summary of Cash Dividends	During 2015, HC2’s Board of Directors declared cash dividends with respect to HC2’s issued and outstanding preferred stock, as presented in the following table (Total Dividend amount presented in thousands):

	Declaration Date		31-Mar-15
	Holders of Record Date		31-Mar-15
	Payment/Accrual Date		15-Apr-15
	Total Dividend	$	1,021

RELATED_PARTIES_Tables

RELATED PARTIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
RELATED PARTIES (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
RELATED PARTIES [Abstract]
Summary of Balance Outstanding of Related Parties	Summary of transactions with such entities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and balances outstanding at March 31, 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15
	Revenue	$	5,688
	Operating costs		970
	Capital lease interest		411
	Dividends received		—


		March 31,
		2015
	Accounts receivable	$	3,473
	Obligations under capital leases		40,375
	Trade creditors		—

OPERATING_SEGMENT_AND_RELATED_1

OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Operating Segments	Summary information with respect to the Company’s geographic and operating segments is as follows (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net Revenue by Geographic Region
	United States	$	147,135		$	25,280
	United Kingdom		50,995			18,074
	Other		3,678			—
	Total	$	201,808		$	43,354
	Net Revenue by Segment
	Telecommunications	$	46,717		$	43,354
	Manufacturing		126,866			—
	Utilities		1,224			—
	Marine Services		27,001			—
	Total	$	201,808		$	43,354
	Income (Loss) from Operations
	Telecommunications		(207	)		333
	Life Sciences		(1,235	)		—
	Manufacturing		6,179			—
	Utilities		(216	)		—
	Marine Services		3,765			—
	Other		(241	)		—
	Corporate		(7,225	)		(4,420	)
	Total	$	820		$	(4,087	)
	Capital Expenditures
	Telecommunications	$	(11	)	$	(67	)
	Manufacturing		(1,157	)		—
	Utilities		(389	)		—
	Marine Services		(1,567	)		—
	Corporate		—			(22	)
	Total	$	(3,124	)	$	(89	)
Segment Reporting for capital expenditures exclude assets acquired under terms of capital lease and vendor financing obligations	The above capital expenditures exclude assets acquired under terms of capital lease and vendor financing obligations.


		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Long-term investments
	Life Sciences	$	1,799		$	1,916
	Marine Services		27,502			26,401
	Corporate		29,526			20,357
	Total	$	58,827		$	48,674


		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
	United States	$	79,036		$	87,091
	United Kingdom		140,462			147,323
	Other		5,317			5,437
	Total	$	224,815		$	239,851


		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Total Assets
	Telecommunications	$	42,457		$	24,501
	Life Sciences		10,235			11,007
	Manufacturing		289,892			281,067
	Utilities		24,481			25,391
	Marine Services		275,582			283,948
	Other (1)		6,610			6,369
	Corporate		153,796			91,765
	Total	$	803,053		$	724,048

	(1) Other also includes property, plant and equipment—net and total assets related to discontinued operations.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Summarized Operating Results of Discontinued Operations and Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale	Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net revenue	$	—		$	3,278
	Operating expenses		19			3,229
	Income from operations		(19	)		49
	Interest income and other income (expense)		4			(26	)
	Loss before income tax		(15	)		23
	Income tax benefit (expense)		6			(6	)
	Income from discontinued operations	$	(9	)	$	17

BASIC_AND_DILUTED_INCOME_LOSS_1

BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]
Basic Income (Loss) Per Common Share to Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	A calculation of basic income (loss) per common share to diluted income (loss) per common share is set forth below

	(in thousands, except per share amounts):

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		(6,140	)		(4,180	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(9	)		17
	Loss from sale of discontinued operations		—			(784	)
	Net loss - basic	$	(6,149	)	$	(4,947	)
	Net loss - diluted	$	(6,149	)	$	(4,947	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		24,146			14,631
	Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted		24,146			14,631
	Basic loss per common share:
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.29	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		—			—
	Loss from sale of discontinued operations		—			(0.05	)
	Loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.34	)
	Diluted loss per common share:
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	$	(0.25)		$	(0.29)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		—			—
	Loss from sale of discontinued operations		—			(0.05	)
	Net loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.34	)

ORGANIZATION_AND_BUSINESS_SCHU

ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS, SCHUFF Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	29-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	60.00%
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		$14,032,000	$0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	6,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured credit facility	80,000,000
Debt instrument term	18 months
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	30,000,000
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares acquired (in shares)	2,500,000			809,043
Additional number of shares acquired (in shares)	198,411
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	65.00%			91.00%	91.00%	70.00%
Percentage of ownership interest to be acquired upon completion of short-form merger (in hundredths)				100.00%
Aggregate consideration for shares acquired	$85,000,000
Ownership percentage by parent (in hundredths)		91.00%
Minority interest percentage by noncontrolling interest (in hundredths)	40.00%
Schuff Hopsa Engineering, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent (in hundredths)	49.00%
Schuff. Empresas Hopsa, S.A. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Minority interest percentage by noncontrolling interest (in hundredths)	51.00%

ORGANIZATION_AND_BUSINESS_AMER

ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS, AMERICAN NATURAL GAS Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 01, 2014	29-May-14
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)		60.00%
American Natural Gas [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	51.00%
American Natural Gas [Member] \| Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cost	$15.50
Number of shares acquired (in shares)	15,500

ORGANIZATION_AND_BUSINESS_GLOB

ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS, GLOBAL MARINE SYSTEMS Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	29-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014	Sep. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	29-May-14	Segment	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014	Sep. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		$14,032,000	$0
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured credit facility	80,000,000
Debt instrument term	18 months
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	60.00%
Number of reportable operating segments		6
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock				11,000,000
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cost				260,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured credit facility				214,000,000
Debt instrument term				12 months
Minority interest percentage by noncontrolling interest (in hundredths)		3.00%		3.00%
Ownership percentage by parent (in hundredths)		97.00%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)				97.00%
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member] \| Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured credit facility				36,000,000
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured credit facility					$17,000,000
Genovel Orthopedics, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent (in hundredths)		80.00%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)		80.00%
Gem Derm Aesthetics, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent (in hundredths)		61.00%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)		61.00%
DMi, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent (in hundredths)		100.00%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)						100.00%

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	Provider
Revenue and Cost Recognition [Abstract]
Number of telecommunications providers through contracts under maintenance	60
Unapproved change orders on open projects	$66.90
Minimum [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Revenue and Cost Recognition [Abstract]
Contract term to provide maintenance of cable system	5 years
Term of fixed price contract	1 month
Minimum [Member] \| Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	15 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Plant and Motor Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	3 years
Maximum [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Revenue and Cost Recognition [Abstract]
Contract term to provide maintenance of cable system	7 years
Term of fixed price contract	5 months
Maximum [Member] \| Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Cable-Ships and Submersibles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	35 years
Maximum [Member] \| Plant and Motor Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	20 years
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest owned (in hundredths)	91.00%
American Natural Gas [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest owned (in hundredths)	51.00%
Genovel Orthopedics, Inc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest owned (in hundredths)	80.00%
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest owned (in hundredths)	97.00%
Gem Derm Aesthetics, Inc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest owned (in hundredths)	61.00%
DMi, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest owned (in hundredths)	100.00%

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_CONTRA2

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS, Schedule of Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Contract receivables [Abstract]
Contracts in progress	$134,457	$105,071
Unbilled retentions	35,213	32,850
Trade receivables	28,667	16,202
Other receivables	216	195
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-2,675	-2,760
Total accounts receivable	$195,878	$151,558

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_AND_CONTRA3

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS, Costs and Recognized Earnings in Excess of Billings and Billings in Excess of Costs and Recognized Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS [Abstract]
Costs incurred on contracts in progress	$576,733	$531,129
Estimated earnings	79,192	73,540
Costs incurred on contracts in progress and estimated earnings, gross	655,925	604,669
Less progress billings	663,117	618,530
Costs incurred on contracts in progress and estimated earnings, net	-7,192	-13,861
The above is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet under the following captions [Abstract]
Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	24,656	28,098
Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts	-31,848	-41,959
Costs incurred on contracts in progress and estimated earnings, net	($7,192)	($13,861)

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]
Raw materials	$14,908	$12,956
Work in process	1,918	1,779
Finished goods	236	240
Inventories, net	$17,062	$14,975

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_SCHUFF_A

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, SCHUFF Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	29-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	29-May-14
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Measurement period of assets and liabilities		1 year
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	60.00%					60.00%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired through cash payments (in hundredths)	60.00%					60.00%
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Goodwill		$27,990	$27,990
Preliminary estimated value		0
Trade Names [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value		0
Developed Technology [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value		0
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares acquired (in shares)				809,043
Additional number of shares acquired (in shares)	198,411	6,800				198,411
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)	65.00%		91.00%	91.00%	70.00%	65.00%
Percentage of ownership interest to be acquired upon completion of short-form merger (in hundredths)			100.00%
Business acquisition purchase price valued per share (in dollars per share)	$31.50					$31.50
Percentage of ownership interest acquired through cash payments (in hundredths)	65.00%		91.00%	91.00%	70.00%	65.00%
Minority interest percentage by noncontrolling interest (in hundredths)	40.00%					40.00%
Fair value of noncontrolling interest	4,365	100	3,400			4,365
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	-627					-627
Investments	1,714					1,714
Accounts receivable	130,622					130,622
Costs and recognized earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	27,126					27,126
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,079					3,079
Inventories	14,487					14,487
Assets held for sale	0					0
Property and equipment, net	85,662					85,662
Goodwill	24,612	24,612	24,612			24,612
Other assets	2,947					2,947
Total assets acquired	294,100					294,100
Accounts payable	37,621					37,621
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	11,668					11,668
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	12,532					12,532
Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts	65,985					65,985
Accrued income taxes	1,202					1,202
Accrued interest	76					76
Current portion of long-term debt	15,460					15,460
Liabilities held for sale	0					0
Long-term debt	4,375					4,375
Deferred tax liability	7,815					7,815
Other liabilities	604					604
Noncontrolling interest	4,365	100	3,400			4,365
Total liabilities assumed	161,703					161,703
Enterprise value	132,397					132,397
Less fair value of noncontrolling interest	53,647					53,647
Purchase price attributable to controlling interest	78,750					78,750
Preliminary estimated value	4,478	0
Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangibles	4,478					4,478
Preliminary estimated useful lives	15 years
Preliminary estimated value	4,478	0
Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| Developed Technology [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value		$0
Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares acquired (in shares)	2,500,000					2,500,000

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_AMERICAN

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, AMERICAN NATURAL GAS Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	29-May-14
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)				60.00%
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Goodwill	$27,990,000		$27,990,000
Preliminary estimated value	0
Trade Names [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value	0
Developed Technology [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value	0
American Natural Gas [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)		51.00%
Minority interest percentage by noncontrolling interest (in hundredths)		49.00%
Fair value of noncontrolling interest		2,200,000
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		204,000
Accounts receivable		306,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		31,000
Inventories		27,000
Property and equipment, net		1,921,000
Goodwill		10,826,000
Other assets		2,000
Total assets acquired		22,317,000
Accounts payable		49,000
Accrued payroll and employee benefits		5,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		26,000
Billings in excess of costs and recognized earnings on uncompleted contracts		114,000
Current portion of long-term debt		34,000
Long-term debt		870,000
Deferred tax liability		3,530,000
Total liabilities assumed		4,628,000
Enterprise value		17,689,000
Less fair value of noncontrolling interest		2,189,000
Purchase price attributable to controlling interest		15,500,000
Preliminary estimated value	0	9,000,000
American Natural Gas [Member] \| Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cost		15,500,000
Number of shares acquired (in shares)		15,500
American Natural Gas [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preferred stock converted into number of common stock (in shares)		1,033,333
Noncontrolling interest represent to number of common stock (in shares)		1,000,000
American Natural Gas [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangibles		6,300,000
Preliminary estimated useful lives		10 years
Preliminary estimated value	0	6,300,000
American Natural Gas [Member] \| Customer Contracts [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangibles		2,700,000
Preliminary estimated useful lives		10 years
Preliminary estimated value		2,700,000
American Natural Gas [Member] \| Developed Technology [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value	$0

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_GLOBAL_M

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GLOBAL MARINE SYSTEMS LIMITED Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 22, 2014	29-May-14
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)			60.00%
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value	$0
Trade Names [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value	0
Developed Technology [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Preliminary estimated value	0
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cost		260,000,000
Business acquisition, assumed indebtness		130,000,000
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)		97.00%
Minority interest percentage by noncontrolling interest (in hundredths)	3.00%	3.00%
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		62,555,000
Accounts receivable		26,183,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,886,000
Inventories		7,395,000
Restricted cash		4,682,000
Property and equipment, net		156,976,000
Investments		24,266,000
Other assets		7,482,000
Total assets acquired		309,982,000
Accounts payable		8,965,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		34,767,000
Accrued income taxes		1,251,000
Current portion of long-term debt		8,140,000
Long-term debt		78,356,000
Pension liability		45,923,000
Deferred tax liability		1,013,000
Other liabilities		1,179,000
Total liabilities assumed		179,594,000
Enterprise value		130,388,000
Less fair value of noncontrolling interest		3,803,000
Purchase price attributable to controlling interest		126,585,000
Preliminary estimated value	0	10,557,000
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangibles		1,137,000
Preliminary estimated useful lives		3 years
Preliminary estimated value	0	1,137,000
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member] \| Customer Contracts [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangibles		7,796,000
Preliminary estimated useful lives		15 years
Preliminary estimated value		7,796,000
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member] \| Developed Technology [Member]
Business Combination, purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangibles		1,624,000
Preliminary estimated useful lives		4 years
Preliminary estimated value	$0	$1,624,000

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Schedule

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, Schedule of Unaudited Consolidated Pro Forma Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations data [Abstract]
Net revenue		$193,632
Net income (loss) from continuing operations		7,725
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations		5
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations	0	-784
Net income (loss) attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.		6,946
Revenue	201,808	43,354
Net income (loss)	-5,061	-4,947
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations data [Abstract]
Revenue	126,900
Net income (loss)	3,200
American Natural Gas [Member]
Unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations data [Abstract]
Revenue	1,200
Net income (loss)	-100
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Unaudited consolidated pro forma results of operations data [Abstract]
Revenue	27,000
Net income (loss)	$1,600

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	Investment	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of types of investments	2
Long-term investments	$58,827,000			$48,674,000
Number of common stock sold (in shares)	25,400,886			23,844,711
Proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants	1,026,000	0
Income (loss) from equity investees	-2,688,000	0
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares issued upon conversion (in shares)	118,000
Global Cable Technology Ltd. [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	0			49,000
SB Submarine Systems Co., Ltd. [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	15,731,000			12,882,000
International Cableship Pte., Ltd. [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	2,393,000			2,111,000
Sembawang Cable Depot Ptd., Ltd. [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	874,000			808,000
Huawei Marine Systems Co., Ltd. [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	8,090,000			10,087,000
Visser Smit Global Marine Partnership [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	414,000			464,000
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, ownership percentage (in hundredths)	23.00%
Number of common stock sold (in shares)			586,095
Number of warrants sold (in shares)			293,047
Proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants			1,000,000
Income (loss) from equity investees	-2,700,000		200,000
Equity method accounting, basis difference	5,600,000
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method accounting, basis difference	600,000
Amortization period	15 years
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member] \| Technology and Customer Intangible [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method accounting, basis difference	800,000
Amortization period	7 years
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member] \| Goodwill [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method accounting, basis difference	4,200,000
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares issued upon conversion (in shares)	3,824,600
Value of common stock converted	8,600,000
Warrants to purchase common stock (in shares)	1,593,583
Purchase price of stock (in dollars per share)	$5.50
Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member] \| Warrants [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	19,368,000			13,419,000
Equity method investments, warrants received (in shares)	11,473,799			1,593,583
Kaneland LLC [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,120,000			1,151,000
NerVve Technologies, Inc. [Member] \| Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	5,538,000			5,538,000
Equity method investments, shares (in shares)	885,286			885,286
Benevir Biopharm, Inc. [Member] \| Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,799,000			1,915,000
Equity method investments, shares (in shares)	2,000			2,000
DTV America Corporation [Member] \| Convertible Debt [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments	3,000,000			0
mParticle [Member] \| Convertible Debt [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments	$500,000			$250,000

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	29-May-14
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$27,990
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Acquisition of business	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	27,990
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	24,612	24,612
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Acquisition of business	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	24,612	24,612
International Carrier Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	3,378
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Acquisition of business	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$3,378

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	29-May-14	Sep. 22, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$31,144
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-440
Amortization	-637
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	30,067
Corporate [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	22
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	22
Pansend, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	114
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	114
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	4,304
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	-75
Acquisition of business/development	0	4,478
Balance as of March 31, 2015	4,229
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	9,786
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-440
Amortization	-298
Acquisition of business/development	0		10,557
Balance as of March 31, 2015	9,048
American Natural Gas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	10,918
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	-264
Acquisition of business/development	0			9,000
Balance as of March 31, 2015	10,654
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	6,000
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	6,000
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	11,338
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-49
Amortization	-319
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	10,970
Trade Names [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Trade Names [Member] \| Pansend, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Trade Names [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	4,304
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	-75
Acquisition of business/development	0	4,478
Balance as of March 31, 2015	4,229
Trade Names [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	997
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-49
Amortization	-86
Acquisition of business/development	0		1,137
Balance as of March 31, 2015	862
Trade Names [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	6,037
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	-158
Acquisition of business/development	0			6,300
Balance as of March 31, 2015	5,879
Trade Names [Member] \| Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	12,214
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-321
Amortization	-225
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	11,668
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Pansend, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	7,333
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-321
Amortization	-119
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	6,893
Customer Relationships [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	4,881
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	-106
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	4,775
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	1,456
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-70
Amortization	-93
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	1,293
Developed Technology [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Developed Technology [Member] \| Pansend, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Developed Technology [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Developed Technology [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	1,456
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-70
Amortization	-93
Acquisition of business/development	0		1,624
Balance as of March 31, 2015	1,293
Developed Technology [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Developed Technology [Member] \| Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	6,136
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	6,136
Other [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	22
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	22
Other [Member] \| Pansend, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	114
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	114
Other [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Other [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Other [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	0
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	0
Other [Member] \| Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	6,000
Amortization	0
Acquisition of business/development	0
Balance as of March 31, 2015	$6,000

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS_Schedule_

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$417,363,000
Obligations under capital leases	56,648,000	65,176,000
Other	28,000	30,000
Subtotal	417,363,000	345,716,000
Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes	-2,003,000	-2,345,000
Subtotal	415,360,000	343,371,000
Less: Current portion of long-term obligations	-38,811,000	-10,444,000
Total long-term obligations	376,549,000	332,927,000
Senior Secured Notes Collateralized by Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	300,000,000	250,000,000
Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	11.00%
Debt Instrument, maturity date	1-Dec-19
Note Payable Collateralized by Assets [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	15,692,000	16,372,000
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	3.65%
Debt Instrument, maturity date	31-Dec-19
Note Payable Collateralized by Assets [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	773,000	810,000
Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	5.50%
Debt Instrument, maturity date	31-Dec-18
Note Payable Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	4,479,000	4,635,000
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Debt instrument, final balloon payment	1,900,000
Debt Instrument, maturity date	31-Dec-19
Note Payable Collateralized by Equipment [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	12,352,000	8,333,000
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Debt instrument, final balloon payment	1,900,000
Debt Instrument, maturity date	31-Dec-19
Line Of Credit Collateralized By Assets [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$27,391,000	$0
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	3.00%

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS_Schedule_1

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, Schedule of Aggregate Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Maturities [Abstract]
2015	$36,054
2016	11,771
2017	12,043
2018	15,107
2019	313,142
Thereafter	29,246
Long-term debt	417,363
Capital Leases Maturities
2015	5,137
2016	6,843
2017	6,834
2018	10,479
2019	10,478
Thereafter	31,813
Total minimum principal & interest payments	71,584
Less: Amount representing interest	-14,936
Total capital lease obligations	$56,648

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS_Redemptio

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, Redemption of Notes and Satisfaction and Discharge of Related Indentures (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 20, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 26, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes original issue discount		2,003,000	$2,345,000
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	250,000,000			50,000,000
Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	11.00%
Debt instrument, interest rate terms	Interest on the 11% Notes is paid semi-annually on December 1 and June 1 of each year.
Debt instrument discount percentage (in hundredths)	99.05%
Senior secured notes original issue discount	2,400,000
Senior secured notes premium percentage (in hundredths)	100.50%
Premiums and other costs				$300,000
Maturity date		1-Dec-19
Redemption date of senior notes		1-Dec-16
Percentage of principal amount considered for redemption premium payment (in hundredths)		1.00%
Senior secured notes prurchase price percentage (in hundredths)		101.00%
Percentage of redemption from aggregate principal amount (in hundredths)		100.00%
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member] \| Before December 1, 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption premium description		The make-whole premium is the greater of (i) 1% of principal amount or (ii) the excess of the present value of redemption price at December 1, 2016 plus all required interest payments through December 1, 2016 over the principal amount.
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 [Member] \| After December 1, 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption premium description		After December 1, 2016, the Company may redeem the 11% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. The Company is required to make an offer to purchase the 11% Notes upon a change of control. The purchase price will equal 101% of the principal amount of the 11% Notes on the date of purchase plus accrued interest.

