v3.19.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 30, 2019
May 02, 2019
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name SPX CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000088205  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 30, 2019  
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   43,867,025
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business false