SBA Communications (SBAC) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001034054	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	129,096,733
Trading Symbol	'SBAC	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$450,257	$122,112
Restricted cash	46,271	47,305
Short-term investments	5,541	5,446
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $837 and $686 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	77,435	71,339
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	29,105	27,864
Prepaid and other current assets	65,777	69,586
Total current assets	674,386	343,652
Property and equipment, net	2,687,827	2,578,444
Intangible assets, net	3,910,755	3,387,198
Deferred financing fees, net	78,903	73,042
Other assets	457,121	400,852
Total assets	7,808,992	6,783,188
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	31,325	24,302
Accrued expenses	78,643	86,131
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,078,318	481,886
Deferred revenue	108,054	94,658
Accrued interest	38,512	46,689
Other current liabilities	11,375	14,007
Total current liabilities	1,346,227	747,673
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	6,471,770	5,394,721
Other long-term liabilities	288,612	283,828
Total long-term liabilities	6,760,382	5,678,549
Shareholders' equity (deficit):	'	'
Preferred stock - par value $.01, 30,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	'	'
Common stock - Class A, par value $.01, 400,000 shares authorized, 129,096 and 128,432 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,291	1,284
Additional paid-in capital	2,338,007	2,907,446
Accumulated deficit	-2,542,770	-2,518,085
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	-94,145	-33,679
Total shareholders' equity (deficit)	-297,617	356,966
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficit)	$7,808,992	$6,783,188

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$837	$686
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Common stock - Class A, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock - Class A, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock - Class A, shares issued	129,096,000	128,432,000
Common stock - Class A, shares outstanding	129,096,000	128,432,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Site leasing	$349,010		$287,483		$998,781		$840,488
Site development	44,283		44,611		123,481		128,982
Total revenues	393,293		332,094		1,122,262		969,470
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Cost of site leasing	77,926		68,042		223,049		203,927
Cost of site development	33,950		35,253		93,432		103,788
Selling, general, and administrative	26,589	[1]	21,827	[1]	76,707	[1]	63,765	[1]
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses	-58		3,599		10,728		11,378
Asset impairment and decommission costs	5,992		6,190		13,554		16,405
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	159,410		133,281		464,858		400,006
Total operating expenses	303,809		268,192		882,328		799,269
Operating income (loss)	89,484		63,902		239,934		170,201
Other income (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest income	161		274		428		1,612
Interest expense	-78,170		-62,987		-215,695		-185,569
Non-cash interest expense	-8,236		-9,642		-26,832		-39,151
Amortization of deferred financing fees	-4,599		-3,981		-13,114		-11,508
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	-14,893		-3		-25,080		-5,764
Other income, net	611		34,175		20,384		34,873
Total other expense	-105,126		-42,164		-259,909		-205,507
Loss (income) before provision for income taxes	-15,642		21,738		-19,975		-35,306
Provision for income taxes	-982		-207		-4,710		-1,441
Net (loss) income	($16,624)		$21,531		($24,685)		($36,747)
Net (loss) income per common share	'		'		'		'
Basic	($0.13)		$0.17		($0.19)		($0.29)
Diluted	($0.13)		$0.16		($0.19)		($0.29)
Weighted average number of common shares	'		'		'		'
Basic	129,046		127,885		128,854		127,555
Diluted	129,046		136,912		128,854		127,555
[1]	Includes non-cash compensation of $6,319 and $4,146 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $16,951 and $12,836 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Non-cash compensation expense	'	'	$17,231	$13,010
Selling, General And Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Non-cash compensation expense	$6,319	$4,146	$16,951	$12,836

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($16,624)	$21,531	($24,685)	($36,747)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-128,461	1,609	-60,466	-15,355
Comprehensive (loss) income	($145,085)	$23,140	($85,151)	($52,102)

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Shar

Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Shares - Hedge [Member]	Shares - Warrant [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data	Shares - Hedge [Member]	Shares - Warrant [Member]	USD ($)	Shares - Hedge [Member]	Shares - Warrant [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
	USD ($)			USD ($)	USD ($)
BALANCE, Amount at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	$1,284	'	'	$2,907,446	($2,518,085)	($33,679)	'	'	$356,966
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	128,432,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,685	'	'	'	-24,685
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Amount	'	'	7	'	'	6,287	'	'	'	'	6,294
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares	'	'	657,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-cash compensation	'	'	'	'	'	17,480	'	'	'	'	17,480
Settlement of convertible notes, Amount	'	'	30	'	'	9,591	'	'	'	'	9,621
Settlement of convertible notes, Shares	'	'	3,008,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Amount	-30	'	'	37	-602,834	'	'	'	7	-602,834	'
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Shares	-3,002,000	1,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-60,466	'	'	-60,466
BALANCE, Amount at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	$1,291	'	'	$2,338,007	($2,542,770)	($94,145)	'	'	($297,617)
BALANCE, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	129,096,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss	($24,685)	($36,747)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	464,858	400,006
Non-cash interest expense	26,832	39,151
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-1,043	-2,670
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs	9,909	13,097
Non-cash compensation expense	17,231	13,010
Amortization of deferred financing fees	13,114	11,508
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	25,080	5,764
Unrealized gain on foreign currency swap contract	'	-6,893
Gain on sale of bankruptcy claim on convertible hedge	'	-27,870
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations	2,323	1,368
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net	-10,649	-34,531
Prepaid and other assets	-43,923	-68,622
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-9,750	2,996
Accrued interest	-659	137
Other liabilities	34,541	33,344
Net cash provided by operating activities	503,179	343,048
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisitions	-1,048,748	-347,055
Capital expenditures	-131,347	-103,373
Other investing activities	-1,782	960
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,181,877	-449,468
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility	575,000	125,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility	-490,000	-225,000
Repayment of Term Loans	-303,000	-509,500
Proceeds from Term Loans, net of fees	1,483,337	'
Payment for the redemption of 8.25% Notes	-253,805	'
Proceeds from employee stock purchase/stock option plans	6,294	10,167
Proceeds from 4.875% Senior Notes, net of fees	732,459	'
Proceeds from settlement of convertible note hedges	7	182,855
Proceeds from issuance of Tower Securities	'	1,304,854
Payments for settlement of convertible debt	-132,592	-794,997
Payments for settlement of common stock warrants	-602,834	-42,424
Proceeds from sale of bankruptcy claim on convertible hedge	'	27,870
Payment for earn-outs	-16,346	-1,310
Other financing activities	-8,157	-16,005
Net cash provided by financing activities	990,363	61,510
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	16,480	1,220
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	328,145	-43,690
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	122,112	233,099
End of period	450,257	189,409
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	216,103	185,408
Income taxes	6,377	5,208
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Assets acquired through capital leases	1,290	1,239
Issuance of stock for settlement of convertible debt and warrants, net of hedges	284	18,158
Liabilities assumed on acquisition	'	$9,796

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 24, 2009	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014
	8.25% Senior Notes [Member]	8.25% Senior Notes [Member]	4.875% Senior Notes [Member]	4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage	8.25%	8.25%	4.88%	4.88%

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 for SBA Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, omit or condense certain footnotes and other information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair financial statement presentation have been made. The results of operations for an interim period may not give a true indication of the results for the year. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.
	The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, the actual amount of such estimates, when known, will vary from these estimates.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the United States dollar as its functional currency (Brazil and Canada) are translated at period-end rates of exchange, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly weighted average rates of exchange for the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	2.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis— The Company’s earnouts related to acquisitions are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Level 3 valuations rely on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The Company determines the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration and any subsequent changes in fair value using a discounted probability-weighted approach using Level 3 inputs. The fair value of the earnouts is reviewed quarterly and is based on the payments the Company expects to make based on historical internal observations related to the anticipated performance of the underlying assets. The Company’s estimate of the fair value of its obligation if the performance targets contained in various acquisition agreements were met was $23.1 million and $30.1 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which the Company recorded in accrued expenses on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets was $35.7 million as of September 30, 2014.
	The following summarizes the activity of the accrued earnouts:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	30,063	$	9,840
	Additions		10,384		19,342
	Payments		-16,346		-1,310
	Expirations		-573		-1,863
	Change in estimate		-946		-105
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		554		61
	Ending balance, September 30,	$	23,136	$	25,965
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis— The Company’s long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. The Company considers many factors and makes certain assumptions when making this assessment, including but not limited to: general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. The fair value of the long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations is calculated using a discounted cash flow model. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $6.0 million and $13.6 million, respectively. The impairment charge includes the write off of $5.2 million and $10.8 million in carrying value of decommissioned towers and other third party decommission costs incurred related to the Company’s long-lived assets and intangibles for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $6.2 million and $16.4 million, respectively. The impairment charge includes the write off of $4.9 million and $12.3 million in carrying value of decommissioned towers and other third party decommission costs incurred related to the Company’s long-lived assets and intangibles for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. These write offs result from the Company’s analysis that the future cash flows from certain towers would not recover the carrying value of the investment in those towers. Impairment charges and the related impaired assets relate to the Company’s site leasing operating segment.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments— The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, and short-term investments approximate their estimated fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments. Short-term investments consisted of $5.3 million and $5.2 million in certificate of deposits, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company’s estimate of the fair value of its held-to-maturity investments in treasury and corporate bonds, including current portion, are based primarily upon Level 1 reported market values. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value and fair value of the held-to-maturity investments, including current portion, were $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the carrying value and fair value of the held-to-maturity investments, including current portion, was $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
	The Company determines fair value of its debt instruments utilizing various Level 2 sources including quoted prices and indicative quotes (non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility is considered to approximate the carrying value because the interest payments are based on Eurodollar rates that reset every month. The Company does not believe its credit risk has changed materially from the date the applicable Eurodollar Rate plus 187.5 to 237.5 basis points was set for the Revolving Credit Facility. The following table reflects fair values, principal balances, and carrying values of the Company’s debt instruments (see Note 11).
		As of September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Fair Value		Principal Balance		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Principal Balance		Carrying Value
		(in thousands)
	4.000% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	$	1,325,115	$	367,068	$	367,068	$	1,479,859	$	499,944	$	468,394
	8.250% Senior Notes due 2019		—		—		—		262,031		243,750		242,387
	5.625% Senior Notes due 2019		507,500		500,000		500,000		514,375		500,000		500,000
	5.750% Senior Notes due 2020		814,000		800,000		800,000		832,000		800,000		800,000
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2022		729,375		750,000		743,992		—		—		—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities		680,503		680,000		680,000		689,717		680,000		680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities		573,392		550,000		550,000		586,586		550,000		550,000
	2.933% 2012-1Tower Securities		616,747		610,000		610,000		604,736		610,000		610,000
	2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities		419,598		425,000		425,000		408,442		425,000		425,000
	3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities		570,751		575,000		575,000		530,098		575,000		575,000
	3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities		330,759		330,000		330,000		318,856		330,000		330,000
	Revolving Credit Facility		300,000		300,000		300,000		215,000		215,000		215,000
	2011 Term Loan		—		—		—		180,980		180,529		180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan		175,809		176,250		176,250		184,538		185,000		185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan		—		—		—		110,383		109,971		109,745
	2014 Term Loan		1,458,844		1,496,250		1,492,778		—		—		—
	BNDES Loans		—		—		—		5,847		5,847		5,847
	Totals	$	8,502,393	$	7,559,568	$	7,550,088	$	6,923,448	$	5,910,041	$	5,876,607

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted Cash [Abstract]	'
Restricted Cash	'
	3.RESTRICTED CASH
	Restricted cash consists of the following:
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13		Included on Balance Sheet
			(in thousands)
	Securitization escrow accounts	$	45,871	$	46,364	Restricted cash - current asset
	Payment and performance bonds		400		941	Restricted cash - current asset
	Surety bonds and workers compensation		5,934		8,991	Other assets - noncurrent
	Total restricted cash	$	52,205	$	56,296
	Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities (see Note 11), the Company is required to establish a securitization escrow account, held by an indenture trustee, into which all rents and other sums due on the towers that secure the Tower Securities are directly deposited by the lessees. These restricted cash amounts are used to fund reserve accounts for the payment of (1) debt service costs, (2) ground rents, real estate and personal property taxes and insurance premiums related to towers, (3) trustee and servicing expenses, and (4) management fees and to reserve a portion of advance rents from tenants. The restricted cash in the controlled deposit account in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Borrowers (as defined in Note 11) monthly, provided that the Borrowers are in compliance with their debt service coverage ratio and that no event of default has occurred. All monies held by the indenture trustee are classified as restricted cash on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Payment and performance bonds relate primarily to collateral requirements for tower construction currently in process by the Company. Cash is pledged as collateral related to surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary course of business and primarily relates to the Company’s tower removal obligations. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $40.0 million in surety bonds and payment and performance bonds for which it was only required to post $2.7 million in collateral. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $42.0 million in surety, payment and performance bonds for which it was only required to post $6.1 million in collateral. The Company periodically evaluates the collateral posted for its bonds to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had also pledged $2.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, as collateral related to its workers compensation policy.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	4.OTHER ASSETS
	The Company’s other assets are comprised of the following:
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
			(in thousands)
	Restricted cash	$	5,934	$	8,991
	Long-term investments		52,716		52,801
	Prepaid land rent		129,319		119,047
	Straight-line rent receivable		218,435		179,292
	Other		50,717		40,721
	Total other assets	$	457,121	$	400,852

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	5.ACQUISITIONS
	The Company acquired 94 communication sites and related assets and liabilities and the rights to manage 4 additional communication sites during the three months ended September 30, 2014. These acquisitions were not significant to the Company and, accordingly, a preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has not been presented. The Company evaluates all acquisitions after the applicable closing date of each transaction to determine whether any additional adjustments are needed to the allocation of the purchase price paid for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by major balance sheet caption, as well as the separate recognition of intangible assets from goodwill if certain criteria are met.
	The following table summarizes all of the Company’s cash acquisition capital expenditures:
			For the three months				For the nine months
			ended September 30,				ended September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Towers and related intangible assets		$	71,688	$	80,326	$	1,019,733	$	311,191
	Ground lease buyouts (1)			9,586		11,320		29,015		35,864
	Total cash acquisition capital expenditures		$	81,274	$	91,646	$	1,048,748	$	347,055
		-1		In addition, the Company paid $2.7 million and $2.8 million for ground lease extensions and term easements during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.8 million and $7.6 million for ground lease extensions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Subsequent to September 30, 2014, the Company acquired 52 communication sites and related assets and liabilities for $40.6 million in cash.
	Foreign Currency Forward Contract
	On September 29, 2014, the Company executed put and call option contracts settling on November 25, 2014 which create a “costless collar” based on the cost to purchase $1.17 billion Brazilian Reals with US Dollars. The options are intended to limit exposure to movements in the related exchange rates and were entered into in contemplation of the purchase of the Oi S.A. acquisition that is anticipated to close December 1, 2014. These options create a floor price for the purchase of Brazilian Reals of 2.4 and a ceiling price of 2.5665. These contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting and, as such, any gains and losses would be reflected within Other Income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of September 30, 2014, there was no gain or loss recognized in connection with these contracts.

Intangible_Assets_Net

Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets, Net	'
	6.INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	The following table provides the gross and net carrying amounts for each major class of intangible assets:
		As of September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net book		Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net book
		amount		amortization		value		amount		amortization		value
		(in thousands)
	Current contract intangibles	$	3,800,298	$	-830,888	$	2,969,410	$	3,154,616	$	-649,861	$	2,504,755
	Network location intangibles		1,331,398		-390,053		941,345		1,209,142		-326,699		882,443
	Intangible assets, net	$	5,131,696	$	-1,220,941	$	3,910,755	$	4,363,758	$	-976,560	$	3,387,198
	All intangible assets noted above are included in the Company’s site leasing segments. The Company amortizes its intangible assets using the straight-line method over an estimated economic life of 15 years. Amortization expense relating to the intangible assets was $86.2 million and $68.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $250.5 million and $201.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts are subject to changes in estimates resulting from purchase price adjustments.

Property_And_Equipment_Net

Property And Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property And Equipment, Net	'
	7.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Property and equipment, net (including assets held under capital leases) consists of the following:
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Towers and related components	$	4,070,524	$	3,821,482
	Construction-in-process		37,867		24,275
	Furniture, equipment, and vehicles		50,686		40,274
	Land, buildings, and improvements		405,212		364,830
			4,564,289		4,250,861
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-1,876,462		-1,672,417
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,687,827	$	2,578,444
	Construction-in-process represents costs incurred related to towers that are under development and will be used in the Company’s operations. Depreciation expense was $73.0 million and $65.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $213.7 million and $198.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, non-cash capital expenditures that are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were $19.3 million and $11.4 million, respectively.

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]	'
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	'
	8.COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS
	Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	121,782	$	94,145
	Estimated earnings		53,720		32,547
	Billings to date		-153,216		-108,070
		$	22,286	$	18,622
	These amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions:
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
	billings on uncompleted contracts	$	29,105	$	27,864
	Other current liabilities (Billings in excess of costs and
	estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts)		-6,819		-9,242
		$	22,286	$	18,622
	Eight significant customers comprised 87.8% and 89.6% of the costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk

Concentration Of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Concentration Of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	9.CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
	The Company’s credit risks consist primarily of accounts receivable with national, regional, and local wireless service providers and federal and state government agencies. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and provides allowances for doubtful accounts, as required, based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information. The Company generally does not require collateral on its lease agreements or site development contracts.
	The following is a list of significant customers (representing at least 10% of segment revenues for the periods reported) and the percentage of total segment revenues for the specified time periods derived from such customers.
		For the three months		For the nine months
		ended September 30,		ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Percentage of Domestic Site Leasing Revenue
	AT&T Wireless (1)	31.10%	27.20%	29.70%	25.80%
	Sprint (2)	25.10%	30.80%	26.20%	30.40%
	T-Mobile (3)	19.10%	18.10%	19.40%	17.90%
	Verizon Wireless	14.20%	13.70%	14.00%	13.10%
		For the three months		For the nine months
		ended September 30,		ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Percentage of International Site Leasing Revenue
	Oi	46.20%	1.30%	43.10%	1.20%
	Telefonica	27.20%	49.30%	30.20%	52.00%
	Digicel	4.50%	11.80%	5.00%	12.00%
		For the three months		For the nine months
		ended September 30,		ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Percentage of Site Development Revenue
	Sprint (2)	46.10%	1.80%	32.20%	0.90%
	Ericsson, Inc.	16.10%	32.20%	17.20%	38.10%
	Verizon Wireless	10.00%	4.90%	9.80%	4.30%
	T-Mobile (3)	7.40%	10.50%	8.90%	7.90%
	Alcatel-Lucent	0.70%	8.10%	2.50%	10.10%
	(1)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of AT&T Wireless and Cricket.
	(2)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of Sprint and Clearwire.
	(3)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Metro PCS.
	Five significant customers comprised 54.2% and 51.5% of total gross accounts receivable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	10.ACCRUED EXPENSES
	The Company’s accrued expenses are comprised of the following:
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Accrued earnouts	$	23,136	$	30,063
	Salaries and benefits		12,340		11,351
	Real estate and property taxes		9,224		9,814
	Other		33,943		34,903
		$	78,643	$	86,131

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	11.     DEBT
	The carrying and principal values of debt consist of the following (in thousands):
		Maturity		As of						As of
		Date		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
				Principal Balance			Carrying Value			Principal Balance			Carrying Value
	4.000% Convertible Senior Notes	Oct. 1, 2014		$	367,068		$	367,068		$	499,944		$	468,394
	8.250% Senior Notes	Aug. 15, 2019			—			—			243,750			242,387
	5.625% Senior Notes	Oct. 1, 2019			500,000			500,000			500,000			500,000
	5.750% Senior Notes	15-Jul-20			800,000			800,000			800,000			800,000
	4.875% Senior Notes	15-Jul-22			750,000			743,992			—			—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities	15-Apr-15			680,000			680,000			680,000			680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities	17-Apr-17			550,000			550,000			550,000			550,000
	2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities	Dec. 15, 2017			610,000			610,000			610,000			610,000
	2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities	16-Apr-18			425,000			425,000			425,000			425,000
	3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities	17-Apr-23			575,000			575,000			575,000			575,000
	3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities	16-Apr-18			330,000			330,000			330,000			330,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	9-May-17			300,000			300,000			215,000			215,000
	2011 Term Loan	30-Jun-18			—			—			180,529			180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan	9-May-17			176,250			176,250			185,000			185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan	Sept. 28, 2019			—			—			109,971			109,745
	2014 Term Loan	Mar. 24, 2021			1,496,250			1,492,778			—			—
	BNDES Loans	various			—			—			5,847			5,847
	Total debt			$	7,559,568		$	7,550,088		$	5,910,041		$	5,876,607
	Less: current maturities of long-term debt							-1,078,318						-481,886
	Total long-term debt, net of current maturities						$	6,471,770					$	5,394,721
	The table below reflects cash and non-cash interest expense amounts recognized by debt instrument for the periods presented:
		For the three months ended September 30,												For the nine months ended September 30,
		2014						2013						2014				2013
		Cash			Non-cash			Cash			Non-cash			Cash		Non-cash		Cash		Non-cash
		Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest		Interest		Interest		Interest
		(in thousands)
	1.875% Convertible Senior Notes	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	2,670	$	10,434
	4.0% Convertible Senior Notes		3,675			7,934			4,999			9,570			12,520		26,266		14,999		28,446
	8.25% Senior Notes		2,458			24			5,027			46			12,513		121		15,082		135
	5.625% Senior Notes		7,031			—			7,031			—			21,094		—		21,094		—
	5.75% Senior Notes		11,500			—			11,500			—			34,500		—		34,500		—
	4.875% Senior Notes		9,141			157			—			—			9,141		157		—		—
	2010 Secured Tower Rev Securities		14,346			—			14,349			—			43,036		—		43,037		—
	2012 Secured Tower Rev Securities		4,521			—			4,521			—			13,564		—		13,564		—
	2013 Secured Tower Rev Securities		10,804			—			10,804			—			32,413		—		19,588		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		1,007			—			856			—			3,279		—		3,338		—
	2011 Term Loan		—			—			1,730			16			696		7		8,802		85
	2012-1 Term Loan		1,222			—			1,123			—			3,336		—		3,516		—
	2012-2 Term Loan		—			—			1,054			10			424		4		5,362		51
	2014 Term Loan		12,458			121			—			—			28,911		277		—		—
	Other		7			—			-7			—			268		—		17		—
	Total	$	78,170		$	8,236		$	62,987		$	9,642		$	215,695	$	26,832	$	185,569	$	39,151
	Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit Agreement
	The Revolving Credit Facility is governed by the Senior Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2014, the Revolving Credit Facility consisted of a revolving loan under which up to $770.0 million aggregate principal amount may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, subject to compliance with specific financial ratios and the satisfaction of other customary conditions to borrowing. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility accrue interest at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranges from 187.5 basis points to 237.5 basis points or at a Base Rate plus a margin that ranges from 87.5 basis points to 137.5 basis points, in each case based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA, calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement. If not earlier terminated by SBA Senior Finance II LLC (“SBA Senior Finance II”), a subsidiary of the Company, the Revolving Credit Facility will terminate on, and SBA Senior Finance II will repay all amounts outstanding on or before, May 9, 2017. The proceeds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes. A per annum commitment fee of 0.375% to 0.5% of the unused commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility is charged based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA (calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement). SBA Senior Finance II may, from time to time, borrow from and repay the Revolving Credit Facility. Consequently, the amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at the end of a period may not be reflective of the total amounts outstanding during such period. As of September 30, 2014, the Revolving Credit Facility was accruing interest at 2.535% per annum.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company borrowed $300.0 million and $575.0 million, respectively, under the Revolving Credit Facility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repaid $100.0 million and $490.0 million, respectively, of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2014,  $300.0 million was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Subsequent to September 30, 2014, the Company repaid the remaining $300.0 million outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility with proceeds from the issuance of the 2014 Tower Securities (defined below). As of the date of this filing, no amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, and the amount available based on specified covenants under the facility was $770.0 million.
	On February 7, 2014, SBA Senior Finance II entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended and restated, the “Senior Credit Agreement”) with several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Senior Credit Agreement to, among other things, obtain a $1.5 billion senior secured term loan (the “2014 Term Loan”) and to amend certain terms of the existing senior credit agreement. In addition to providing for the 2014 Term Loan, the Senior Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, amend the terms of certain events of default, modify certain negative covenants and remove the parent financial maintenance leverage covenant to reflect the increased size of SBA Senior Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries.  All other material terms of the Senior Credit Agreement, as it existed prior to February 7, 2014, remained unchanged.
	Term Loans under the Senior Credit Agreement
	2011 Term Loan
	On February 7, 2014, the Company repaid the remaining $180.5 million outstanding principal balance of the 2011 Term Loan. In connection with the prepayment, the Company expensed $1.1 million of net deferred financing fees and $0.3 million of discount related to the debt.
	2012-1 Term Loan
	The 2012-1 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million that matures on May 9, 2017. The 2012-1 Term Loan accrues interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus a margin that ranges from 100 to 150 basis points or the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranges from 200 to 250 basis points, in each case based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA (calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement). As of September 30, 2014, the 2012-1 Term Loan was accruing interest at 2.66% per annum. Principal payments on the 2012-1 Term Loan commenced on September 30, 2012 and are being made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December, in an amount equal to $2.5 million for each of the first eight quarters, $3.75 million for the next four quarters and $5.0 million for each quarter thereafter. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2012-1 Term Loan without premium or penalty. To the extent not previously repaid, the 2012-1 Term Loan will be due and payable on the maturity date. The 2012-1 Term Loan was issued at par. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $2.7 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repaid $3.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively, of principal on the 2012-1 Term Loan. As of September 30, 2014, the 2012-1 Term Loan had a principal balance of $176.3 million.
	2012-2 Term Loan
	On February 7, 2014, the Company repaid the entire $110.0 million outstanding principal balance of the 2012-2 Term Loan. In connection with the prepayment, the Company expensed $1.0 million of net deferred financing fees and $0.2 million of discount related to the debt.
	2014 Term Loan
	The 2014 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion that matures on March 24, 2021. The 2014 Term Loan accrues interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 150 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 1.75%) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75%). The 2014 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. As of September 30, 2014, the 2014 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.25% per annum. Principal payments on the 2014 Term Loan commenced on September 30, 2014 and will be made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $3.75 million. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2014 Term Loan. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $12.9 million to date in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.
	Net proceeds from the 2014 Term Loan were used (1) to repay in full the remaining $180.5 million balance of the 2011 Term Loan, (2) to repay in full the remaining $110.0 million balance of the 2012-2 Term Loan, (3) to repay the $390.0 million outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility, (4) to pay the cash consideration in connection with SBA’s acquisition of towers from Oi S.A. in Brazil, and (5) for general corporate purposes.
	Secured Tower Revenue Securities
2010 Tower Securities
On April 16, 2010, the Company, through a New York common law trust (the “Trust”), issued $680.0 million of 2010-1 Tower Securities and $550.0 million of 2010-2 Tower Securities (together the “2010 Tower Securities”). The 2010-1 Tower Securities have an annual interest rate of 4.254% and the 2010-2 Tower Securities have an annual interest rate of 5.101%. The weighted average annual fixed interest rate of the 2010 Tower Securities is 4.7%, including borrowers’ fees, payable monthly. The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2010–1 Tower Securities was  April 15, 2015 and April 16, 2040, respectively. The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2010–2 Tower Securities is April 17, 2017 and April 15, 2042, respectively. The sole asset of the Trust consists of a non-recourse mortgage loan made in favor of those SBA entities that are borrowers on the mortgage loan (the “Borrowers”). The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $18.0 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2010 Tower Securities.
On October 15, 2014, the Company repaid in full the 2010-1 Tower Securities with proceeds from the 2014 Tower Securities (defined below). In connection with the prepayment, the Company expensed $1.1 million of net deferred financing fees.
2012-1 Tower Securities
On August 9, 2012, the Company, through the Trust, issued $610.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2012-1 (the “2012-1 Tower Securities”) which have an anticipated repayment date and a final maturity date of December 15, 2017 and December 15, 2042, respectively. The fixed interest rate of the 2012-1 Tower Securities is 2.933% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $14.9 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2012-1 Tower Securities.
2013 Tower Securities
On April 18, 2013, the Company, through the Trust, issued $425.0 million of 2.240% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1C which have an anticipated repayment date and a final maturity date of April 16, 2018 and April 15, 2043, respectively,  $575.0 million of 3.722% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C which have an anticipated repayment date and a final maturity date of April 17, 2023 and April 15, 2048, respectively, and $330.0 million of 3.598% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D which have an anticipated repayment date and a final maturity date of April 16, 2018 and April 15, 2043, respectively (collectively the “2013 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.33 billion of 2013 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.218% and an initial weighted average life through the anticipated repayment date of 7.2 years. The Company incurred an aggregate of deferred financing fees of $25.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2013 Tower Securities.
2014 Tower Securities
On October 15, 2014, the Company, through the Trust, issued $920.0 million of 2.898% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-1C which have an anticipated repayment date and a final maturity date of October 15, 2019 and October 17, 2044, respectively, and $620.0 million of 3.869% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C which have an anticipated repayment date and a final maturity date of October 15, 2024 and October 15, 2049, respectively, (collectively the “2014 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.54 billion of 2014 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.289% and a weighted average life through the anticipated repayment date of 7.0 years. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay in full $680 million of Series 2010-1 securities and to repay the $300 million outstanding balance under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility which had been drawn in order to partially repay the 4.0% Notes. The remaining net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees in the aggregate of $20.9 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2014 Tower Securities.
As of September 30, 2014, the Borrowers met the debt service coverage ratio required by the mortgage loan agreement and were in compliance with all other covenants as set forth in the agreement.
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
On April 24, 2009, the Company issued $500.0 million of its 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes (the “4.0% Notes”) in a private placement transaction. Interest was payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 and the notes matured on October 1, 2014. The 4.0% Notes were convertible, at the holder’s option, into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, at an initial conversion rate of 32.9164 shares of its Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 4.0% Notes (subject to certain customary adjustments), which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.38 per share or a 22.5% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price of $24.80 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on April 20, 2009, the purchase agreement date.
Concurrently with the pricing of the 4.0% Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions with affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers of the convertible notes. The initial strike price of the convertible note hedge transactions relating to the 4.0% Notes is $30.38 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock (the same as the initial conversion price of the 4.0% Notes) and the upper strike price of the warrant transactions is $44.64 per share.
At the time of the issuance of the 4.0% Notes, the Company elected to settle its conversion obligations in stock. Effective March 17, 2014, the Company elected to settle the principal amount of any conversions in cash and any additional conversion consideration at the conversion rate then applicable in shares of its Class A common stock. Concurrently with the settlement of any 4.0% Notes converted, the Company settled the associated convertible note hedges and received an equal number of shares to those issued to the noteholders.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, holders of the 4.0% Notes converted $11.3 million and $132.9 million, respectively, in principal amount of 4.0% Notes. The Company settled its conversion obligation through the payment of the principal amount in cash and the issuance of 0.3 million and 3.0 million shares of its Class A common stock during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Concurrently with these conversions, the related convertible note hedges were settled, and the Company received 0.4 million (of which 0.1 million related to notices received during the second quarter of 2014) and 3.0 million shares of its Class A common stock during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As a result, the Company’s outstanding share count was not impacted by the conversion of these notes.
During the final settlement period, the Company received conversion notices totaling $367 million in principal of the 4.0% Notes and settled these on October 1, 2014 for $367 million in cash and 8.7 million shares of Class A common stock. Concurrently with the settlement of the Company’s conversion obligation, the Company settled the convertible note hedges that the Company had purchased at the time the 4.0% Notes were issued, receiving 8.7 million shares of its Class A common stock. As a result, SBA’s outstanding share count was not impacted by the conversion of these notes. The remaining $38,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.0% Notes that was not converted matured on October 1, 2014 and was settled in cash at principal plus accrued interest.
During the three months ended September 30, 2014,  the Company paid $326.6 million to early settle approximately 32% of the outstanding warrants sold in connection with the issuance of the 4.0% Notes, representing approximately 5.3 million underlying shares of Class A common stock, originally scheduled to mature in the first quarter of 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014,  the Company paid $602.8 million to early settle approximately 62% of the original warrants sold in connection with the issuance of the 4.0% Notes, representing approximately 10.2 million underlying shares of Class A common stock, originally scheduled to mature in the first quarter of 2015. Subsequent to September 30, 2014, the Company early settled approximately 7% of the original total outstanding warrants for $74.3 million, representing approximately 1.2 million underlying shares, originally scheduled to mature in the first quarter of 2015. As of the date of this filing, the Company has approximately 31% of the original warrants still outstanding representing approximately 5.1 million underlying shares,  which are currently scheduled to mature in the first quarter of 2015.
Senior Notes
8.25% Senior Notes
On July 24, 2009, SBA Telecommunications LLC (“Telecommunications”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, issued $375.0 million of unsecured senior notes due August 15, 2019 (the “8.25% Notes”).
On April 13, 2012, the Company used the proceeds of an equity offering to redeem $131.3 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.25% Notes and to pay $10.8 million as a premium on the redemption of the 8.25% Notes. The Company expensed $0.9 million and $2.4 million of debt discount and deferred financing fees, respectively, related to the redemption of the 8.25% Notes.
On August 15, 2014, the Company used proceeds from the 4.875% Notes (defined below) to redeem the remaining $243.8 million principal balance and to pay $10.1 million as a premium on redemption of the 8.25% Notes.  The Company expensed $1.2 million and $3.3 million of debt discount and deferred financing fees, respectively, related to the redemption of the 8.25% Notes.
5.75% Senior Notes
On July 13, 2012, Telecommunications issued $800.0 million of unsecured senior notes due July 15, 2020 (the “5.75% Notes”). The 5.75% Notes accrue interest at a rate of 5.75% and were issued at par. Interest on the 5.75% Notes is due semi-annually on July 15 and January 15 of each year beginning on January 15, 2013. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $14.0 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.
5.625% Senior Notes
On September 28, 2012, the Company issued $500.0 million of unsecured senior notes due October 1, 2019 (the “5.625% Notes”). The 5.625% Notes accrue interest at a rate of 5.625% per annum and were issued at par. Interest on the 5.625% Notes is due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year beginning on April 1, 2013. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $8.6 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date.
4.875% Senior Notes
On July 1, 2014, the Company issued $750.0 million of unsecured senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “4.875% Notes”). The 4.875% Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 4.875% Notes is due semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year beginning January 15, 2015. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $11.4 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. Net proceeds from the 4.875% Notes were used to (i) redeem all of the 8.25% Notes due 2019 including the associated call premium for $253.0 million and (ii) pay the conversion obligations with respect to approximately $121.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.0% Notes. All remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
BNDES Loans
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had borrowings of $0.4 million and repayments of $6.3 million under the BNDES Loans.  The BNDES Loans were repaid in full in April 2014.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	12.SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common Stock equivalents
	The Company has potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options (see Note 13), restricted stock units, and the warrants related to the 4.0% Notes (see Note 11). These potential common stock equivalents were not included in diluted loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Accordingly, basic and diluted loss per common share and the weighted average number of shares used in the computation are the same for each period presented.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company had potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options and restricted stock units and the 1.875% Notes and 4.0% Notes. These potential common stock equivalents were considered in the Company’s diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation (see Note 16).
	Stock Repurchases
	The Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program on April 27, 2011. This program authorizes the Company to purchase, from time to time, up to $300.0 million of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. This program became effective on April 28, 2011 and will continue until otherwise modified or terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors at any time in the Company’s sole discretion.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares in conjunction with the stock repurchase program. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had a remaining authorization to repurchase an additional $150.0 million of its common stock under its current $300.0 million stock repurchase program.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	13.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock Options
	The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company uses a combination of historical data and historical volatility to establish the expected volatility. Historical data is used to estimate the expected option life and the expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:
					For the nine months ended
					September 30,
					2014		2013
	Risk free interest rate				1.15% - 1.37%		0.51% - 1.38%
	Dividend yield				0.00%		0.00%
	Expected volatility				22.00%		25.0% - 29.0%
	Expected lives				4.4 years		3.9 - 4.8 years
	The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as follows (dollars and number of shares in thousands, except for per share data):
						Weighted-
			Weighted-			Average
			Average			Remaining
		Number	Exercise Price			Contractual	Aggregate
		of Shares	Per Share			Life (in years)	Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,979	$	48.30
	Granted	1,121	$	95.51
	Exercised	-743	$	36.20
	Canceled	-29	$	77.89
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	3,328	$	66.64		4.9	$	147,296
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	1,082	$	41.08		3.2	$	75,516
	Unvested at September 30, 2014	2,246	$	78.95		5.7	$	71,780
	The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $19.49 and $17.20, respectively. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $46.5 million and $30.7 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
							Weighted-
							Average
							Grant Date
						Number of	Fair Value per
						Units	Share
						(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013					305	$	55.60
	Granted					118	$	95.55
	Vested					-121	$	50.14
	Forfeited/canceled					-3	$	74.31
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014					299	$	73.42

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	14.INCOME TAXES
	The Company had U.S. taxable losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and, as a result, federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards were generated. The U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of the Company have a full valuation allowance as management believes that the Company will not generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the losses. A foreign tax provision is recognized because certain international subsidiaries of the Company have profitable operations or a net deferred tax liability position.

Segment_Data

Segment Data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Data [Abstract]	'
Segment Data	'
	15.SEGMENT DATA
	The Company operates principally in two business segments: site leasing and site development. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately based on the fundamental differences in their operations. The site leasing segment includes results of the managed and sublease businesses. The site development segment includes the results of both consulting and construction related activities.
	Commencing in the second quarter of 2014, the Company expanded the presentation of its site leasing business into two reportable segments, domestic site leasing and international site leasing as a result of its international site leasing revenues exceeding 10% of total revenues. All prior periods have been recast to conform to the current year presentation.
	Revenues, cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion and amortization), capital expenditures (including assets acquired through the issuance of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock) and identifiable assets pertaining to the segments in which the Company continues to operate are presented below:
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	293,775	$	55,235	$	44,283	$	—	$	393,293
	Cost of revenues (2)		63,108		14,818		33,950		—		111,876
	Operating profit		230,667		40,417		10,333		—		281,417
	Selling, general, and administrative		16,908		4,413		3,046		2,222		26,589
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		5,536		456		—		—		5,992
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		2,242		-2,300		—		—		-58
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		129,227		28,792		660		731		159,410
	Operating income (loss)		76,754		9,056		6,627		-2,953		89,484
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-105,126		-105,126
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-15,642
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		113,561		17,514		2,151		7,587		140,813
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	267,540	$	19,943	$	44,611	$	—	$	332,094
	Cost of revenues (2)		61,259		6,783		35,253		—		103,295
	Operating profit		206,281		13,160		9,358		—		228,799
	Selling, general, and administrative		15,321		2,500		1,942		2,064		21,827
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		5,678		512		—		—		6,190
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		1,838		1,761		—		—		3,599
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		121,766		10,308		731		476		133,281
	Operating income (loss)		61,678		-1,921		6,685		-2,540		63,902
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-42,164		-42,164
	Income before provision for income taxes										21,738
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		63,401		58,343		3,151		471		125,366
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	854,003	$	144,778	$	123,481	$	—	$	1,122,262
	Cost of revenues (2)		185,637		37,412		93,432		—		316,481
	Operating profit		668,366		107,366		30,049		—		805,781
	Selling, general, and administrative		49,665		12,518		7,047		7,477		76,707
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		12,263		1,291		—		—		13,554
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		8,878		1,850		—		—		10,728
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		385,605		75,160		1,788		2,305		464,858
	Operating income (loss)		211,955		16,547		21,214		-9,782		239,934
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-259,909		-259,909
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-19,975
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		451,384		712,920		5,923		11,158		1,181,385
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
		(in thousands)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	781,366	$	59,122	$	128,982	$	—	$	969,470
	Cost of revenues (2)		183,869		20,058		103,788		—		307,715
	Operating profit (loss)		597,497		39,064		25,194		—		661,755
	Selling, general, and administrative		44,088		6,765		5,817		7,095		63,765
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		14,860		1,545		—		—		16,405
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		2,833		8,545		—		—		11,378
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		365,798		31,026		1,762		1,420		400,006
	Operating income (loss)		169,918		-8,817		17,615		-8,515		170,201
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-205,507		-205,507
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-35,306
Cash capital expenditures (3)		177,835		266,845		5,798		1,189		451,667
Assets
As of September 30, 2014	$	5,559,854	$	1,623,467	$	68,167	$	557,504	$	7,808,992
As of December 31, 2013		5,427,969		1,040,401		76,214		238,604		6,783,188
(1)Assets not identified by segment consist primarily of general corporate assets.
(2)Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.
(3)Includes cash paid for capital expenditures and acquisitions and vehicle capital lease additions.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	16.EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share was computed by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings per share was calculated by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and any dilutive Common Stock equivalents, including unvested restricted stock and shares issuable upon exercise of stock options as determined under the “If-Converted” method and also Common Stock warrants as determined under the “Treasury Stock” method.
	The following table sets forth basic and diluted income from continuing operations per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
		For the three months				For the nine months
		ended September 30,				ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income	$	-16,624	$	21,531	$	-24,685	$	-36,747
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		129,046		127,885		128,854		127,555
	Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares		—		1,195		—		—
	Dilutive impact of common stock warrants		—		7,832		—		—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		129,046		136,912		128,854		127,555
	Earnings (loss) per share attributable to continuing operations:
	Basic	$	-0.13	$	0.17	$	-0.19	$	-0.29
	Diluted	$	-0.13	$	0.16	$	-0.19	$	-0.29

