v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2016
Oct. 28, 2016
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name SPX CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000088205  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Oct. 01, 2016  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   41,887,206
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3