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS_Credit_Ag

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, Credit Agreements of Acquired Entities (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	29-May-14	Sep. 22, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	6-May-14	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 21, 2014	Oct. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings			417,363,000
Debt instrument term	18 months
Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term		12 months
Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| International LOC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum amount			2,500,000
Borrowings			0
Line of credit borrowings			2,500,000
Line of credit outstanding amount			0
1% of Special Interest Compensation Fund [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| International LOC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement interest rate (in hundredths)			5.25%
Interest on special interest compensation fund (in hundredths)			1.00%
September Credit Facility [Member] \| Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write of deferred financing cost				500,000	400,000
Write of original issue discount				4,500,000	800,000
Net of credit for previous paid funding fees				2,300,000
Credit Facility [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement interest rate (in hundredths)			3.27%				3.00%
Line of credit, maximum amount			50,000,000
Borrowings			27,400,000	0			0
Extended maturity date						30-Apr-19
Line of credit borrowings			18,700,000
Line of credit outstanding amount			3,900,000
Note Payable Collateralized by Assets [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings			15,692,000	16,372,000			16,372,000
Note Payable Collateralized by Assets [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings			773,000	810,000			810,000
Note Payable Collateralized By Equipment [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings			12,352,000	8,333,000			8,333,000
Note Payable Collateralized By Equipment [Member] \| Credit Facility [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of note payable collaterized								10,000,000
Note Payable Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings			4,479,000	4,635,000			4,635,000
Note Payable Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] \| Credit Facility [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of note payable collaterized						5,000,000
Real Estate Term Advance [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement interest rate (in hundredths)			4.00%
Borrowings			4,500,000	4,600,000			4,600,000
Debt instrument term			5 years				5 years
Real Estate Term Advance [Member] \| Credit Facility [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement interest rate (in hundredths)			4.00%
Borrowings			12,400,000	8,300,000			8,300,000
Debt instrument term			5 years				5 years
Real Estate Term Advance [Member] \| Note Payable Collateralized by Real Estate [Member] \| Credit Facility [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of note payable collaterized								5,000,000
Term Loan [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings			15,700,000	16,700,000			16,700,000
Term Loan [Member] \| American Natural Gas [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)									5.50%
Borrowings			800,000	800,000			800,000
Debt instrument term									5 years
Term Loan [Member] \| LIBOR [Member] \| Global Marine Systems Limited [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)										3.65%
Debt instrument term										4 years 6 months
Partial Prepayments [Member] \| May Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write of deferred financing cost					100,000						100,000
Write of original issue discount					1,900,000						200,000
Payoff of Remaining Balance [Member] \| May Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Premiums and other costs					900,000
Write of deferred financing cost					300,000
Write of original issue discount					2,500,000
Payoff of Remaining Balance [Member] \| May Credit Facility [Member] \| Novatel Wireless, Inc. [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write of deferred financing cost					400,000
Write of original issue discount					$800,000

LONGTERM_OBLIGATIONS_GMSL_Capi

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, GMSL Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	vessel
	Lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of leases	2
Number of vessels	2
Lease principal amount outstanding	$56.60	$65.20
Innovator Lease [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of lease extension options	4
Lease extension period	1 year
Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	10.40%
Lease expiration period	2018
Cable Lease [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Lease expiration period	2023

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	29-May-14
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Income tax benefit (expense)	$5,833,000	($9,000)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Estimated net operating loss carryforward	60,100,000
Substantial acquisitions percentage (in hundredths)		5.00%
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	25,400,886		23,844,711
Net operating loss carryforward annual limitation following ownership change	$2,200,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)				30,000
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)				1,500,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 16, 2015
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases [Abstract]
2015 (as of March 31, 2015)	$3,016,000
2016	3,804,000
2017	3,142,000
2018	2,356,000
2019	1,869,000
Thereafter	10,698,000
Total long-term obligations	24,885,000
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense	1,800,000	2,400,000
Second lawsuit filed in court, date	17-Nov-14
Xplornet [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages foregone amount			$50,000,000

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)	691,205	8,521
Weighted average fair value at date of grant for options granted (in dollars per share)	$3.16
Share-based compensation expense recognized	$2,235	$238
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant [Abstract]
Expected option life	5 years 3 months	6 years
Risk-free interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)	1.49%	2.62%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)	1.68%	2.73%
Expected volatility, minimum (in hundredths)	36.29%
Expected volatility (in hundredths)		37.20%
Expected volatility, maximum (in hundredths)	39.58%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock outstanding awards (in shares)	4,260,011		3,573,141
Options granted (in shares)	691,205
Philip Falcone [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)	169,697
Prior Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock outstanding awards (in shares)	469,871
Omnibus Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares authorized to issue (in shares)	5,000,000

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION, Restricted Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Company's restricted stock units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Compensation expense not yet recognized	$5.70
Weighted average remaining vesting period for unrecognized compensation expense	1 year 1 month 6 days
Unvested shares expected to vest (in shares)	898,969
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of Company's restricted stock units, Shares
Beginning Balance, Unvested (in shares)	338,702
Granted (in shares)	1,436,281
Vested (in shares)	-876,014
Forfeitures (in shares)	0
Ending Balance, Unvested (in shares)	898,969
Summary of Company's restricted stock units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$4.26
Granted (in dollars per share)	$9
Vested (in dollars per share)	$8.99
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	$0
Unvested, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$7.23

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION, Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION, Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	691,205	8,521
Weighted average remaining vesting period for unrecognized compensation expense	1 year 1 month 6 days
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in shares)	3,573,141
Granted (in shares)	691,205
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeitures (in shares)	-4,335
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)	4,260,011
Eligible for exercise (in shares)	1,576,470
Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share)	4.27
Granted (in dollars per share)	8.82
Exercised (in dollars per share)	0
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)	2.79
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in dollars per share)	5.01
Eligible for exercise (in dollars per share)	5.16
Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding	26,781
Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable	9,649
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years, Options outstanding	9 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years, Options exercisable	9 years 3 months 18 days
Intrinsic value of exercised options	0
Unvested stock options outstanding (in shares)	2,683,541
Compensation expense not yet recognized	3,100,000
Weighted average remaining vesting period for unrecognized compensation expense	1 year 2 months 12 days
Unvested shares expected to vest (in shares)	2,683,541
Weighted average remaining life	9 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	5.01
Intrinsic value	26,800,000

EQUITY_Details

EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014	Jan. 05, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	29-May-14
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,369,260				23,813,085
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	54,500				41,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	25,400,886				23,844,711
Convertible common shares	$500,000	$0
Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)						1,500,000
Preferred stock cumulative cash dividend rate (in hundredths)	7.50%
Preferred stock dividend payment description	The accrued value of the Preferred Stock will accrete quarterly at an annualized rate of 4% that will be reduced to 2% or 0% if the Company achieves specified rates of growth measured by increases in its net asset value.
Preferred stock dividend rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Preferred stock redemption description	Upon a change of control, holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cause HC2 to redeem their Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to the greater of (i) the accrued value of the Preferred Stock, which amount would be multiplied by 150% in the event of a change in control occurring on or prior to the third anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock plus and accrued but unpaid dividends and (ii) the value that would be received if the share of Preferred Stock were converted into common stock immediately prior to the change of control. At any time after the third anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock, HC2 may redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole but not in part, at a price per share generally equal to 150% of the accrued value per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends. After the third anniversary of the issue date of the Series A Preferred Stock, HC2 may force conversion of the Preferred Stock into common stock if the common stockbs thirty-day volume-weighted average price (bVWAPb) exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price and the common stockbs daily VWAP exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price for at least twenty trading days out of the thirty trading day period used to calculate the thirty-day VWAP.
Preferred stock redemption price per share on accrued and unpaid dividends, percentage (in hundredths)	150.00%
Convertible preferred stock volume weighted average price percentage (in hundredths)	150.00%
Volume weighted average price threshold percentage (in hundredths)	150.00%
Preferred stock force conversion, trading days to calculate volume weighted average price	30 days
Preferred stock trading days to calculate volume weighted average price	20 days
Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate (in hundredths)	0.00%
Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate (in hundredths)	2.00%
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beneficial conversion feature	400,000
Convertible common shares	30,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$4
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$4.05
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)						30,000
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beneficial conversion feature	300,000
Convertible common shares	$11,000,000
Conversion of stock, shares converted (in shares)	500
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$4.25
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$4.36
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)			11,000
Preferred stock conversion price (in dollars per share)			$4.25
Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member] \| Amendment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock conversion price (in dollars per share)			$4
Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Schuff International, Inc [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)				14,000
Preferred stock conversion price (in dollars per share)				$8.25
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, shares issued (in shares)	117,763

EQUITY_Summary_of_Cash_Dividen

EQUITY, Summary of Cash Dividends (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
EQUITY [Abstract]
Declaration Date	31-Mar-15
Holders of Record Date	31-Mar-15
Payment/Accrual Date	15-Apr-15
Total Dividend	$1,021

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Level 1 Approach [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities at fair value	$11.80
Level 2 Approach [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated aggregate fair value of the Company's debt	$419

RELATED_PARTIES_Details

RELATED PARTIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
RELATED PARTIES [Abstract]
Revenue	$5,688
Operating costs	970
Capital lease interest	411
Dividends received	0
Accounts receivable	3,473
Obligations under capital leases	40,375
Trade creditors	$0

OPERATING_SEGMENT_AND_RELATED_2

OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION, Summary of Company's Operating Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION [Abstract]
Number of reportable geographic segments	2
Number of reportable operating segments	6
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$201,808	$43,354
Income (Loss) from Operations	820	-4,087
Capital Expenditures	-3,124	-89
Operating Segments [Member] \| Telecommunications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	46,717	43,354
Income (Loss) from Operations	-207	333
Capital Expenditures	-11	-67
Operating Segments [Member] \| Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	126,866	0
Income (Loss) from Operations	6,179	0
Capital Expenditures	-1,157	0
Operating Segments [Member] \| Utilities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	1,224	0
Income (Loss) from Operations	-216	0
Capital Expenditures	-389	0
Operating Segments [Member] \| Life Sciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Operations	-1,235	0
Operating Segments [Member] \| Marine Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	27,001	0
Income (Loss) from Operations	3,765	0
Capital Expenditures	-1,567	0
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	147,135	25,280
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	50,995	18,074
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	3,678	0
Non-operating Segment [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Operations	-7,225	-4,420
Capital Expenditures	0	-22
Non-operating Segment [Member] \| Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Operations	($241)	$0

OPERATING_SEGMENT_AND_RELATED_3

OPERATING SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION, Segment Reporting for Property, Plant and Equipment - Net and Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-term investments	$58,827		$48,674
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net	224,815		239,851
Total Assets	803,053		724,048
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net	79,036		87,091
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net	140,462		147,323
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net	5,317		5,437
Operating Segments [Member] \| Telecommunications [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Assets	42,457		24,501
Operating Segments [Member] \| Life Sciences [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-term investments	1,799		1,916
Total Assets	10,235		11,007
Operating Segments [Member] \| Manufacturing [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Assets	289,892		281,067
Operating Segments [Member] \| Utilities [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Assets	24,481		25,391
Operating Segments [Member] \| Marine Services [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-term investments	27,502		26,401
Total Assets	275,582		283,948
Operating Segments [Member] \| Other Segments [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total Assets	6,610	[1]	6,369	[1]
Non-operating Segment [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-term investments	29,526		20,357
Total Assets	$153,796		$91,765

[1]	Other also includes property, plant and equipment-net and total assets related to discontinued operations.

BACKLOG_Details

BACKLOG (Details) (Schuff International, Inc [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	Contract
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Backlog amount	$306.10
Number of contracts attributable to backlog	5
Contracts or Purchase Orders [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Backlog amount	253.3
Letters of Intent [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Backlog amount	52.8
Five Contracts, Letters of Intent, Notices to Proceed or Purchase Orders [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Backlog amount	$172.40
Backlog percentage (in hundredths)	56.30%

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax		$0	($784,000)
Amount released from escrow	3,200,000
York [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Amount released from escrow	800,000
North America Telecom [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration						129,000,000
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax					13,800,000
Purchase price placed in escrow					15,250,000
Escrow received					126,000,000
Additional amount held in escrow					3,000,000
Purchase consideration placed in escrow				6,450,000
Period of escrow to be released after closing date				14 months
Adjustment to prior period gain on disposal					-800,000
Net gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of adjustment to prior period gain					13,000,000
North America Telecom [Member] \| Working Capital Adjustment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Purchase consideration placed in escrow	4,000,000
North America Telecom [Member] \| Income Tax Related Liabilities [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Purchase consideration placed in escrow		4,800,000
Period of escrow to be released after closing date		30 days
Reserve for escrow deposit		$400,000

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Summar

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, Summarized Operating Results of Discontinued Operations and Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations	($9)	$17
North America Telecom [Member]
Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations [Abstract]
Net revenue	0	3,278
Operating expenses	19	3,229
Income from operations	-19	49
Interest income and other income (expense)	4	-26
Loss before income tax	-15	23
Income tax benefit (expense)	6	-6
Income from discontinued operations	($9)	$17

BASIC_AND_DILUTED_INCOME_LOSS_2

BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE [Abstract]
Dilutive common share equivalents (in shares)	0	0
Dilutive securities included in computation of earnings per share, Stock Options and RSUs (in shares)	1,800,000	300,000
Dilutive securities included in computation of earnings per share, Warrants (in shares)		18,600,000
Calculation of basic income (loss) per common share to diluted income (loss) per share [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc.	($6,140)	($4,180)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-9	17
Loss from sale of discontinued operations	0	-784
Net loss attributable to common stock and participating preferred stockholders	-6,149	-4,947
Net loss-diluted	($6,149)	($4,947)
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	24,146,000	14,631,000
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	24,146,000	14,631,000
Basic loss per common share [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.29)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Loss from sale of discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.05)
Net income (loss) attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.34)
Diluted loss per common share [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.29)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Loss from sale of discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.05)
Net loss attributable to HC2 Holdings, Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.34)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 13, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 13, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			USD ($)		USD ($)	Gaming Nation Acquisition Corporation [Member]	Gaming Nation Acquisition Corporation [Member]	Gaming Nation Acquisition Corporation [Member]
							USD ($)	CAD
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration payable for shares purchased					$7,000,000
Cash contribution			13,000,000
Investment in convertible debentures	$58,827,000	$48,674,000					$16,000,000	20,000,000
Convertible debentures, maturity date				6-Apr-17
Convertible debentures, interest rate (in hundredths)						6.00%