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Accrued Earnout Activity	'
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	30,063	$	9,840
	Additions		10,384		19,342
	Payments		-16,346		-1,310
	Expirations		-573		-1,863
	Change in estimate		-946		-105
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		554		61
	Ending balance, September 30,	$	23,136	$	25,965
Summary Of Fair Values, Principal Balances, And Carrying Values Of Company's Debt Instruments	'
		As of September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Fair Value		Principal Balance		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Principal Balance		Carrying Value
		(in thousands)
	4.000% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014	$	1,325,115	$	367,068	$	367,068	$	1,479,859	$	499,944	$	468,394
	8.250% Senior Notes due 2019		—		—		—		262,031		243,750		242,387
	5.625% Senior Notes due 2019		507,500		500,000		500,000		514,375		500,000		500,000
	5.750% Senior Notes due 2020		814,000		800,000		800,000		832,000		800,000		800,000
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2022		729,375		750,000		743,992		—		—		—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities		680,503		680,000		680,000		689,717		680,000		680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities		573,392		550,000		550,000		586,586		550,000		550,000
	2.933% 2012-1Tower Securities		616,747		610,000		610,000		604,736		610,000		610,000
	2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities		419,598		425,000		425,000		408,442		425,000		425,000
	3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities		570,751		575,000		575,000		530,098		575,000		575,000
	3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities		330,759		330,000		330,000		318,856		330,000		330,000
	Revolving Credit Facility		300,000		300,000		300,000		215,000		215,000		215,000
	2011 Term Loan		—		—		—		180,980		180,529		180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan		175,809		176,250		176,250		184,538		185,000		185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan		—		—		—		110,383		109,971		109,745
	2014 Term Loan		1,458,844		1,496,250		1,492,778		—		—		—
	BNDES Loans		—		—		—		5,847		5,847		5,847
	Totals	$	8,502,393	$	7,559,568	$	7,550,088	$	6,923,448	$	5,910,041	$	5,876,607

Restricted_Cash_Tables

Restricted Cash (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted Cash [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Restricted Cash	'
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13		Included on Balance Sheet
			(in thousands)
	Securitization escrow accounts	$	45,871	$	46,364	Restricted cash - current asset
	Payment and performance bonds		400		941	Restricted cash - current asset
	Surety bonds and workers compensation		5,934		8,991	Other assets - noncurrent
	Total restricted cash	$	52,205	$	56,296

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Other Assets	'
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
			(in thousands)
	Restricted cash	$	5,934	$	8,991
	Long-term investments		52,716		52,801
	Prepaid land rent		129,319		119,047
	Straight-line rent receivable		218,435		179,292
	Other		50,717		40,721
	Total other assets	$	457,121	$	400,852

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures	'
			For the three months				For the nine months
			ended September 30,				ended September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Towers and related intangible assets		$	71,688	$	80,326	$	1,019,733	$	311,191
	Ground lease buyouts (1)			9,586		11,320		29,015		35,864
	Total cash acquisition capital expenditures		$	81,274	$	91,646	$	1,048,748	$	347,055
		-1		In addition, the Company paid $2.7 million and $2.8 million for ground lease extensions and term easements during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.8 million and $7.6 million for ground lease extensions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Intangible_Assets_Net_Tables

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'
Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets	'
		As of September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net book		Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net book
		amount		amortization		value		amount		amortization		value
		(in thousands)
	Current contract intangibles	$	3,800,298	$	-830,888	$	2,969,410	$	3,154,616	$	-649,861	$	2,504,755
	Network location intangibles		1,331,398		-390,053		941,345		1,209,142		-326,699		882,443
	Intangible assets, net	$	5,131,696	$	-1,220,941	$	3,910,755	$	4,363,758	$	-976,560	$	3,387,198

Property_And_Equipment_Net_Tab

Property And Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)	'
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Towers and related components	$	4,070,524	$	3,821,482
	Construction-in-process		37,867		24,275
	Furniture, equipment, and vehicles		50,686		40,274
	Land, buildings, and improvements		405,212		364,830
			4,564,289		4,250,861
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-1,876,462		-1,672,417
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,687,827	$	2,578,444

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O1

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	'
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	121,782	$	94,145
	Estimated earnings		53,720		32,547
	Billings to date		-153,216		-108,070
		$	22,286	$	18,622
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
	billings on uncompleted contracts	$	29,105	$	27,864
	Other current liabilities (Billings in excess of costs and
	estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts)		-6,819		-9,242
		$	22,286	$	18,622

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk_T

Concentration Of Credit Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Concentration Of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Customers And Percentage Of Total Revenue For Specified Time Periods Derived From Such Customers	'
		For the three months		For the nine months
		ended September 30,		ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Percentage of Domestic Site Leasing Revenue
	AT&T Wireless (1)	31.10%	27.20%	29.70%	25.80%
	Sprint (2)	25.10%	30.80%	26.20%	30.40%
	T-Mobile (3)	19.10%	18.10%	19.40%	17.90%
	Verizon Wireless	14.20%	13.70%	14.00%	13.10%
		For the three months		For the nine months
		ended September 30,		ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Percentage of International Site Leasing Revenue
	Oi	46.20%	1.30%	43.10%	1.20%
	Telefonica	27.20%	49.30%	30.20%	52.00%
	Digicel	4.50%	11.80%	5.00%	12.00%
		For the three months		For the nine months
		ended September 30,		ended September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Percentage of Site Development Revenue
	Sprint (2)	46.10%	1.80%	32.20%	0.90%
	Ericsson, Inc.	16.10%	32.20%	17.20%	38.10%
	Verizon Wireless	10.00%	4.90%	9.80%	4.30%
	T-Mobile (3)	7.40%	10.50%	8.90%	7.90%
	Alcatel-Lucent	0.70%	8.10%	2.50%	10.10%
	(1)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of AT&T Wireless and Cricket.
	(2)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of Sprint and Clearwire.
	(3)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Metro PCS.

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses	'
		As of		As of
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Accrued earnouts	$	23,136	$	30,063
	Salaries and benefits		12,340		11,351
	Real estate and property taxes		9,224		9,814
	Other		33,943		34,903
		$	78,643	$	86,131

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt	'
		Maturity		As of						As of
		Date		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
				Principal Balance			Carrying Value			Principal Balance			Carrying Value
	4.000% Convertible Senior Notes	Oct. 1, 2014		$	367,068		$	367,068		$	499,944		$	468,394
	8.250% Senior Notes	Aug. 15, 2019			—			—			243,750			242,387
	5.625% Senior Notes	Oct. 1, 2019			500,000			500,000			500,000			500,000
	5.750% Senior Notes	15-Jul-20			800,000			800,000			800,000			800,000
	4.875% Senior Notes	15-Jul-22			750,000			743,992			—			—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities	15-Apr-15			680,000			680,000			680,000			680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities	17-Apr-17			550,000			550,000			550,000			550,000
	2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities	Dec. 15, 2017			610,000			610,000			610,000			610,000
	2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities	16-Apr-18			425,000			425,000			425,000			425,000
	3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities	17-Apr-23			575,000			575,000			575,000			575,000
	3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities	16-Apr-18			330,000			330,000			330,000			330,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	9-May-17			300,000			300,000			215,000			215,000
	2011 Term Loan	30-Jun-18			—			—			180,529			180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan	9-May-17			176,250			176,250			185,000			185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan	Sept. 28, 2019			—			—			109,971			109,745
	2014 Term Loan	Mar. 24, 2021			1,496,250			1,492,778			—			—
	BNDES Loans	various			—			—			5,847			5,847
	Total debt			$	7,559,568		$	7,550,088		$	5,910,041		$	5,876,607
	Less: current maturities of long-term debt							-1,078,318						-481,886
	Total long-term debt, net of current maturities						$	6,471,770					$	5,394,721
Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense	'
		For the three months ended September 30,												For the nine months ended September 30,
		2014						2013						2014				2013
		Cash			Non-cash			Cash			Non-cash			Cash		Non-cash		Cash		Non-cash
		Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest		Interest		Interest		Interest
		(in thousands)
	1.875% Convertible Senior Notes	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	2,670	$	10,434
	4.0% Convertible Senior Notes		3,675			7,934			4,999			9,570			12,520		26,266		14,999		28,446
	8.25% Senior Notes		2,458			24			5,027			46			12,513		121		15,082		135
	5.625% Senior Notes		7,031			—			7,031			—			21,094		—		21,094		—
	5.75% Senior Notes		11,500			—			11,500			—			34,500		—		34,500		—
	4.875% Senior Notes		9,141			157			—			—			9,141		157		—		—
	2010 Secured Tower Rev Securities		14,346			—			14,349			—			43,036		—		43,037		—
	2012 Secured Tower Rev Securities		4,521			—			4,521			—			13,564		—		13,564		—
	2013 Secured Tower Rev Securities		10,804			—			10,804			—			32,413		—		19,588		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		1,007			—			856			—			3,279		—		3,338		—
	2011 Term Loan		—			—			1,730			16			696		7		8,802		85
	2012-1 Term Loan		1,222			—			1,123			—			3,336		—		3,516		—
	2012-2 Term Loan		—			—			1,054			10			424		4		5,362		51
	2014 Term Loan		12,458			121			—			—			28,911		277		—		—
	Other		7			—			-7			—			268		—		17		—
	Total	$	78,170		$	8,236		$	62,987		$	9,642		$	215,695	$	26,832	$	185,569	$	39,151

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options	'
					For the nine months ended
					September 30,
					2014		2013
	Risk free interest rate				1.15% - 1.37%		0.51% - 1.38%
	Dividend yield				0.00%		0.00%
	Expected volatility				22.00%		25.0% - 29.0%
	Expected lives				4.4 years		3.9 - 4.8 years
Company's Activities With Respect To Its Stock Options	'
						Weighted-
			Weighted-			Average
			Average			Remaining
		Number	Exercise Price			Contractual	Aggregate
		of Shares	Per Share			Life (in years)	Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,979	$	48.30
	Granted	1,121	$	95.51
	Exercised	-743	$	36.20
	Canceled	-29	$	77.89
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	3,328	$	66.64		4.9	$	147,296
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	1,082	$	41.08		3.2	$	75,516
	Unvested at September 30, 2014	2,246	$	78.95		5.7	$	71,780
Company's Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
							Weighted-
							Average
							Grant Date
						Number of	Fair Value per
						Units	Share
						(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013					305	$	55.60
	Granted					118	$	95.55
	Vested					-121	$	50.14
	Forfeited/canceled					-3	$	74.31
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014					299	$	73.42

Segment_Data_Tables

Segment Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Data [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Information Disclosure	'
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	293,775	$	55,235	$	44,283	$	—	$	393,293
	Cost of revenues (2)		63,108		14,818		33,950		—		111,876
	Operating profit		230,667		40,417		10,333		—		281,417
	Selling, general, and administrative		16,908		4,413		3,046		2,222		26,589
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		5,536		456		—		—		5,992
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		2,242		-2,300		—		—		-58
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		129,227		28,792		660		731		159,410
	Operating income (loss)		76,754		9,056		6,627		-2,953		89,484
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-105,126		-105,126
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-15,642
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		113,561		17,514		2,151		7,587		140,813
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	267,540	$	19,943	$	44,611	$	—	$	332,094
	Cost of revenues (2)		61,259		6,783		35,253		—		103,295
	Operating profit		206,281		13,160		9,358		—		228,799
	Selling, general, and administrative		15,321		2,500		1,942		2,064		21,827
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		5,678		512		—		—		6,190
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		1,838		1,761		—		—		3,599
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		121,766		10,308		731		476		133,281
	Operating income (loss)		61,678		-1,921		6,685		-2,540		63,902
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-42,164		-42,164
	Income before provision for income taxes										21,738
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		63,401		58,343		3,151		471		125,366
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	854,003	$	144,778	$	123,481	$	—	$	1,122,262
	Cost of revenues (2)		185,637		37,412		93,432		—		316,481
	Operating profit		668,366		107,366		30,049		—		805,781
	Selling, general, and administrative		49,665		12,518		7,047		7,477		76,707
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		12,263		1,291		—		—		13,554
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		8,878		1,850		—		—		10,728
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		385,605		75,160		1,788		2,305		464,858
	Operating income (loss)		211,955		16,547		21,214		-9,782		239,934
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-259,909		-259,909
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-19,975
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		451,384		712,920		5,923		11,158		1,181,385
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
		(in thousands)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	781,366	$	59,122	$	128,982	$	—	$	969,470
	Cost of revenues (2)		183,869		20,058		103,788		—		307,715
	Operating profit (loss)		597,497		39,064		25,194		—		661,755
	Selling, general, and administrative		44,088		6,765		5,817		7,095		63,765
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		14,860		1,545		—		—		16,405
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		2,833		8,545		—		—		11,378
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		365,798		31,026		1,762		1,420		400,006
	Operating income (loss)		169,918		-8,817		17,615		-8,515		170,201
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-205,507		-205,507
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-35,306
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		177,835		266,845		5,798		1,189		451,667
	Assets
	As of September 30, 2014	$	5,559,854	$	1,623,467	$	68,167	$	557,504	$	7,808,992
	As of December 31, 2013		5,427,969		1,040,401		76,214		238,604		6,783,188
(1)Assets not identified by segment consist primarily of general corporate assets.
(2)Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.
(3)Includes cash paid for capital expenditures and acquisitions and vehicle capital lease additions.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
		For the three months				For the nine months
		ended September 30,				ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income	$	-16,624	$	21,531	$	-24,685	$	-36,747
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		129,046		127,885		128,854		127,555
	Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares		—		1,195		—		—
	Dilutive impact of common stock warrants		—		7,832		—		—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		129,046		136,912		128,854		127,555
	Earnings (loss) per share attributable to continuing operations:
	Basic	$	-0.13	$	0.17	$	-0.19	$	-0.29
	Diluted	$	-0.13	$	0.16	$	-0.19	$	-0.29

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued earnouts	$23,136,000	$25,965,000	$23,136,000	$25,965,000	$30,063,000	$9,840,000
Performance targets, maximum potential obligation	35,700,000	'	35,700,000	'	'	'
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets	6,000,000	6,200,000	13,600,000	16,400,000	'	'
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	5,200,000	4,900,000	10,800,000	12,300,000	'	'
Certificate of deposits	5,300,000	'	5,300,000	'	5,200,000	'
Held-to-maturity investments, carrying value	1,200,000	'	1,200,000	'	1,100,000	'
Held-to-maturity investments, fair value	$1,300,000	'	$1,300,000	'	$1,300,000	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable interest rate	'	'	1.88%	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable interest rate	'	'	2.38%	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Accrued Earnout Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance, December 31,	$30,063	$9,840
Additions	10,384	19,342
Payments	-16,346	-1,310
Expirations	-573	-1,863
Change in estimate	-946	-105
Foreign currency translation adjustments	554	61
Ending balance, September 30,	$23,136	$25,965

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar1

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Fair Values, Principal Balances, And Carrying Values Of Company's Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 29, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 24, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 09, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

BNDES Loans [Member]

BNDES Loans [Member]

BNDES Loans [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Principal Balance [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

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Debt instrument, Fair Value

$8,502,393

$6,923,448

$7,559,568

$5,910,041

$7,550,088

$5,876,607

'

'

'

$1,325,115

$1,479,859

$367,068

$499,944

$367,068

$468,394

'

'

$262,031

$243,750

$242,387

'

'

$507,500

$514,375

$500,000

$500,000

$500,000

$500,000

'

'

$814,000

$832,000

$800,000

$800,000

$800,000

$800,000

'

'

'

$729,375

$750,000

$743,992

'

'

$680,503

$689,717

$680,000

$680,000

$680,000

$680,000

'

'

$573,392

$586,586

$550,000

$550,000

$550,000

$550,000

'

'

$616,747

$604,736

$610,000

$610,000

$610,000

$610,000

'

'

$419,598

$408,442

$425,000

$425,000

$425,000

$425,000

'

'

$570,751

$530,098

$575,000

$575,000

$575,000

$575,000

'

'

$330,759

$318,856

$330,000

$330,000

$330,000

$330,000

'

$300,000

$215,000

$300,000

$215,000

$300,000

$215,000

'

$180,980

$180,529

$180,234

'

$175,809

$184,538

$176,250

$185,000

$176,250

$185,000

'

$110,383

$109,971

$109,745

'

'

$1,458,844

$1,496,250

$1,492,778

$5,847

$5,847

$5,847

Debt instrument stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.88%

4.00%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.25%

8.25%

'

'

'

5.63%

5.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75%

5.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.88%

4.88%

'

'

'

4.25%

4.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.10%

5.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.93%

2.93%

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.24%

2.24%

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.72%

3.72%

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.60%

3.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Oct-14

1-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Aug-19

15-Aug-19

'

'

'

1-Oct-19

1-Oct-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Jul-20

15-Jul-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Jul-22

15-Jul-22

'

'

'

'

16-Apr-40

15-Apr-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-42

17-Apr-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Dec-42

15-Dec-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-43

16-Apr-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-48

17-Apr-23

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-43

16-Apr-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

9-May-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-18

'

'

'

9-May-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

28-Sep-19

'

'

'

24-Mar-21

24-Mar-21

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted_Cash_Narrative_Deta

Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash [Abstract]	'	'
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$40	$42
Collateral payment for performance bonds	2.7	6.1
Collateral related to workers compensation policy	$2.60	$2.30

Restricted_Cash_Schedule_Of_Re

Restricted Cash (Schedule Of Restricted Cash) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Total restricted cash	$52,205	$56,296
Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member] | Securitization Escrow Accounts [Member]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Total restricted cash	45,871	46,364
Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member] | Payment and Performance Bonds [Member]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Total restricted cash	400	941
Other Assets - Noncurrent [Member] | Surety Bonds and Workers Compensation [Member]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Total restricted cash	$5,934	$8,991

Other_Assets_Schedule_Of_Other

Other Assets (Schedule Of Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted cash	$5,934	$8,991
Long-term investments	52,716	52,801
Prepaid land rent	129,319	119,047
Straight-line rent receivable	218,435	179,292
Other	50,717	40,721
Total other assets	$457,121	$400,852

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	USD ($)	BRL	Other Acquisitions [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			item	USD ($)
				item
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of towers acquired	'	'	94	52
Number of towers, acquired right to use	'	'	4	'
Cash paid for acquisition	'	'	'	$40,600,000
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	1,170,000,000	'	'
Foreign currency floor price	'	2.4	'	'
Foreign currency ceiling price	'	2.5665	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivative	$0	'	'	'

Acquisitions_Schedule_Of_Acqui

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Towers and related intangible assets	$71,688,000		$80,326,000		$1,019,733,000		$311,191,000
Ground lease land purchases	9,586,000	[1]	11,320,000	[1]	29,015,000	[1]	35,864,000	[1]
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures	81,274,000		91,646,000		1,048,748,000		347,055,000
Ground lease extensions	$2,700,000		$2,800,000		$7,800,000		$7,600,000
[1]	In addition, the Company paid $2.7 million and $2.8 million for ground lease extensions and term easements during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.8 million and $7.6 million for ground lease extensions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Intangible_Assets_Net_Narrativ

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'15 years	'
Amortization expense	$86.20	$68.10	$250.50	$201.70

Intangible_Assets_Net_Gross_An

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross amount	$5,131,696	$4,363,758
Accumulated amortization	-1,220,941	-976,560
Net book value	3,910,755	3,387,198
Current Contract Intangibles [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross amount	3,800,298	3,154,616
Accumulated amortization	-830,888	-649,861
Net book value	2,969,410	2,504,755
Network Location Intangibles [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross amount	1,331,398	1,209,142
Accumulated amortization	-390,053	-326,699
Net book value	$941,345	$882,443

Property_And_Equipment_Net_Nar

Property And Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$73	$65.10	$213.70	$198.10	'
Non-cash capital expenditures	'	'	$19.30	'	$11.40

Property_And_Equipment_Net_Pro

Property And Equipment, Net (Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$4,564,289	$4,250,861
Less: accumulated depreciation	-1,876,462	-1,672,417
Property and equipment, net	2,687,827	2,578,444
Towers and Related Components [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	4,070,524	3,821,482
Construction-In-Process [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	37,867	24,275
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	50,686	40,274
Land, Buildings, and Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$405,212	$364,830

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O2

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	customer
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]	'	'
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, percentage comprised by significant customers	87.80%	89.60%
Number of significant customers	8	'

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O3

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]	'	'
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$121,782	$94,145
Estimated earnings	53,720	32,547
Billings to date	-153,216	-108,070
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$22,286	$18,622

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O4

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]	'	'
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$29,105	$27,864
Other current liabilities (Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts)	-6,819	-9,242
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$22,286	$18,622

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk_N

Concentration Of Credit Risk (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	customer	customer
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of significant customers	'	'	8	'
Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of significant customers	5	5	'	'
Concentration risk percentage of accounts receivable	'	'	54.20%	51.50%

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk_S

Concentration Of Credit Risk (Summary Of Significant Customers And Percentage Of Total Revenue For Specified Time Periods Derived From Such Customers) (Details)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | AT&T [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	31.10%	[1]	27.20%	[1]	29.70%	[1]	25.80%	[1]
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Sprint [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	25.10%	[2]	30.80%	[2]	26.20%	[2]	30.40%	[2]
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	19.10%	[3]	18.10%	[3]	19.40%	[3]	17.90%	[3]
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Verizon [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	14.20%		13.70%		14.00%		13.10%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Oi [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	46.20%		1.30%		43.10%		1.20%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Telefonica [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	27.20%		49.30%		30.20%		52.00%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Digicel [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	4.50%		11.80%		5.00%		12.00%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Sprint [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	46.10%	[2]	1.80%	[2]	32.20%	[2]	0.90%	[2]
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Ericsson, Inc [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	16.10%		32.20%		17.20%		38.10%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	7.40%	[3]	10.50%	[3]	8.90%	[3]	7.90%	[3]
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Verizon [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	10.00%		4.90%		9.80%		4.30%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Alcatel-Lucent [Member]	'		'		'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	0.70%		8.10%		2.50%		10.10%
[1]	Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of AT&T Wireless and Cricket.
[2]	Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of Sprint and Clearwire.
[3]	Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Metro PCS.

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued earnouts	$23,136	$30,063
Salaries and benefits	12,340	11,351
Real estate and property taxes	9,224	9,814
Other	33,943	34,903
Accrued expenses	$78,643	$86,131

Debt_Revolving_Credit_Facility

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility Under The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Subsequent Event [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

$770,000,000

$770,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

1.50%

1.88%

1.88%

0.88%

'

2.38%

2.38%

1.38%

'

Line of credit facility, commitment fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

'

'

'

0.50%

Borrowings on the revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

575,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of revolving credit facility

490,000,000

225,000,000

300,000,000

390,000,000

100,000,000

490,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, outstanding

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

770,000,000

770,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

2.54%

2.54%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Term_Loans_Under_The_Seni

Debt (Term Loans Under The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

First Eight Quarters [Member]

Next Four Quarters [Member]

Each Quarter Thereafter [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

Eurodollar [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-18

'

9-May-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

28-Sep-19

'

24-Mar-21

24-Mar-21

'

'

'

9-May-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

2.50%

1.88%

0.88%

1.00%

1.88%

2.00%

2.38%

1.38%

1.50%

2.38%

2.50%

Base rate floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Eurodollar rate floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term Loan, percentage of par value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Coupon rate of notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.66%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred financing fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

3,750,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

3,750,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of term loans

'

'

303,000,000

509,500,000

'

180,500,000

'

'

8,800,000

'

'

'

'

110,000,000

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortized deferred financing fees

4,599,000

3,981,000

13,114,000

11,508,000

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write off of discount related to debt

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate debt

7,550,088,000

'

7,550,088,000

'

5,876,607,000

'

'

180,234,000

176,250,000

185,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,745,000

'

1,492,778,000

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

215,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of revolving credit facility

'

'

$490,000,000

$225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$390,000,000

$100,000,000

$490,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Secured_Tower_Revenue_Sec

Debt (Secured Tower Revenue Securities) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 15, 2014

Apr. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 15, 2014

Apr. 16, 2010

Aug. 09, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Oct. 15, 2014

Oct. 15, 2014

Oct. 15, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 15, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 29, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]

3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]

2014 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2014 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

$680,000,000

'

'

$550,000,000

'

'

'

'

$610,000,000

'

'

$425,000,000

'

'

$575,000,000

'

'

$330,000,000

'

'

$1,330,000,000

$920,000,000

$620,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.25%

4.25%

'

5.10%

5.10%

'

'

'

2.93%

2.93%

'

2.24%

2.24%

'

3.72%

3.72%

'

3.60%

3.60%

'

'

2.90%

3.87%

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

4.00%

'

Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.22%

'

'

3.29%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment date of debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-15

'

'

17-Apr-17

'

'

'

'

15-Dec-17

'

'

16-Apr-18

'

'

17-Apr-23

'

'

16-Apr-18

'

'

'

15-Oct-19

15-Oct-24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

16-Apr-40

15-Apr-15

'

15-Apr-42

17-Apr-17

'

'

'

15-Dec-42

15-Dec-17

'

15-Apr-43

16-Apr-18

'

15-Apr-48

17-Apr-23

'

15-Apr-43

16-Apr-18

'

'

17-Oct-44

15-Oct-49

'

'

'

9-May-17

'

1-Oct-14

1-Oct-14

'

Amortized deferred financing fees

4,599,000

3,981,000

13,114,000

11,508,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

18,000,000

14,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,500,000

'

'

'

20,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average life of debt instrument through the anticipated repayment date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years 2 months 12 days

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate debt

7,550,088,000

'

7,550,088,000

'

5,876,607,000

'

'

680,000,000

680,000,000

'

550,000,000

550,000,000

'

'

'

610,000,000

610,000,000

'

425,000,000

425,000,000

'

575,000,000

575,000,000

'

330,000,000

330,000,000

'

'

'

1,540,000,000

'

'

300,000,000

215,000,000

'

367,068,000

468,394,000

Repayments of long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

$680,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_40_Convertible_Senior_Not

Debt (4.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2014) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 01, 2014

Apr. 29, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 01, 2014

Oct. 01, 2014

Apr. 24, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Circumstance A [Member]

Circumstance B [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, issuance date

'

'

'

24-Apr-09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior notes issued

'

'

'

$500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payable dates

'

'

'

'April 1 and October 1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

1-Oct-14

'

1-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.0329164

'

'

'

'

'

'

Per share conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$30.38

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Last reported selling price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$24.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

Upper strike price of warrants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$44.64

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount converted

'

'

367,000,000

'

11,300,000

132,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74,300,000

Issuance of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

300,000

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

Common stock received from conversion settlement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

100,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

Company paid in cash to settle warrants

602,834,000

42,424,000

'

'

326,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement of outstanding warrants, percentage

'

'

'

'

32.00%

62.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.00%

Number of warrants remaining under obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,100,000

Number of warrants remaining under obligation, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31.00%

Issuance of stock for conversion of debt, amount

284,000

18,158,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for settlement of convertible debt

132,592,000

794,997,000

367,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of convertible debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

$38,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement of outstanding warrants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

10,200,000

1,200,000

Debt_Senior_Notes_Narrative_De

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 15, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Apr. 13, 2012

Jul. 24, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Apr. 29, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$375,000,000

'

'

$800,000,000

'

'

$500,000,000

'

'

'

'

$750,000,000

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Aug-19

15-Aug-19

'

15-Jul-20

15-Jul-20

'

1-Oct-19

1-Oct-19

'

15-Jul-22

15-Jul-22

'

1-Oct-14

1-Oct-14

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.25%

8.25%

'

5.75%

5.75%

'

5.63%

5.63%

'

'

4.88%

4.88%

4.00%

4.00%

'

Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.18%

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payable dates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'July 15 and January 15

'

'

'April 1 and October 1

'

'

'January 15 and July 15

'

'

'April 1 and October 1

'

'

Amortized deferred financing fees

4,599,000

3,981,000

13,114,000

11,508,000

'

3,300,000

11,400,000

2,400,000

'

'

'

14,000,000

'

'

8,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

243,800,000

121,000,000

131,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Premium on redemption

'

'

'

'

'

10,100,000

253,000,000

10,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt discount expensed

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, principal balance

$7,559,568,000

'

$7,559,568,000

'

$5,910,041,000

'

'

'

'

'

$243,750,000

'

$800,000,000

$800,000,000

'

$500,000,000

$500,000,000

'

$750,000,000

'

'

$367,068,000

$499,944,000

Debt_BNDES_Loans_Narrative_Det

Debt (BNDES Loans) (Narrative) (Details) (BNDES Loans [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
BNDES Loans [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, additional borrowings	$0.40
Repayments of BNDES Loans	$6.30

Debt_Carrying_And_Principal_Va

Debt (Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 29, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 24, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Apr. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 09, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

BNDES Loans [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal Balance

$7,559,568,000

$5,910,041,000

'

$367,068,000

$499,944,000

'

'

$243,750,000

'

$500,000,000

$500,000,000

'

$800,000,000

$800,000,000

'

$750,000,000

'

'

$680,000,000

$680,000,000

'

$550,000,000

$550,000,000

'

$610,000,000

$610,000,000

'

$425,000,000

$425,000,000

'

$575,000,000

$575,000,000

'

$330,000,000

$330,000,000

$300,000,000

$215,000,000

'

$180,529,000

$176,250,000

$185,000,000

'

$109,971,000

'

$1,496,250,000

'

$5,847,000

Carrying Value

7,550,088,000

5,876,607,000

'

367,068,000

468,394,000

'

'

242,387,000

'

500,000,000

500,000,000

'

800,000,000

800,000,000

'

743,992,000

'

'

680,000,000

680,000,000

'

550,000,000

550,000,000

'

610,000,000

610,000,000

'

425,000,000

425,000,000

'

575,000,000

575,000,000

'

330,000,000

330,000,000

300,000,000

215,000,000

'

180,234,000

176,250,000

185,000,000

'

109,745,000

'

1,492,778,000

'

5,847,000

Less: current maturities of long-term debt

-1,078,318,000

-481,886,000

'

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'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt, net of current maturities

$6,471,770,000

$5,394,721,000

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'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

1-Oct-14

1-Oct-14

'

15-Aug-19

15-Aug-19

'

1-Oct-19

1-Oct-19

'

15-Jul-20

15-Jul-20

'

15-Jul-22

15-Jul-22

'

16-Apr-40

15-Apr-15

'

15-Apr-42

17-Apr-17

'

15-Dec-42

15-Dec-17

'

15-Apr-43

16-Apr-18

'

15-Apr-48

17-Apr-23

'

15-Apr-43

16-Apr-18

'

9-May-17

'

30-Jun-18

'

9-May-17

'

28-Sep-19

'

24-Mar-21

24-Mar-21

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

4.00%

4.00%

'

8.25%

8.25%

'

5.63%

5.63%

'

5.75%

5.75%

'

'

4.88%

4.88%

4.25%

4.25%

'

5.10%

5.10%

'

2.93%

2.93%

'

2.24%

2.24%

'

3.72%

3.72%

'

3.60%

3.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Schedule_Of_Cash_And_NonC

Debt (Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 29, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 24, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 13, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2011 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

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'

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'

'

'

Cash Interest

$78,170

$62,987

$215,695

$185,569

$2,670

'

$3,675

$4,999

$12,520

$14,999

'

$2,458

$5,027

$12,513

$15,082

'

$7,031

$7,031

$21,094

$21,094

'

$11,500

$11,500

$34,500

$34,500

'

$9,141

$9,141

'

$14,346

$14,349

$43,036

$43,037

$4,521

$4,521

$13,564

$13,564

$10,804

$10,804

$32,413

$19,588

$1,007

$856

$3,279

$3,338

$1,730

$696

$8,802

$1,222

$1,123

$3,336

$3,516

$1,054

$424

$5,362

$12,458

$28,911

$7

($7)

$268

$17

Non-cash Interest

$8,236

$9,642

$26,832

$39,151

$10,434

'

$7,934

$9,570

$26,266

$28,446

'

$24

$46

$121

$135

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$157

$157

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

$16

$7

$85

'

'

'

'

$10

$4

$51

$121

$277

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

1.88%

4.00%

'

4.00%

'

4.00%

8.25%

'

8.25%

'

8.25%

5.63%

'

5.63%

'

5.63%

5.75%

'

5.75%

'

5.75%

4.88%

4.88%

4.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

Debt_40_Convertible_Senior_Not1

Debt (4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 - Carrying Value Of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Principal Balance	$7,559,568,000	$5,910,041,000
Carrying Value	7,550,088,000	5,876,607,000
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Principal Balance	367,068,000	499,944,000
Carrying Value	$367,068,000	$468,394,000

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 29, 2009	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 27, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	Current Stock Repurchase Program [Member]	Current Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
				Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument stated percentage	1.88%	4.00%	4.00%	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized	'	'	'	$300	$300
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization	'	'	'	$150	'

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$19.49	$17.20
Total intrinsic value for options exercised	$46.50	$30.70

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Risk free interest rate, Minimum	1.15%	0.51%
Risk free interest rate, Maximum	1.37%	1.38%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	22.00%	'
Expected lives	'4 years 4 months 24 days	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected volatility	'	25.00%
Expected lives	'	'3 years 10 months 24 days
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected volatility	'	29.00%
Expected lives	'	'4 years 9 months 18 days

StockBased_Compensation_Compan

Stock-Based Compensation (Company's Activities With Respect To Its Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Number of Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	2,979
Number of Shares, Granted	1,121
Number of Shares, Exercised	-743
Number of Shares, Canceled	-29
Number of Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	3,328
Number of Shares Exercisable, Ending Balance	1,082
Number of Shares Unvested, Ending Balance	2,246
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$48.30
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted	$95.51
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$36.20
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Canceled	$77.89
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Outstanding, Ending Balance	$66.64
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Exercisable, Ending Balance	$41.08
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Unvested, Ending Balance	$78.95
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Outstanding at September 30, 2014	'4 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Exercisable at September 30, 2014	'3 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Unvested at September 30, 2014	'5 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable at September 30, 2014	$147,296
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at September 30, 2014	75,516
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Unvested at September 30, 2014	$71,780

StockBased_Compensation_Compan1

Stock-Based Compensation (Company's Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Number of Units Outstanding, at December 31, 2013	305
Number of Units, Granted	118
Number of Units, Vested	-121
Number of Units, Forfeited/Canceled	-3
Number of Units Outstanding, at September 30, 2014	299
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Outstanding, at December 31, 2013	$55.60
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted	$95.55
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested	$50.14
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited/Canceled	$74.31
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Outstanding, at September 30, 2014	$73.42

Segment_Data_Narrative_Details

Segment Data (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	segment	Site Leasing Revenue [Member]	International Site Leasing Revenue [Member]
		segment	Minimum [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of business segments	2	2	'
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	'	'	10.00%

Segment_Data_Segment_Reporting

Segment Data (Segment Reporting Information Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	$393,293		$332,094		$1,122,262		$969,470		'
Cost of revenues	111,876	[1]	103,295	[1]	316,481	[1]	307,715	[1]	'
Operating profit (loss)	281,417		228,799		805,781		661,755		'
Selling, general, and administrative	26,589	[2]	21,827	[2]	76,707	[2]	63,765	[2]	'
Asset impairment and decommission costs	5,992		6,190		13,554		16,405		'
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses	-58		3,599		10,728		11,378		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	159,410		133,281		464,858		400,006		'
Operating income (loss)	89,484		63,902		239,934		170,201		'
Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense)	-105,126		-42,164		-259,909		-205,507		'
Loss (income) before provision for income taxes	-15,642		21,738		-19,975		-35,306		'
Cash capital expenditures	140,813	[3]	125,366	[3]	1,181,385	[3]	451,667	[3]	'
Assets	7,808,992		'		7,808,992		'		6,783,188
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	293,775		267,540		854,003		781,366		'
Cost of revenues	63,108	[1]	61,259	[1]	185,637	[1]	183,869	[1]	'
Operating profit (loss)	230,667		206,281		668,366		597,497		'
Selling, general, and administrative	16,908		15,321		49,665		44,088		'
Asset impairment and decommission costs	5,536		5,678		12,263		14,860		'
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses	2,242		1,838		8,878		2,833		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	129,227		121,766		385,605		365,798		'
Operating income (loss)	76,754		61,678		211,955		169,918		'
Cash capital expenditures	113,561	[3]	63,401	[3]	451,384	[3]	177,835	[3]	'
Assets	5,559,854		'		5,559,854		'		5,427,969
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	55,235		19,943		144,778		59,122		'
Cost of revenues	14,818	[1]	6,783	[1]	37,412	[1]	20,058	[1]	'
Operating profit (loss)	40,417		13,160		107,366		39,064		'
Selling, general, and administrative	4,413		2,500		12,518		6,765		'
Asset impairment and decommission costs	456		512		1,291		1,545		'
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses	-2,300		1,761		1,850		8,545		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	28,792		10,308		75,160		31,026		'
Operating income (loss)	9,056		-1,921		16,547		-8,817		'
Cash capital expenditures	17,514	[3]	58,343	[3]	712,920	[3]	266,845	[3]	'
Assets	1,623,467		'		1,623,467		'		1,040,401
Site Development [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	44,283		44,611		123,481		128,982		'
Cost of revenues	33,950	[1]	35,253	[1]	93,432	[1]	103,788	[1]	'
Operating profit (loss)	10,333		9,358		30,049		25,194		'
Selling, general, and administrative	3,046		1,942		7,047		5,817		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	660		731		1,788		1,762		'
Operating income (loss)	6,627		6,685		21,214		17,615		'
Cash capital expenditures	2,151	[3]	3,151	[3]	5,923	[3]	5,798	[3]	'
Assets	68,167		'		68,167		'		76,214
Not Identified by Segment [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Selling, general, and administrative	2,222	[4]	2,064	[4]	7,477	[4]	7,095	[4]	'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	731	[4]	476	[4]	2,305	[4]	1,420	[4]	'
Operating income (loss)	-2,953	[4]	-2,540	[4]	-9,782	[4]	-8,515	[4]	'
Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense)	-105,126	[4]	-42,164	[4]	-259,909	[4]	-205,507	[4]	'
Cash capital expenditures	7,587	[3],[4]	471	[3],[4]	11,158	[3],[4]	1,189	[3],[4]	'
Assets	$557,504	[4]	'		$557,504	[4]	'		$238,604	[4]
[1]	Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.
[2]	Includes non-cash compensation of $6,319 and $4,146 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $16,951 and $12,836 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[3]	Includes cash paid for capital expenditures and acquisitions and vehicle capital lease additions.
[4]	Assets not identified by segment consist primarily of general corporate assets.

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($16,624)	$21,531	($24,685)	($36,747)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	129,046	127,885	128,854	127,555
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares	'	1,195	'	'
Dilutive impact of common stock warrants	'	7,832	'	'
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	129,046	136,912	128,854	127,555
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to continuing operations:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.13)	$0.17	($0.19)	($0.29)
Diluted	($0.13)	$0.16	($0.19)	($0.29)