| Cover | Oct. 19, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 19, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-13718 |
| Entity Registrant Name | MDC PARTNERS INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000876883 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0364441 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | Z4 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 330 Hudson Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 10th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10013 |
| City Area Code | 646 |
| Local Phone Number | 429-1800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, no par value |
| Trading Symbol | MDCA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
