v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Feb. 16, 2018
Jul. 01, 2017
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name SPX CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000088205    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2017    
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     $ 1,046,296,706
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   42,782,822  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY