v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Feb. 19, 2016
Jun. 27, 2015
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name SPX CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000088205    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 2,824,626,214
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   41,857,154  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY