SBA Communications (SBAC) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1034054
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		129,175,989
Entity Public Float			$13.10
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Trading Symbol	SBAC

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$39,443	$122,112
Restricted cash	52,519	47,305
Short-term investments	5,549	5,446
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $889 and $686 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	104,268	71,339
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	30,078	27,864
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	95,031	69,586
Total current assets	326,888	343,652
Property and equipment, net	2,762,417	2,578,444
Intangible assets, net	4,189,540	3,387,198
Deferred financing fees, net	95,237	73,042
Other assets	467,043	400,852
Total assets	7,841,125	6,783,188
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	42,851	24,302
Accrued expenses	65,553	86,131
Current maturities of long-term debt	32,500	481,886
Deferred revenue	120,047	94,658
Accrued interest	53,178	46,689
Other current liabilities	16,921	14,007
Total current liabilities	331,050	747,673
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	7,828,299	5,394,721
Other long-term liabilities	342,576	283,828
Total long-term liabilities	8,170,875	5,678,549
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:
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, 129,134 and 128,432 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,291	1,284
Additional paid-in capital	2,062,775	2,907,446
Accumulated deficit	-2,542,380	-2,518,085
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	-182,486	-33,679
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	-660,800	356,966
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	$7,841,125	$6,783,188

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 07, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$889	$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	129,134,000	128,432,000	6,005,000
Common stock - Class A, shares outstanding	129,134,000	128,432,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Site leasing	$1,360,202	$1,133,013	$846,094
Site development	166,794	171,853	107,990
Total revenues	1,526,996	1,304,866	954,084
Operating expenses:
Cost of site leasing	301,313	270,772	188,951
Cost of site development	127,172	137,481	90,556
Selling, general, and administrative	103,317	85,476	72,148
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses	7,798	19,198	40,433
Asset impairment and decommission costs	23,801	28,960	6,383
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	627,072	533,334	408,467
Total operating expenses	1,190,473	1,075,221	806,938
Operating income (loss)	336,523	229,645	147,146
Other income (expense):
Interest income	677	1,794	1,128
Interest expense	-292,600	-249,051	-196,241
Non-cash interest expense	-27,112	-49,085	-70,110
Amortization of deferred financing fees	-17,572	-15,560	-12,870
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	-26,204	-6,099	-51,799
Other income, net	10,628	31,138	5,654
Total other expense, net	-352,183	-286,863	-324,238
Loss before provision for income taxes	-15,660	-57,218	-177,092
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	-8,635	1,309	-6,594
Net loss from continuing operations	-24,295	-55,909	-183,686
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			2,296
Net loss	-24,295	-55,909	-181,390
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest			353
Net loss attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	($24,295)	($55,909)	($181,037)
Basic and diluted per common share amounts:
Loss from continuing operations	($0.19)	($0.44)	($1.53)
Income from discontinued operations			$0.02
Net loss per common share	($0.19)	($0.44)	($1.51)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares	128,919	127,769	120,280

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Net loss from continuing operations	($24,295)	($55,909)	($183,686)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes			2,296
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-148,807	-36,470	2,306
Comprehensive loss	-173,102	-92,379	-179,084
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest			353
Comprehensive loss attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	($173,102)	($92,379)	($178,731)

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Shar

Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) (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]		Shares - Hedge [Member]	Shares - Warrant [Member]
BALANCE, Amount at Dec. 31, 2011			$1,097			$2,268,244	($2,281,139)	$485			($11,313)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011			109,675,000
Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation							-181,037				-181,037
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Amount			14			31,138					31,152
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares			1,414,000
Non-cash stock compensation						14,202					14,202
Equity component related to repurchase of convertible debt						-41,569					-41,569
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions, Amount			98			555,280					555,378
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions, Shares			9,839,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock, Amount			60			283,812					283,872
Proceeds from sale of common stock, Shares			6,005,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments								2,306			2,306
BALANCE, Amount at Dec. 31, 2012			1,269			3,111,107	-2,462,176	2,791			652,991
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012			126,933,000
Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation							-55,909				-55,909
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Amount			7			10,198					10,205
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares			740,000
Non-cash stock compensation						17,422					17,422
Adjustment associated with the acquisition of noncontrolling interest						5,703					5,703
Settlement of convertible notes, Amount			4			-321,925					-321,921
Settlement of convertible notes, Shares			439,000
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Amount		4		182,856	-97,915				182,856	-97,911
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Shares	-82,000	402,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments								-36,470			-36,470
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 income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation							-24,295				-24,295
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Amount			7			7,741					7,748
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares			696,000
Non-cash stock compensation						22,999					22,999
Settlement of convertible notes, Amount			117			9,450					9,567
Settlement of convertible notes, Shares			11,742,000
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Amount	-117			124	-884,985				7	-884,985
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Shares	-11,737,000	1,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments								-148,807			-148,807
BALANCE, Amount at Dec. 31, 2014			$1,291			$2,062,775	($2,542,380)	($182,486)			($660,800)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014			129,134,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	($24,295,000)	($55,909,000)	($181,390,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			-2,296,000
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	627,072,000	533,334,000	408,467,000
Non-cash interest expense	27,112,000	49,085,000	70,110,000
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	530,000	-6,642,000	1,360,000
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs	18,384,000	23,819,000	6,383,000
Non-cash compensation expense	22,671,000	17,205,000	13,968,000
Amortization of deferred financing fees	17,572,000	15,560,000	12,870,000
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	26,204,000	6,099,000	51,799,000
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations	-14,776,000	-29,780,000	-4,525,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
AR and costs and est. earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net	-36,245,000	-29,097,000	-18,804,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-64,882,000	-81,458,000	-82,759,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,475,000	7,711,000	21,341,000
Other liabilities	66,821,000	47,660,000	44,390,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	671,643,000	497,587,000	340,914,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions	-1,585,222,000	-677,379,000	-2,252,724,000
Capital expenditures	-211,251,000	-168,893,000	-113,265,000
Other investing activities	36,346,000	29,074,000	96,869,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,760,127,000	-817,198,000	-2,269,120,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility	700,000,000	340,000,000	584,000,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility	-790,000,000	-225,000,000	-484,000,000
Repayment of Term Loans	-310,500,000	-512,000,000	-10,000,000
Proceeds from Term Loans, net of fees	1,483,337,000		493,107,000
Payments on settlement of convertible debt	-499,721,000	-794,997,000	-107,493,000
Proceeds from settlement of convertible note hedges	7,000	182,855,000
Payments for settlement of common stock warrants	-884,985,000	-97,912,000
Payment for the redemption of 8.0% Notes and 8.25% Notes	-253,805,000		-542,203,000
Proceeds from 5.625%, 5.75%, and 4.875% Senior Notes, net of fees	732,325,000		1,277,729,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of fees			283,872,000
Other financing activities	-23,049,000	13,226,000	24,386,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	991,838,000	210,837,000	2,110,481,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	13,977,000	-2,213,000	1,212,000
Net cash provided by discontinued operations: Operating Activities			2,296,000
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-82,669,000	-110,987,000	185,783,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year	122,112,000	233,099,000	47,316,000
End of year	39,443,000	122,112,000	233,099,000
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	278,359,000	244,123,000	182,474,000
Income taxes	7,525,000	6,645,000	5,304,000
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Assets acquired through capital leases	1,290,000	1,239,000	2,509,000
Issuance of stock for acquisitions			555,378,000
Issuance of stock for conversion of debt, hedges, and warrants	229,000	18,159,000
Promissory note received in connection with disposition of DAS assets			25,000,000
Deferred payment on Brazil acquired assets			175,890,000
Tower Securities [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt	1,518,229,000	1,304,665,000	596,083,000
2010 Tower Securities [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of secured debt	-680,000,000
Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt			395,000,000
Repayments of secured debt			($400,000,000)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 24, 2009
8.0% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage	8.00%	8.00%
8.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage	8.25%	8.25%
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage	5.63%
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage	5.75%
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage	4.88%

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
General [Abstract]
General	1.GENERAL
	SBA Communications Corporation (the “Company” or “SBAC”) was incorporated in the State of Florida in March 1997. The Company is a holding company that holds all of the outstanding capital stock of SBA Telecommunications, LLC (formerly known as SBA Telecommunications, Inc.) (“Telecommunications”). Telecommunications is a holding company that holds the outstanding capital stock of SBA Senior Finance, LLC (formerly known as SBA Senior Finance, Inc.) (“SBA Senior Finance”), SBA Towers V, LLC (“SBA Towers V”), and SBA Towers VI, LLC (“SBA Towers VI”), operating subsidiaries which are not a party to any loan agreement. SBA Senior Finance is a holding company that holds, directly or indirectly, the equity interest in certain subsidiaries that issued the Tower Securities (see Note 13) and certain subsidiaries that were not involved in the issuance of the Tower Securities. With respect to the subsidiaries involved in the issuance of the Tower Securities, SBA Senior Finance is the sole member of SBA Holdings, LLC and SBA Depositor, LLC. SBA Holdings, LLC is the sole member of SBA Guarantor, LLC. SBA Guarantor, LLC directly or indirectly holds all of the capital stock of the companies referred to as the “Borrowers” under the Tower Securities. With respect to subsidiaries not involved in the issuance of the Tower Securities, SBA Senior Finance holds all of the membership interests in SBA Senior Finance II, LLC (“SBA Senior Finance II”) and certain non-operating subsidiaries. SBA Senior Finance II holds, directly or indirectly, all the capital stock of the International subsidiaries, and certain other tower companies (known as “Tower Companies”). SBA Senior Finance II also holds, directly or indirectly, all the capital stock and/or membership interests of certain other subsidiaries involved in providing services, including SBA Network Services, LLC (formerly known as SBA Network Services, Inc.) (“Network Services”) as well as SBA Network Management, Inc. (“Network Management”) which manages and administers the operations of the Borrowers.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned and operated wireless towers in the United States and its territories. In addition, the Company owned towers in Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama. Space on these towers is leased primarily to wireless service providers. As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned and operated 24,292 towers.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements is as follows:
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the Company and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The significant estimates made by management relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the costs and revenue relating to the Company’s construction contracts, stock-based compensation assumptions, valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, fair value of long-lived assets, the useful lives of towers and intangible assets, anticipated property tax assessments, fair value of investments and asset retirement obligations. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the information available. These estimates ultimately may differ from actual results and such differences could be material.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks, money market funds, commercial paper and other marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Investments
	Investment securities with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year at time of purchase are considered short-term investments. The Company’s short-term investments primarily consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of less than a year. Investment securities with maturities of more than a year are considered long-term investments and are classified in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term investments primarily consist of U.S. Treasuries, mutual funds, and preferred securities. Gross purchases and sales of the Company’s investments are presented within “Cash flows from investing activities” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The Company accounts for its investments in privately held companies under the cost method as it does not exert significant influence. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold an investment with a carrying value of $8.4 million for $20.9 million which is reflected in Net cash used in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and recorded a gain of $12.5 million which is reflected in Other income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The aggregate carrying value of the Company’s cost-method investments was approximately $43.3 million and $51.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is classified within other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company evaluates its cost-method investments for impairment at least annually. The Company determines the fair value of its cost-method investments by considering available evidence, including general market conditions, the investee’s financial condition, near-term prospects, market comparables and subsequent rounds of financing. The Company measures and records its cost-method investments at fair value when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company did not recognize any impairment loss associated with its cost-method investments during the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012.
	Restricted Cash
	The Company classifies all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. This includes cash held in escrow to fund certain reserve accounts relating to the Tower Securities as well as for payment and performance bonds and surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company in the ordinary course of business (see Note 4).
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost or at estimated fair value (in the case of acquired properties), adjusted for asset impairment and estimated asset retirement obligations. Costs for self-constructed towers include direct materials and labor, indirect costs and capitalized interest. Approximately $0.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million of interest cost was capitalized in 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Depreciation on towers and related components is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, not to exceed the minimum lease term of the underlying ground lease. The Company defines the minimum lease term as the shorter of the period from lease inception through the end of the term of all tenant lease obligations in existence at ground lease inception, including renewal periods, or the ground lease term, including renewal periods. If no tenant lease obligation exists at the date of ground lease inception, the initial term of the ground lease is considered the minimum lease term. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the minimum lease term of the lease. For all other property and equipment, depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.
	The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the remaining estimated life of the leased property, whichever is shorter, and the related amortization is included in depreciation expense. Expenditures for maintenance and repair are expensed as incurred.
	Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Towers and related components	3 - 15  years
	Furniture, equipment and vehicles	2 - 7 years
	Buildings and improvements	5 - 10  years
	Betterments, improvements, and significant repairs, which increase the value or extend the life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life. There has been no material impact for changes in estimated useful lives for any years presented.
	Deferred Financing Fees
	Financing fees related to the issuance of debt have been deferred and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the expected duration of the related indebtedness (see Note 13).
	Deferred Lease Costs
	The Company defers certain initial direct costs associated with the origination of tenant leases and lease amendments and amortizes these costs over the initial lease term or over the lease term remaining if related to a lease amendment. Such deferred costs were approximately $12.4 million, $12.8 million, and $10.2 million in 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense was $6.8 million, $5.5 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in cost of site leasing on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, unamortized deferred lease costs were $28.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively, and are included in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Intangible Assets
	The Company classifies as intangible assets the fair value of current leases in place at the acquisition date of towers and related assets (referred to as the “Current contract intangibles”), and the fair value of future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the acquired towers (referred to as the “Network location intangibles”). These intangibles are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years. For all intangible assets, amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as the benefit associated with these intangible assets is anticipated to be derived evenly over the life of the asset.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates its individual long-lived and related assets with finite lives for indicators of impairment to determine when an impairment analysis should be performed. The Company evaluates its tower assets and Current contract intangibles at the tower level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exists. The Company evaluates its Network location intangibles for impairment at the tower leasing business level whenever indicators of impairment are present. The Company has established a policy to at least annually evaluate its tower assets and Current contract intangibles for impairment.
	The Company records an impairment charge when the Company believes an investment in towers or related assets has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the then current carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible. If the future undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible, the Company calculates future discounted cash flows and compares those amounts to the carrying value. The Company records an impairment charge for any amounts lower than the carrying value. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. In addition, the Company makes certain assumptions in determining an asset’s fair value for the purpose of calculating the amount of an impairment charge. The Company recorded asset impairment and decommission costs of  $23.8 million, $29.0 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively, which includes the write off of $16.8 million and $23.1 million in carrying value of decommissioned communication sites and the incurrence of other third party decommission costs, related to its long-lived assets and intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There were no write offs for decommissioned towers or the incurrence of other third party decommission costs, related to its long-lived assets and intangibles for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from site leasing is recorded monthly and recognized on a straight-line basis over the current term of the related lease agreements, which are generally five to ten years. Receivables recorded related to the straight-lining of site leases are reflected in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Site development projects in which the Company performs consulting services include contracts on a time and materials basis or a fixed price basis. Time and materials based contracts are billed at contractual rates as the services are rendered. For those site development contracts in which the Company performs work on a fixed price basis, site development billing (and revenue recognition) is based on the completion of agreed upon phases of the project on a per site basis. Upon the completion of each phase on a per site basis, the Company recognizes the revenue related to that phase. Site development projects generally take from 3 to 12 months to complete. Amounts billed in advance (collected or uncollected) are recorded as deferred revenue on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue from construction projects is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. The asset “costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents costs incurred and revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The liability “billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” included within other current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, represents billings in excess of costs incurred and revenues recognized. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers. The Company monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience, specific customer collection issues identified, and past due balances as determined based on contractual terms. Interest is charged on outstanding receivables from customers on a case by case basis in accordance with the terms of the respective contracts or agreements with those customers. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts in the period in which uncollectibility is determined to be probable.
	The following is a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts:
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	686	$	246	$	135
	Provision for doubtful accounts			338		770		330
	Write-offs, net of recoveries			-135		-330		-219
	Ending balance		$	889	$	686	$	246
	Cost of Revenue
	Cost of site leasing revenue includes ground lease rent, property taxes, amortization of deferred lease costs, maintenance and other tower operating expenses. All ground lease rental obligations due to be paid out over the lease term, including fixed escalations, are recorded on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. Liabilities recorded related to the straight-lining of ground leases are reflected in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cost of site development revenue includes the cost of materials, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects are recognized as incurred.
	Income Taxes
	The Company had taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2014 and utilized net operating loss carry-forwards. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had taxable losses and generated net operating loss carry-forwards. The majority of these net operating loss carry-forwards are fully reserved as management believes it is not “more-likely-than-not” that the Company will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to recognize the losses. The U.S. tax losses generated in tax years 1999 through 2013 remain subject to adjustment and tax years 2011 through 2013 are open to examination by the major jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
	The Company determines whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position taken in an income tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Company has not identified any tax exposures that require a reserve. In the future, to the extent that the Company records unrecognized tax exposures, any related interest and penalties will be recognized as interest expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company does not calculate U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases under employee stock purchase plans. The Company records compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for stock options and restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for employee stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Any stock options granted to non-employees would be valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the market price of the underlying common stock on the “valuation date,” which for options to non-employees is the vesting date. Expense related to options granted to non-employees would be recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the period over which services are to be received or the vesting period. Compensation expense for restricted stock units is based on the fair market value of the units awarded at the date of the grant.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company has entered into ground leases for the land underlying the majority of the Company’s towers. A majority of these leases require the Company to restore leaseholds to their original condition upon termination of the ground lease.
	The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made, and accretes such liability through the obligation’s estimated settlement date. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets, and over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the tower.
	The asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $5.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon settlement of the obligations, any difference between the cost to retire an asset and the recorded liability is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a gain or loss. In determining the measurement of the asset retirement obligations, the Company considered the nature and scope of the contractual restoration obligations contained in the Company’s third party ground leases, the historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current and future value and timing of estimated restoration costs and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations.
	The following summarizes the activity of the asset retirement obligation liability:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
Beginning balance		$	5,312	$	7,506	$	5,386
Additions			599		597		2,261
Currency translation adjustment			-161		-42		1
Accretion expense			446		512		333
Removal			-188		-407		-334
Revision in estimates			-152		-2,854		-141
Ending balance		$	5,856	$	5,312	$	7,506
Loss Per Share
The Company has potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options and convertible senior notes. These potential common stock equivalents were not included in diluted loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive in calculating the full year earnings per share. Accordingly, basic and diluted loss per common share and the weighted average number of shares used in the computations are the same for all periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, and is comprised of net income (loss) and other foreign currency adjustments.
Foreign Currency Translation
All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the United States dollar as its functional currency 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 accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at fair market value at the date of each acquisition and the results of operations of the acquired assets are included with those of the Company from the dates of the respective acquisitions. The Company continues to evaluate all acquisitions for a period not to exceed one year 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 as a result of information available at the acquisition date. The intangible assets represent the value associated with the current leases at the acquisition date (“Current contract intangibles”) and future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the towers (“Network location intangibles”) and were calculated using the discounted values of the current or future expected cash flows. The intangible assets are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years.
In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company may agree to pay additional consideration (or earnouts) in cash or stock in certain acquisitions if the communication sites or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets over a period of one to three years after they have been acquired. The Company accrues for contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions at fair value as of the date of the acquisition. All subsequent changes in fair value of contingent consideration are recorded through Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Intercompany Loans
On November 25, 2014, two wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, Brazil Shareholder I, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and SBA Torres Brasil, Limitada, a limitada existing under the laws of the Republic of Brazil, entered into an intercompany loan agreement where from time to time the entities may agree to lend/borrow amounts up to $750.0 million. On November 25, 2014, $455.8 million was borrowed under this agreement.
In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a $23.0 million foreign exchange loss on the remeasurement of intercompany loans.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released updated guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017. This guidance is required to be applied (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) with the cumulative effect being recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the guidance including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	3.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 $15.1 million and $30.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which the Company recorded in accrued expenses on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in estimate are recorded in acquisition related adjustments and expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets was $23.1 million and $42.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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		11,048		31,704
	Payments		-18,724		-9,324
	Change in estimate		-7,310		-1,585
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		9		-572
	Ending balance, December 31,	$	15,086	$	30,063
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis— The Company’s acquired long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. When assessing if these assets are impaired, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized asset impairment and decommission costs of $23.8 million and $29.0 million, respectively. The asset impairment and decommission costs include the write off of $16.8 million and $23.1 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and 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. There were no write offs for decommissioned towers and other third party decommission costs, related to its long-lived assets and intangibles for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Asset impairment and decommission costs for all periods presented 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014, the carrying value and fair value of the held-to-maturity investments, including current portion, were $1.0 million and $1.1 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 13).
		As of December 31, 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	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,479,859	$	499,944	$	468,394
	8.250% Senior Notes due 2019		—		—		—		262,031		243,750		242,387
	5.625% Senior Notes due 2019		511,250		500,000		500,000		514,375		500,000		500,000
	5.750% Senior Notes due 2020		816,000		800,000		800,000		832,000		800,000		800,000
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2022		721,875		750,000		744,150		—		—		—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities		—		—		—		689,717		680,000		680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities		576,901		550,000		550,000		586,586		550,000		550,000
	2.933% 2012 Tower Securities		620,175		610,000		610,000		604,736		610,000		610,000
	2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities		420,776		425,000		425,000		408,442		425,000		425,000
	3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities		584,344		575,000		575,000		530,098		575,000		575,000
	3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities		330,551		330,000		330,000		318,856		330,000		330,000
	2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities		920,515		920,000		920,000		—		—		—
	3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities		629,474		620,000		620,000		—		—		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		125,000		125,000		125,000		215,000		215,000		215,000
	2011 Term Loan		—		—		—		180,980		180,529		180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan		171,422		172,500		172,500		184,538		185,000		185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan		—		—		—		110,383		109,971		109,745
	2014 Term Loan		1,458,919		1,492,500		1,489,149		—		—		—
	BNDES Loans		—		—		—		5,847		5,847		5,847
	Totals	$	7,887,202	$	7,870,000	$	7,860,799	$	6,923,448	$	5,910,041	$	5,876,607

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	4.RESTRICTED CASH
	Restricted cash consists of the following:
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13		Included on Balance Sheet
			(in thousands)
	Securitization escrow accounts	$	52,117	$	46,364	Restricted cash - current asset
	Payment and performance bonds		402		941	Restricted cash - current asset
	Surety bonds and workers compensation		5,934		8,991	Other assets - noncurrent
	Total restricted cash	$	58,453	$	56,296
	Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities (see Note 13), the Company is required to establish a securitization escrow account, held by the 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, (4) management fees, and (5) to reserve a portion of advance rents from tenants. The restricted cash in the securitization escrow account in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Borrowers (as defined in Note 13) 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 related to the Company’s tower removal obligations. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $38.3 million in surety, payment and performance bonds for which it is only required to post $1.7 million in collateral. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $42.0 million in surety, payment and performance bonds for which it is 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had also pledged $2.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, as collateral related to its workers compensation policy. Restricted cash for surety bonds and workers compensation are included in other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	5.OTHER ASSETS
	The Company’s other assets are comprised of the following:
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
			(in thousands)
	Restricted cash	$	5,934	$	8,991
	Long-term investments		44,095		52,801
	Prepaid land rent		134,148		119,047
	Straight-line rent receivable		230,384		179,292
	Other		52,482		40,721
	Total other assets	$	467,043	$	400,852

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	6.ACQUISITIONS
	Oi S.A. Acquisitions
	On March 31, 2014, the Company acquired 2,007 towers in Brazil from Oi S.A. for an aggregate purchase price of $673.9 million in cash. The preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the Oi S.A. acquisition is summarized below (in thousands):
	Property and equipment		$	103,586
	Intangible assets			570,312
	Net assets acquired		$	673,898
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, total revenue for this acquisition was $60.7 million.
	On December 1, 2014, the Company acquired 1,641 towers in Brazil from Oi S.A. for an aggregate purchase price of $463.2 million in cash. The preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the Oi S.A. acquisition is summarized below (in thousands):
	Property and equipment		$	62,957
	Intangible assets			400,205
	Net assets acquired		$	463,162
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, total revenue for this acquisition was $4.8 million.
	On November 26, 2013, the Company acquired the rights to use 2,113 towers in Brazil from Oi S.A. for an aggregate purchase price of $317.0 million with $299.2 million paid from cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining $17.8 million in other liabilities to be paid over the next year. These liabilities are included within accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Other Acquisitions
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, in addition to the Oi S.A. acquisitions, the Company acquired 382 completed towers and related assets and liabilities for $403.2 million in cash. During the year ended December 31, 2013, in addition to the Oi S.A. acquisition, the Company acquired 389 completed towers and related assets and liabilities for $311.4 million in cash.  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.
	Summary of Acquisitions
	The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisition activity:
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Tower acquisitions (number of towers)			4,030		2,502		6,630
	The following table summarizes the Company’s cash acquisition capital expenditures:
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Towers and related intangible assets (1)		$	1,540,258	$	628,423	$	2,205,859
	Ground lease buyouts (2)			44,964		48,956		46,865
	Total cash acquisition capital expenditures		$	1,585,222	$	677,379	$	2,252,724
		-1		Total acquisition capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013, included $175.9 million related to an acquisition in Brazil which closed in the fourth quarter of 2012 and funded on January 4, 2013.
		-2		In addition, the Company paid $10.8 million, $9.1 million, and $9.7 million for ground lease extensions during the years ending 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition are subject to adjustment during the measurement period (up to one year from the particular acquisition date). The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocations that are not yet finalized relate to the fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration and any related tax impact. The fair values of these net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. During the measurement period, the Company will adjust assets and/or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in a revised estimated value of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. The effect of material measurement period adjustments to the estimated fair values is reflected as if the adjustments had been completed on the acquisition date. The impact of all changes that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are included in current period earnings. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could be subject to a possible impairment of the intangible assets, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent periods.
	Subsequent to December 31, 2014,  the Company acquired 45 towers and related assets for $35.7 million in cash.
	Foreign Currency Forward Contract
	On March 26, 2014, the Company settled  two foreign currency contracts entered into during the quarter with an aggregate notional amount of R$1,525.0 million in order to hedge the purchase price of the Oi S.A. acquisition in Brazil, which closed on March 31, 2014. During the first quarter, the Company realized a gain of $17.9 million related to these foreign currency forward contracts which is included in other income in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations and Net cash used in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	On September 29, 2014, the Company executed put and call option contracts settling on November 25, 2014 which created  a “costless collar” based on the cost to purchase $1.17 billion Brazilian Reais with US Dollars. The options were 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 closed on December 1, 2014. These options created a floor price for the purchase of Brazilian Reais of 2.4 and a ceiling price of 2.5665.  Since the closing price was within the floor and ceiling price, no gain or loss was realized.
	The Company measures its foreign currency forward contracts, which are recorded in Prepaid and other current assets, at fair value based on indicative prices in active markets (Level 2 inputs). These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and as such any gains and losses are reflected within Other Income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	7.DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	On September 6, 2012, the Company sold certain DAS networks located in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas, to ExteNet for approximately $119.3 million, comprised of $94.3 million in cash and $25.0 million in the form of a promissory note. On October 18, 2013, the Company received payment on the $25.0 million note including accrued interest.  One additional DAS network in Auburn, Alabama was sold to ExteNet on October 23, 2012 for $5.7 million in cash.
	The sold DAS networks, which are included in the Company’s Site Leasing segment, met both the component and held for sale criteria during the second quarter of 2012 and the results of operations associated with these assets have been reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The Company did not allocate any portion of the Company’s interest expense to discontinued operations.
	The key components of discontinued operations were as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Site leasing revenue	$	—	$	—	$	5,046
	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		—		2,296

Intangible_Assets_Net

Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	8.INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	The following table provides the gross and net carrying amounts for each major class of intangible assets:
		As of December 31, 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	$	4,090,129	$	-891,374	$	3,198,755	$	3,154,616	$	-649,861	$	2,504,755
	Network location intangibles		1,402,704		-411,919		990,785		1,209,142		-326,699		882,443
	Intangible assets, net	$	5,492,833	$	-1,303,293	$	4,189,540	$	4,363,758	$	-976,560	$	3,387,198
	All intangible assets noted above are included in the Company’s site leasing segment. The Company amortizes its intangible assets using the straight-line method over 15 years. Amortization expense relating to the intangible assets above was $338.4 million, $266.6 million, and $188.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense on the Company’s intangibles assets is as follows:
	For the year ended December 31,					(in thousands)
	2015					$	367,089
	2016						365,980
	2017						365,980
	2018						365,875
	2019						365,519

Property_And_Equipment_Net

Property And Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net	9.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Property and equipment, net (including assets held under capital leases) consists of the following:
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Towers and related components	$	4,194,375	$	3,821,482
	Construction-in-process		35,855		24,275
	Furniture, equipment, and vehicles		51,832		40,274
	Land, buildings, and improvements		426,974		364,830
	Total property and equipment		4,709,036		4,250,861
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-1,946,619		-1,672,417
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,762,417	$	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 $287.8 million, $266.1 million, and $219.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, non-cash capital expenditures that are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were $29.0 million and $11.4 million, respectively.

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	10.COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS
	Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	113,654	$	94,145
	Estimated earnings		48,949		32,547
	Billings to date		-143,323		-108,070
		$	19,280	$	18,622
	These amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions:
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
	billings on uncompleted contracts	$	30,078	$	27,864
	Other current liabilities (Billings in excess of costs and
	estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts)		-10,798		-9,242
		$	19,280	$	18,622
	At December 31, 2014,  eight significant customers comprised 92.7% of the costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, while at December 31, 2013, eight significant customers comprised 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.

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk

Concentration Of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Concentration Of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	11.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.
	The following is a list of significant customers (representing at least 10% of revenue for any period reported) and the percentage of total revenue for the specified time periods derived from such customers:
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of Total Revenues	2014	2013	2012
	Sprint (1)	23.4%	25.0%	23.9%
	AT&T Wireless (2)	23.0%	20.5%	21.9%
	T-Mobile (3)	15.5%	17.3%	17.2%
	Verizon Wireless	12.0%	11.3%	13.0%
	The Company’s site leasing and site development segments derive revenue from these customers. Client percentages of total revenue in each of the segments are as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of Domestic Site Leasing Revenue	2014	2013	2012
	AT&T Wireless (2)	30.1%	25.5%	26.1%
	Sprint (1)	25.6%	30.9%	28.5%
	T-Mobile (3)	19.2%	20.2%	19.7%
	Verizon Wireless	14.4%	13.3%	14.3%
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of International Site Leasing Revenue	2014	2013	2012
	Oi S.A.	44.3%	6.3%	0.1%
	Telefonica	28.8%	44.2%	48.1%
	Claro	8.0%	8.8%	12.6%
	Digicel	4.9%	11.2%	19.5%
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of Site Development Revenue	2014	2013	2012
	Sprint (1)	36.7%	1.5%	1.1%
	Ericsson, Inc.	16.8%	34.5%	24.5%
	Verizon Wireless	10.1%	4.8%	8.9%
	MasTec Inc.	1.9%	4.6%	16.4%
	(1)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of Sprint and Clearwire.
	(2)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of AT&T Wireless and Leap Wireless (Cricket Wireless).
	(3)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Metro PCS.
	Five significant customers comprised 63.5% of total gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 compared to five significant customers which comprised 51.5% of total gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2013.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses
	12.ACCRUED EXPENSES
	The Company’s accrued expenses are comprised of the following:
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Accrued earnouts	$	15,086	$	30,063
	Salaries and benefits		13,440		11,351
	Real estate and property taxes		5,331		9,814
	Other		31,696		34,903
	Total accrued expenses	$	65,553	$	86,131

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	13.     DEBT
	The carrying and principal values of debt consist of the following (in thousands):
		Maturity		As of						As of
		Date		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
				Principal Balance			Carrying Value			Principal Balance			Carrying Value
	4.000% Convertible Senior Notes	Oct. 1, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	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			744,150			—			—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities	15-Apr-15			—			—			680,000			680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities	17-Apr-17			550,000			550,000			550,000			550,000
	2.933% 2012 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
	2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities	Oct. 15, 2019			920,000			920,000			—			—
	3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities	Oct. 15, 2024			620,000			620,000			—			—
	Revolving Credit Facility	9-May-17			125,000			125,000			215,000			215,000
	2011 Term Loan	30-Jun-18			—			—			180,529			180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan	9-May-17			172,500			172,500			185,000			185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan	Sept. 28, 2019			—			—			109,971			109,745
	2014 Term Loan	Mar. 24, 2021			1,492,500			1,489,149			—			—
	BNDES Loans	various			—			—			5,847			5,847
	Total debt			$	7,870,000		$	7,860,799		$	5,910,041		$	5,876,607
	Less: current maturities of long-term debt							-32,500						-481,886
	Total long-term debt, net of current maturities						$	7,828,299					$	5,394,721
	The Company’s future principal payment obligations (based on the outstanding debt as of December 31, 2014 and assuming the Tower Securities are repaid at their respective anticipated repayment dates) are as follows:
	For the year ended December 31,			(in thousands)
	2015			$	32,500
	2016				35,000
	2017				1,435,000
	2018				770,000
	2019				1,435,000
	The table below reflects cash and non-cash interest expense amounts recognized by debt instrument for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Cash			Non-cash			Cash			Non-cash			Cash		Non-cash
		Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest		Interest
		(in thousands)
	1.875% Convertible Senior Notes	$	—		$	—		$	2,670		$	10,434		$	9,885	$	36,388
	4.0% Convertible Senior Notes		12,520			26,266			19,998			38,307			20,000		33,149
	8.0% Senior Notes		—			—			—			—			15,867		174
	8.25% Senior Notes		12,513			121			20,109			182			23,177		192
	5.625% Senior Notes		28,125			—			28,125			—			7,266		—
	5.75% Senior Notes		46,000			—			46,000			—			21,594		—
	4.875% Senior Notes		18,281			315			—			—			—		—
	2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		51,237			—			57,383			—			57,377		—
	2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		18,085			—			18,085			—			7,133		—
	2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		43,217			—			30,392			—			—		—
	2014 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		10,796			—			—			—			—		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		4,591			—			4,515			—			4,392		—
	2011 Term Loan		696			7			10,533			101			18,894		179
	2012-1 Term Loan		4,534			—			4,557			—			3,567		—
	2012-2 Term Loan		424			4			6,416			61			2,969		28
	2014 Term Loan		41,338			399			—			—			—		—
	Mobilitie Bridge Loan		—			—			—			—			4,239		—
	Other		243			—			268			—			-119		—
	Total	$	292,600		$	27,112		$	249,051		$	49,085		$	196,241	$	70,110
	Senior Credit Agreement
	On February 7, 2014, SBA Senior Finance II entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to, among other things, incur the 2014 Term Loan and amend certain terms of the existing senior credit agreement (as amended, the “Senior Credit Agreement”).
	Terms of the Senior Credit Agreement
	The Senior Credit Agreement, as amended, requires SBA Senior Finance II to maintain specific financial ratios, including (1) a ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA not to exceed 6.5 times for any fiscal quarter, (2) a ratio of Consolidated Total Debt and Net Hedge Exposure (calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement) to Annualized Borrower EBITDA for the most recently ended fiscal quarter not to exceed 6.5 times for 30 consecutive days and (3) a ratio of Annualized Borrower EBITDA to Annualized Cash Interest Expense (calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.0 times for any fiscal quarter. The Senior Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of SBA Senior Finance II and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, grant certain liens, make certain investments, enter into sale leaseback transactions, merge or consolidate, make certain restricted payments, enter into transactions with affiliates, and engage in certain asset dispositions, including a sale of all or substantially all of their property. As of December 31, 2014, SBA Senior Finance II was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit Agreement. The Senior Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default. Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Term Loans and certain hedging transactions that may be entered into by SBA Senior Finance II or the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) with lenders or their affiliates are secured by a first lien on the membership interests of SBA Telecommunications, LLC, SBA Senior Finance, LLC and SBA Senior Finance II and on substantially all of the assets (other than leasehold, easement and fee interests in real property) of SBA Senior Finance II and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
	The Senior Credit Agreement, as amended, permits SBA Senior Finance II, without the consent of the other lenders, to request that one or more lenders provide SBA Senior Finance II with increases in the Revolving Credit Facility or additional term loans provided that after giving effect to the proposed increase in Revolving Credit Facility commitments or incremental term loans the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA would not exceed 6.5 times. SBA Senior Finance II’s ability to request such increases in the Revolving Credit Facility or additional term loans is subject to its compliance with customary conditions set forth in the Senior Credit Agreement including compliance, on a pro forma basis, with the financial covenants and ratios set forth therein and, with respect to any additional term loan, an increase in the margin on existing term loans to the extent required by the terms of the Senior Credit Agreement. Upon SBA Senior Finance II’s request, each lender may decide, in its sole discretion, whether to increase all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility commitment or whether to provide SBA Senior Finance II with additional term loans and, if so, upon what terms.
Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit Agreement
On February 5, 2015, SBA Senior Finance II entered into the 2015 Revolving Refinancing Amendment with several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Senior Credit Agreement to, among other things, (i) increase the availability under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility from $770.0 million to $1.0 billion, (ii) extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to February 5, 2020, (iii) provide for the ability to borrow in U.S. dollars and certain designated foreign currencies, and (iv) lower the applicable interest rate margins and commitment fees under the Revolving Credit Facility.
As amended February 2015, the Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan under which up to $1.0 billion 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 SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either (i) the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranges from 137.5 basis points to 200.0 basis points or (ii) the Base Rate plus a margin that ranges from 37.5 basis points to 100.0 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.  In addition, SBA Senior Finance II is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on the amount of unused commitment.  If not earlier terminated by SBA Senior Finance II, the Revolving Credit Facility will terminate on, and SBA Senior Finance II will repay all amounts outstanding on or before, February 5, 2020.  The proceeds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes.  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.
During the year ended December 31, 2014,  the Company borrowed $700.0 million and repaid $790.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.  As of December 31, 2014, the amount outstanding of $125.0 million was accruing interest at an average rate of 2.541%.  The availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was $645.0 million at December 31, 2014, subject to compliance with specified financial ratios and satisfaction of other customary conditions to borrowing.
As of March 2, 2015, the amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility was $200.0 million. The availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was $800.0 million at March 2, 2015, subject to compliance with specified financial ratios and satisfaction of other customary conditions to borrowing.
Term Loans under the Senior Credit Agreement
2011 Term Loan
The 2011 Term Loan consisted of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million with a maturity date of June 30, 2018. The 2011 Term Loan accrued interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus a margin of 175 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 2%) or Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of 275 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 1%). The 2011 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $4.9 million associated with this transaction which were being amortized through the maturity date.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repaid $312.0 million on the 2011 Term Loan. Included in this amount was a prepayment of $310.7 million made on April 24, 2013 using proceeds from the 2013 Tower Securities. In connection with the prepayment, the Company expensed $2.3 million of net deferred financing fees and $0.6 million of discount related to the debt. As a result of the prepayment, no further scheduled quarterly principal payments were required until the maturity date.
On February 7, 2014, the Company repaid the entire $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 December 31, 2014, the 2012-1 Term Loan was accruing interest at 2.67% 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 year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repaid $12.5 million of principal on the 2012-1 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2014, the 2012-1 Term Loan had a principal balance of $172.5 million.
2012-2 Term Loan
The 2012-2 Term Loan consisted of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million with a maturity date of September 28, 2019. The 2012-2 Term Loan accrued interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 175 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 2%) or Eurodollar Rate plus 275 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 1%). The 2012-2 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $3.5 million in relation to this transaction which were being amortized through the maturity date.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repaid $190.0 million on the 2012-2 Term Loan. Included in this amount was a prepayment of $189.3 million made on April 24, 2013 using proceeds from the 2013 Tower Securities. In connection with the prepayment, the Company expensed $2.0 million of net deferred financing fees and $0.4 million of discount related to the debt. As a result of the prepayment, no further scheduled quarterly principal payments were required until the maturity date.
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 December 31, 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 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 SBAC’s acquisition of towers from Oi S.A. in Brazil, and (5) for general corporate purposes.
During the year ended December 31, 2014,  the Company repaid $7.5 million of principal on the 2014 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2014, the 2014 Term Loan had a principal balance of $1.5  billion.
Mobilitie Bridge Loan
Simultaneous with the closing of the Mobilitie acquisition in April 2012,  a wholly-owned subsidiary, SBA Monarch, as borrower, entered into a credit agreement with the several lenders from time to time parties thereto (the “Bridge Loan Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the Bridge Loan Credit Agreement, SBA Monarch borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $400 million under a senior secured bridge loan (the “Mobilitie Bridge Loan”). The Mobilitie Bridge Loan bore interest, at SBA Monarch’s election, at either the Base Rate plus a margin that ranged from 2.00% to 2.50% or the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranged from 3.00% to 3.50%, in each case based on SBA Monarch’s ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (calculated in accordance with the Bridge Loan Credit Agreement).
On July 13, 2012, the Company repaid the $400 million principal outstanding under the Mobilitie Bridge Loan from the proceeds of the 5.75% Senior Notes.
Secured Tower Revenue Securities
Tower Revenue Securities Terms
The mortgage loan underlying the 2010 Tower Securities, 2012 Tower Securities, 2013 Tower Securities, and 2014 Tower Securities (together the “Tower Securities”) will be paid from the operating cash flows from the aggregate 9,659 tower sites owned by the Borrowers. The mortgage loan is secured by (i) mortgages, deeds of trust, and deeds to secure debt on a substantial portion of the tower sites, (ii) a security interest in the tower sites and substantially all of the Borrowers’ personal property and fixtures, (iii) the Borrowers’ rights under certain tenant leases, and (iv) all of the proceeds of the foregoing. For each calendar month, SBA Network Management, Inc., an indirect subsidiary, is entitled to receive a management fee equal to 4.5% of the Borrowers’ operating revenues for the immediately preceding calendar month.
The Borrowers may prepay any of the mortgage loan components, in whole or in part, with no prepayment consideration, (i) within nine months (in the case of the components corresponding to the 2010 Tower Securities), twelve months (in the case of the component corresponding to the 2012 Tower Securities, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D, and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-1C), or eighteen months (in the case of the components corresponding to the Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C) of the anticipated repayment date of such mortgage loan component, (ii) with proceeds received as a result of any condemnation or casualty of any tower owned by the Borrowers or (iii) during an amortization period. In all other circumstances, the Borrowers may prepay the mortgage loan, in whole or in part, upon payment of the applicable prepayment consideration. The prepayment consideration is determined based on the class of the Tower Securities to which the prepaid mortgage loan component corresponds and consists of an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the present value associated with the portion of the principal balance being prepaid, calculated in accordance with the formula set forth in the mortgage loan agreement, on the date of prepayment of all future installments of principal and interest required to be paid from the date of prepayment to and including the first due date within nine months (in the case of the components corresponding to the 2010 Tower Securities), twelve months (in the case of the component corresponding to the 2012 Tower Securities, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D, and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-1C), or eighteen months (in the case of the components corresponding to the Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C) of the anticipated repayment date of such mortgage loan component over (2) that portion of the principal balance of such class prepaid on the date of such prepayment.
To the extent that the mortgage loan components corresponding to the Tower Securities are not fully repaid by their respective anticipated repayment dates, the interest rate of each such component will increase by the greater of (i) 5% and (ii) the amount, if any, by which the sum of (x) the ten-year U.S. treasury rate plus (y) the credit-based spread for such component (as set forth in the mortgage loan agreement) plus (z) 5%, exceeds the original interest rate for such component.
Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities, all rents and other sums due on any of the towers owned by the Borrowers are directly deposited by the lessees into a securitization escrow account and are held by the indenture trustee. The monies held by the indenture trustee after the release date are classified as restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 4). However, if the Debt Service Coverage Ratio, defined as the net cash flow (as defined in the mortgage loan agreement) divided by the amount of interest on the mortgage loan, servicing fees and trustee fees that the Borrowers are required to pay over the succeeding twelve months, as of the end of any calendar quarter, falls to 1.30x or lower, then all cash flow in excess of amounts required to make debt service payments, to fund required reserves, to pay management fees and budgeted operating expenses and to make other payments required under the loan documents, referred to as “excess cash flow,” will be deposited into a reserve account instead of being released to the Borrowers. The funds in the reserve account will not be released to the Borrowers unless the Debt Service Coverage Ratio exceeds 1.30x for two consecutive calendar quarters. If the Debt Service Coverage Ratio falls below 1.15x as of the end of any calendar quarter, then an “amortization period” will commence and all funds on deposit in the reserve account will be applied to prepay the mortgage loan until such time that the Debt Service Coverage Ratio exceeds 1.15x for a calendar quarter. In addition, if either the 2010-2 Tower Securities, 2012 Tower Securities, 2013 Tower Securities, or the 2014 Tower Securities are not fully repaid by their respective anticipated repayment dates, the cash flow from the towers owned by the Borrowers will be trapped by the trustee for the Tower Securities and applied first to repay the interest, at the original interest rates, on the mortgage loan components underlying the Tower Securities, second to fund all reserve accounts and operating expenses associated with those towers, third to pay the management fees due to SBA Network Management, Inc., fourth to repay principal of the Tower Securities and fifth to repay the additional interest discussed above. The mortgage loan agreement, as amended, also includes covenants customary for mortgage loans subject to rated securitizations. Among other things, the Borrowers are prohibited from incurring other indebtedness for borrowed money or further encumbering their assets. As of December 31, 2014, the Borrowers met the required Debt Service Coverage Ratio as set forth in the mortgage loan agreement and were in compliance with all other covenants.
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 had an annual interest rate of 4.254% and the 2010-2 Tower Securities have an annual interest rate of 5.101%. The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2010–1 Tower Securities were April 15, 2015 and April 16, 2040, respectively. The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2010–2 Tower Securities are 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 the Borrowers (as defined below).  The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $18.0 million in relation to this transaction which were 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 Tower Securities
On August 9, 2012, the Company, through the Trust, issued $610.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2012 (the “2012 Tower Securities”) which have an anticipated repayment date of December 15, 2017 and a final maturity date of December 15, 2042. The fixed interest rate of the 2012 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 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 of April 17, 2018 and a final maturity date of April 17, 2043,  $575.0 million of 3.722% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 17, 2023 and a final maturity date of April 17, 2048, and $330.0 million of 3.598% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D which have an anticipated repayment date of April 17, 2018 and a final maturity date of April 17, 2043 (collectively the “2013 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.33 billion of 2013 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.218% and a weighted average life through the anticipated repayment date of 7.2 years. The Company incurred 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 $680.0 million of the 2010-1 Tower Securities and to repay the $300.0 million outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility which had been drawn in order to partially repay the 4.0% Notes. The remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees in the aggregate of $21.8 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2014 Tower Securities.
In connection with the issuance of the 2014 Tower Securities, SBA Properties, LLC, SBA Sites, LLC, SBA Structures, LLC, SBA Infrastructure, LLC, SBA Monarch Towers III, LLC, SBA 2012 TC Assets PR, LLC, SBA 2012 TC Assets, LLC, SBA Towers IV, LLC, SBA Monarch Towers I, LLC, SBA Towers USVI, Inc., SBA Towers VII, LLC and SBA GC Towers, LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), each an indirect subsidiary of the Company, and Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as servicer, on behalf of the Trustee entered into the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the existing Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement was amended and restated, (ii) the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage loan was increased by a net of $860 million (after giving effect to the repayment of the 2010-1 Tower Securities), as described above), and (iii) the Borrowers became jointly and severally liable for the aggregate $4.03 billion borrowed under the mortgage loan corresponding to the 2010-2 Tower Securities, 2012 Tower Securities, 2013 Tower Securities, and the newly issued 2014 Tower Securities.
1.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013
On May 16, 2008,  the Company issued $550.0 million of its 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes (the “1.875% Notes”). Interest was payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1, and the 1.875% Notes matured on May 1, 2013. The 1.875% Notes were convertible, at the holder’s option, into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at an initial conversion rate of 24.1196 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 1.875% Notes (subject to certain customary adjustments), which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $41.46 per share or a 20% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price of $34.55 per share of Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on May 12, 2008, the purchase agreement date.
During the third quarter of 2013,  the Company sold its claim against Lehman Brothers, related to a hedge terminated when Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy in 2008, for $27.3 million and recorded a gain on the transaction of the same amount. The gain has been recorded within Other Income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company had settled all conversion obligations and related hedges and warrants for the 1.875% Notes.
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014
On April 24, 2009,  the Company issued $500.0 million of its 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes (“4.0% Notes”) in a private placement transaction. Interest was payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1.  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.
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 year ended December 31, 2014, holders of the 4.0% Notes converted $499.9 million in principal which was settled for $499.7 million in cash and 11.7 million shares of our Class A common stock. Concurrently with the settlement of our conversion obligation, the Company settled the convertible note hedges receiving 11.7 million shares of our Class A common stock. As a result, the Company’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 year ended December 31, 2014, the Company paid $885.0 million to early settle approximately 87% of the original warrants sold in connection with the issuance of the 4.0% Notes, representing approximately 14.4 million underlying shares of Class A common stock, originally scheduled to mature in the first quarter of 2015. Subsequent to December 31, 2014, the Company settled outstanding warrants for $82.7 million, representing approximately 1.2 million underlying shares. As of March 2, 2015, the Company has approximately 5% of the original warrants still outstanding representing approximately 0.9 million underlying shares, which will mature over the balance of the first quarter of 2015 and be settled by April 2, 2015.
Senior Notes
8.0% Senior Notes and 8.25% Senior Notes
On July 24, 2009, Telecommunications issued $750.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the “Senior Notes”), $375.0 million of which were due August 15, 2016 (the “8.0% Notes”) and $375.0 million of which were due August 15, 2019 (the “8.25% Notes”). The 8.0% Notes had an interest rate of 8.00% per annum and were issued at a price of 99.330% of their face value. The 8.25% Notes had an interest rate of 8.25% per annum and were issued at a price of 99.152% of their face value.
Net proceeds of this offering were $727.8 million after deducting expenses and the original issue discount. The Company was amortizing the debt discount on the Senior Notes utilizing the effective interest method over the life of the 8.0% Notes and 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 8.0% Notes and $131.3 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.25% Notes and to pay $21.3 million as a premium on the redemption of the notes. The Company expensed $1.5 million and $4.3 million of debt discount and deferred financing fees, respectively, related to the redemption of the notes.
On August 29, 2012, the Company redeemed the remaining $243.8 million principal balance of the 8.0% Notes and paid $14.6 million in applicable premium on the redemption of the notes. The Company expensed $1.0 million and $3.4 million of debt discount and deferred financing fees, respectively, related to the redemption of the 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 (the “5.75% Notes”) due July 15, 2020. The 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. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to (1) repay all amounts outstanding under the Mobilitie Bridge Loan and (2) repay all amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
The 5.75% Notes are subject to redemption in whole or in part on or after July 15, 2016 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture agreement plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to July 15, 2015, Telecommunications may at its option redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.75% Notes originally issued at a redemption price of 105.75% of the principal amount of the 5.75% Notes to be redeemed on the redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings. If redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on July 15, 2016, July 15, 2017, or July 15, 2018 through maturity, the redemption price will be 102.875%,  101.438%, and 100.000%, respectively, of the principal amount of the 5.75% Notes to be redeemed on the redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest.
SBAC is a holding company with no business operations of its own and its only significant asset is the outstanding capital stock of Telecommunications. Telecommunications is 100% owned by SBAC. The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Senior Notes issued by Telecommunications.
5.625% Senior Notes
On September 28, 2012, the Company issued $500.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the “5.625% Notes”) due October 1, 2019. 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 October 1 and April 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. The Company used the proceeds from the issuance of the 5.625% Notes to pay a portion of the cash consideration in the TowerCo II Holdings LLC acquisition.
The 5.625% Notes are subject to redemption in whole or in part on or after October 1, 2016 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture agreement plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to October 1, 2015, the Company may at its option redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.625% Notes originally issued at a redemption price of 105.625% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes to be redeemed on the redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings. If redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on October 1, 2016, October 1, 2017, or October 1, 2018 until maturity, the redemption price will be 102.813%,  101.406%, and 100.000%, respectively, of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes to be redeemed on the redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest.
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 $11.5 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.
In connection with the issuance of the 4.875% Notes, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the Initial Purchasers. Pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to file and have declared effective a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 4.875% Notes for new notes registered under the Securities Act, and complete the exchange offer on or prior to June 26, 2015. If the Company fails to consummate the exchange by this date, the Company will be obligated to pay additional interest of 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period and an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period thereafter, until the Company’s registration obligations are fulfilled, up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum.
The 4.875% Notes are subject to redemption in whole or in part on or after July 15, 2017 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture agreement plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to July 15, 2017, the Company may at its option redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% Notes originally issued at a redemption price of 104.875% of the principal amount of the 4.875% Notes to be redeemed on the redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings. If redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on July 15, 2017, July 15, 2018, July 15, 2019, or July 15, 2020 until maturity, the redemption price will be 103.656%,  102.438%,  101.219% and 100.000%, respectively, of the principal amount of the 4.875% Notes to be redeemed on the redemption date plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Indentures Governing Senior Notes
The Indentures governing the Senior Notes contain customary covenants, subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, including restrictions on the ability of SBAC and Telecommunications to (1) incur additional indebtedness unless the Consolidated Indebtedness to Annualized Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Ratio (as defined in the Indenture), pro forma for the additional indebtedness does not exceed, with respect to any fiscal quarter, 9.5x for SBAC and 7.5x for Telecommunications, (2) merge, consolidate or sell assets, (3) make restricted payments, including dividends or other distributions, (4) enter into transactions with affiliates, and (5) enter into sale and leaseback transactions and restrictions on the ability of the Restricted Subsidiaries of SBAC and Telecommunications (as defined in the Indentures) to incur liens securing indebtedness.
BNDES Loans
During 2013, the Company assumed several loans valued at $5.0 million as part of an acquisition in Brazil (the “BNDES Loans”). The Company also borrowed an additional $1.3 million in new loans during 2013. During the year ended December 31, 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.

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	14.REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	In connection with the Company’s business operations in Central America, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-affiliated joint venture partner that contained both a put option for its partners and a call option for the Company, requiring or allowing the Company, in certain circumstances, to purchase the remaining interest in such entity at a price based on predetermined earnings multiples. Each of these options was to be triggered upon the occurrence of specified events and/or upon the passage of time.
	In March 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 10% noncontrolling interest in the Central American joint venture for consideration of $6.0 million. This acquisition increased the Company’s ownership to 100% of the joint venture. The remaining $5.7 million balance of non-controlling interest, previously classified as a redeemable equity interest in mezzanine (or temporary equity) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet, was recognized as an adjustment to additional paid in capital. The acquisition of the noncontrolling interest has been recorded in accordance with ASC 810.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	15.SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common Stock equivalents
	The Company has potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options (see Note 16), restricted stock units, and the 4.0% Notes (see Note 13). These potential common stock equivalents were not included in diluted loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively. Accordingly, basic and diluted loss per common share and the weighted average number of shares used in the computation are the same for the years presented.
	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 years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012 the Company did not repurchase any shares in conjunction with the stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 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.
	Registration of Additional Shares
	On May 20, 2010, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering 15.0 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock issuable under the 2010 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan (see Note 16).
	The Company filed shelf registration statements on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering 4.0 million shares of its Class A common stock in 2007. These shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions of wireless communication towers or antenna sites and related assets or companies that own wireless communication towers, antenna sites, or related assets. During the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, the Company did not issue any shares of its Class A common stock pursuant to this registration statement in connection with acquisitions. At December 31, 2014, approximately 1.7 million shares remain available for issuance under this shelf registration statement.
	On February 27, 2012, the Company filed with the Commission an automatic shelf registration statement for well-known seasoned issuers on Form S-3ASR. This registration statement enables the Company to issue shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities either separately or represented by warrants, or depositary shares as well as units that include any of these securities. Under the rules governing automatic shelf registration statements, the Company will file a prospectus supplement and advise the Commission of the amount and type of securities each time the Company issues securities under this registration statement. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not issue any securities under this automatic shelf registration statement.
	On March 7, 2012, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (together, the “Underwriters”) pursuant to which the Company sold to the Underwriters 6,005,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at $47.30 per share (proceeds of $283.9 million, net of related fees). The shares were issued and sold pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 and prospectus supplement related thereto. On April 13, 2012, the proceeds of this offering were used to partially redeem principal balances of the Senior Notes.
	On April 2, 2012, the Company completed the Mobilitie Acquisition. As consideration for the acquisition, the Company paid $850.0 million in cash and issued 5,250,000 shares of its Class A common stock.
	On October 1, 2012, the Company completed the TowerCo Acquisition. As consideration for the acquisition, the Company paid $1.2 billion with cash on-hand and issued 4,588,840 shares of its Class A common stock.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	16.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has two equity participation plans (the 2001 Equity Participation Plan and the 2010 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan, the “2010 Plan”) whereby options (both non-qualified and incentive stock options), restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other equity and performance based instruments may be granted to directors, employees, and consultants. The options and restricted stock units generally vest from the date of grant on a straight-line basis over the vesting term and generally have a seven-year or a ten-year contractual life.
	Upon the adoption of the 2010 Plan by the Company’s shareholders on May 6, 2010, no further grants were permitted under the 2001 Equity Participation Plan. The 2010 Plan provides for the issuance of a maximum of 15.0 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock; however, the aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, stock bonus awards, performance awards, other stock-based awards, or other awards granted under the 2010 Plan will not exceed 7.5 million shares. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 11.3 million shares remaining available for future issuance under the 2010 Plan.
	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 year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Risk free interest rate		1.15% - 1.37%			0.51% - 1.38%			0.58% - 0.83%
	Dividend yield		0.00%			0.00%			0.00%
	Expected volatility		22.00%			25.0% - 29.0%			53.00%
	Expected lives		4.4 years			3.9 - 4.8 years			3.8 - 4.6 years
	The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 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, 2011	3,608		$	28.06
	Granted	613		$	47.58
	Exercised	-1,381		$	24.37
	Canceled	-9		$	37.71
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,831		$	34.06
	Granted	984		$	73.17
	Exercised	-776		$	27.57
	Canceled	-60		$	52.54
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,979		$	48.30
	Granted	1,121		$	95.51
	Exercised	-780		$	36.34
	Canceled	-44		$	81.21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	3,276		$	66.85		4.6		$	143,883
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,055		$	41.03		2.9		$	73,584
	Unvested at December 31, 2014	2,221		$	79.12		5.4		$	70,300
	The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $19.49, $17.38, and $20.31, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $49.2 million, $39.3 million and $49.0 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 was approximately $28.3 million,  $21.4 million, and $32.0 million, respectively. No tax benefit was realized for the tax deductions from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options in the preceding table represents the total intrinsic value based on the Company’s closing stock price of $110.76 as of December 31, 2014. The amount represents the total intrinsic value that would have been received by the holders of the stock-based awards had these awards been exercised and sold as of that date.
	Additional information regarding options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
						Weighted					Weighted
				Weighted Average		Average					Average
	Range	Outstanding		Contractual Life		Exercise Price			Exercisable		Exercise Price
		(in thousands)		(in years)					(in thousands)
	$0.00 - $30.00	241		1.4		$	20.78		241		$	20.78
	$30.51 - $50.00	1,062		3.3		$	42.62		650		$	40.62
	$50.01 - $70.00	10		4.4		$	50.45		6		$	50.35
	$70.01 - $90.00	869		5.2		$	73.25		158		$	73.30
	$90.01 - $111.00	1,094		6.2		$	95.58		-		$	0.00
		3,276							1,055
	The following table summarizes the activity of options outstanding that had not yet vested:
				Weighted-
				Average
		Number		Fair Value
		of Shares		Per Share
		(in thousands)
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013	1,785		$	18.15
	Shares granted	1,121		$	19.49
	Vesting during period	-641		$	17.98
	Forfeited or canceled	-44		$	17.52
	Unvested as of December 31, 2014	2,221		$	18.89
	As of December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options outstanding under the Plans is $29.1 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.61 years.
	The total fair value of shares vested during 2014,  2013, and 2012 was $11.5 million,  $9.8 million, and $9.0 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarized the Company’s restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 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						-123		$	50.02
Forfeited/canceled						-5		$	78.33
Outstanding at December 31, 2014						295		$	73.55
As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units granted under the 2010 Plan was $14.7 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.40 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2008 Purchase Plan”) which reserved 500,000 shares of Class A common stock for purchase. The 2008 Purchase Plan permits eligible employee participants to purchase Class A common stock at a price per share which is equal to 85% of the fair market value of Class A common stock on the last day of an offering period.
For the year ended December 31, 2014,  23,204 shares of Class A common stock were issued under the 2008 Purchase Plan, which resulted in cash proceeds to the Company of approximately $2.1 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 when 25,604 shares of Class A common stock were issued under the 2008 Purchase Plan which resulted in cash proceeds to the Company of $1.7 million. At December 31, 2014,  331,237 shares remained available for issuance under the 2008 Purchase Plan. In addition, the Company recorded $0.4 million,  $0.3 million, and $0.2 million of non-cash compensation expense relating to the shares issued under the 2008 Purchase Plans for each of the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012.
Non-Cash Compensation Expense
The table below reflects a break out by category of the non-cash compensation expense amounts recognized on the Company’s Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively:
		For the year ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(in thousands)
Cost of revenues	$	386		$	230		$	187
Selling, general and administrative		22,285			16,975			13,781
Total cost of non-cash compensation included
in loss before provision for income taxes		22,671			17,205			13,968
Amount of income tax recognized in earnings		—			—			—
Amount charged against loss	$	22,671		$	17,205		$	13,968
In addition, the Company capitalized $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million of non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively, to fixed assets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	17.INCOME TAXES
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes from continuing operations by geographic area is as follows:
			For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Domestic	$	-16,623	$	-45,429	$	-175,679
	Foreign		963		-11,789		-1,413
	Total	$	-15,660	$	-57,218	$	-177,092
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes on continuing operations consists of the following components:
			For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Current provision (benefit)
	Federal (1)	$	—	$	—	$	-1,237
	State (1)		1,099		387		2,702
	Foreign		7,006		4,946		3,769
	Total current		8,105		5,333		5,234
	Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes:
	Federal		1,458		-11,977		-53,501
	State		-887		-3,272		-13,750
	Foreign		-472		-9,013		-1
	Increase in valuation allowance		431		17,620		68,612
	Total deferred		530		-6,642		1,360
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	8,635	$	-1,309	$	6,594
	(1)Included in the 2012 current provision for income taxes on continuing operations is a benefit of $1.5 million that is an offset to the tax expense netted in discontinued operations. Of the $1.5 million benefit, $1.2 million relates to federal taxes and $0.3 million relates to state taxes.
	A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes on continuing operations at the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate (35%) and the effective income tax rate is as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Statutory federal benefit	$	-5,481	$	-20,027	$	-61,982
	Foreign tax expense		3,844		2,870		1,878
	State and local taxes benefit		138		-1,875		-7,181
	Non-deductible foreign expenses		5,644		2,605		987
	Foreign dividend income		3,700		—		—
	Foreign tax rate change		1,374		-4,960		—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		-799		—		—
	Other		-216		2,458		4,280
	Valuation allowance		431		17,620		68,612
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	8,635	$	-1,309	$	6,594
	The components of the net deferred income tax asset (liability) accounts are as follows:
				As of December 31,
				2014			2013
				(in thousands)
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses			$	49,900	$	—
	Allowance for doubtful accounts				326		241
	Deferred revenue				48,940		35,970
	Accrued liabilities				6,701		14,862
	Valuation allowance				-51,249		-21,187
	Total current deferred tax assets, net (1)			$	54,618	$	29,886
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses			$	375,103	$	438,608
	Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences				27,340		47,602
	Accrued liabilities				40,368		26,087
	Non-cash compensation				10,567		8,582
	Valuation allowance				-216,052		-225,339
	Currency translation				7,757		—
	Other				2,425		2,527
	Total noncurrent deferred tax assets, net (2)				247,508		298,067
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences				-283,185		-339,037
	Convertible debt instruments				—		-2,006
	Straight-line rents				-25,142		-17,463
	Deferred lease costs				-5,647		—
Other				-10,905		-8,079
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net (2)			$	-77,371	$	-68,518
(1)Amounts are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Of these amounts, $451 and $(77,822) are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013,  $232 and $(68,750) are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for the majority of its deferred tax assets as management believes that it is not “more-likely-than-not” that the Company will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to recognize the assets. Valuation allowances of $267.3 million and $246.5 million were being carried to offset net deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net increase in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $20.8 million and $12.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014,  the valuation allowance related to federal and state tax credit carryovers were approximately $2.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively. These tax credits expire beginning 2017.
The Company has available at  December 31, 2014, a net federal operating tax loss carry-forward of approximately $1.1 billion and an additional $227.4 million of net operating tax loss carry forward from stock options which will benefit additional paid-in capital when the loss is utilized. These net operating tax loss carry-forwards will expire between 2021 and 2033. The Internal Revenue Code places limitations upon the future availability of net operating losses based upon changes in the equity of the Company. If these occur, the ability of the Company to offset future income with existing net operating losses may be limited. In addition, the Company has available at December 31, 2014, a foreign net operating loss carry-forward of $39.5 million and a net state operating tax loss carry-forward of approximately $558.0 million. These net operating tax loss carry-forwards begin to expire in 2015.
In accordance with the Company’s methodology for determining when stock option deductions are deemed realized, the Company utilizes a “with-and-without” approach that will result in a benefit not being recorded in APIC if the amount of available net operating loss carry-forwards generated from operations is sufficient to offset the current year taxable income.
The Company does not expect to remit earnings from its foreign subsidiaries. Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $22.7 million at December 31, 2014. Those earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. Federal and state income taxes have been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company could be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries. In 2014, the Company recognized a deemed dividend of $10.6 million.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	18.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Leases
	The Company is obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for land, office space, equipment and site leases that expire at various times through July 2114. In addition, the Company is obligated under various non-cancelable capital leases for vehicles that expire at various times through July 2018.
	The annual minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating and capital leases in effect as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31,	Capital Leases		Operating Leases
	2015	$	1,652	$	135,563
	2016		975		136,675
	2017		499		138,640
	2018		148		140,209
	2019		—		140,620
	Thereafter		—
	Total minimum lease payments		3,274
	Less: amount representing interest		-169
	Present value of future payments		3,105
	Less: current obligations		-1,741
	Long-term obligations	$	1,364
	Future minimum rental payments under noncancelable ground leases include payments for certain renewal periods at the Company’s option because failure to renew could result in a loss of the applicable tower and related revenue from tenant leases, thereby making it reasonably assured that the Company will renew the lease. The majority of operating leases provide for renewal at varying escalations. Fixed rate escalations have been included in the table disclosed above.
	Rent expense for operating leases was $223.4 million, $196.3 million and $133.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, certain of the Company’s leases include contingent rent provisions which provide for the lessor to receive additional rent upon the attainment of certain tower operating results and/or lease-up. Contingent rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012 was $23.3 million, $20.3 million and $16.1 million, respectively.
	Tenant Leases
	The annual minimum tower lease income to be received for tower space and antenna rental under non-cancelable operating leases in effect as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	For the year ended December 31,			(in thousands)
	2015			$	1,220,266
	2016				1,081,408
	2017				956,211
	2018				806,190
	2019				611,057
	The Company’s tenant leases provide for annual escalations and multiple renewal periods, at the tenant’s option. The tenant rental payments disclosed in the table above do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options, however, fixed rate escalations have been included.
	Litigation
	The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs that may be incurred, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	Contingent Purchase Obligations
	From time to time, the Company agrees to pay additional consideration (or earnouts) for acquisitions if the towers or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets in the one to three years after they have been acquired. For the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012 certain earnings targets associated with the acquired towers were achieved, and therefore, the Company paid in cash $18.7 million,  $9.3 million, and $5.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s estimate of its potential obligation if the performance targets contained in various acquisition agreements were met was $15.1 million which the Company recorded in accrued expenses. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets was $23.1 million and $42.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Defined_Contribution_Plan

Defined Contribution Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan	19.DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
	The Company has a defined contribution profit sharing plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code that provides for voluntary employee contributions up to the limitations set forth in Section 402(g) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees have the opportunity to participate following completion of three months of employment and must be 21 years of age. Employer matching begins immediately upon the employee’s participation in the plan.
	For the years ended December 31, 2012 and through June 30, 2013, the Company made a discretionary matching contribution of 50% of an employee’s contributions up to a maximum of $3,000 annually. Effective July 1, 2013, the Company made a discretionary matching contribution of 75% of an employee’s contributions up to a maximum of $4,000 annually. Company matching contributions were approximately $2.0 million, $1.6 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.

Segment_Data

Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Data	20.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. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker utilizes segment operating profit and operating income as his two measures of segment profit in assessing performance and allocating resources at the reportable segment level.
	Commencing in the second quarter of 2014, the Company revised 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
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1,157,293	$	202,909	$	166,794	$	—	$	1,526,996
	Cost of revenues (2)		247,237		54,076		127,172		—		428,485
	Operating profit		910,056		148,833		39,622		—		1,098,511
	Selling, general, and administrative		67,611		16,762		9,074		9,870		103,317
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		3,351		4,447		—		—		7,798
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		21,538		2,263		—		—		23,801
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		515,150		104,447		2,453		5,022		627,072
	Operating income (loss)		302,406		20,914		28,095		-14,892		336,523
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-352,183		-352,183
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-15,660
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		547,774		1,221,786		3,851		24,352		1,797,763
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	1,048,756	$	84,257	$	171,853	$	—	$	1,304,866
	Cost of revenues (2)		242,839		27,933		137,481		—		408,253
	Operating profit		805,917		56,324		34,372		—		896,613
	Selling, general, and administrative		59,320		10,065		7,760		8,331		85,476
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		6,525		12,673		—		—		19,198
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		26,478		2,482		—		—		28,960
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		484,053		44,973		2,280		2,028		533,334
	Operating income (loss)		229,541		-13,869		24,332		-10,359		229,645
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-286,863		-286,863
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-57,218
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		261,775		578,938		6,693		105		847,511
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	797,794	$	48,300	$	107,990	$	—	$	954,084
	Cost of revenues (2)		175,452		13,499		90,556		—		279,507
	Operating profit		622,342		34,801		17,434		—		674,577
	Selling, general, and administrative		48,228		7,481		8,187		8,252		72,148
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		38,060		2,373		—		—		40,433
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		4,020		2,363		—		—		6,383
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		380,190		24,786		2,118		1,373		408,467
	Operating income (loss)		151,844		-2,202		7,129		-9,625		147,146
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-324,238		-324,238
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-177,092
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		2,271,636		86,645		6,466		3,751		2,368,498
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	As of December 31, 2014	$	5,554,753	$	1,989,571	$	78,633	$	218,168	$	7,841,125
	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.

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	21.QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)
		Quarter Ended
		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2014		2014		2014		2014
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Revenues	$	404,734	$	393,293	$	383,420	$	345,549
	Operating income		96,590		89,484		83,317		67,132
	Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		-162,214		-159,410		-161,005		-144,443
	Loss from extinguishment of debt, net		-1,124		-14,893		-8,236		-1,951
	Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation		388		-16,624		-9,467		1,408
	Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$	0.00	$	-0.13	$	-0.07	$	0.01
		Quarter Ended
		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2013		2013		2013		2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Revenues	$	335,396	$	332,094	$	324,305	$	313,071
	Operating income		59,445		63,902		49,534		56,764
	Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		-133,328		-133,281		-141,089		-125,636
	Loss from extinguishment of debt, net		-336		-3		-5,618		-142
	Net (loss) income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation		-19,164		21,531		-35,899		-22,377
	Net (loss) income per common share - basic	$	-0.15	$	0.17	$	-0.28	$	-0.18
	Net (loss) income per common share - diluted	$	-0.15	$	0.16	$	-0.28	$	-0.18
	Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares for the period. Potentially dilutive instruments have been excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their impact would have been anti-dilutive.
	Because loss per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common shares outstanding during each quarter, the sum of the per share amounts for the four quarters may not equal the total loss per share amounts for the year.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the Company and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The significant estimates made by management relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the costs and revenue relating to the Company’s construction contracts, stock-based compensation assumptions, valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, fair value of long-lived assets, the useful lives of towers and intangible assets, anticipated property tax assessments, fair value of investments and asset retirement obligations. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the information available. These estimates ultimately may differ from actual results and such differences could be material.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks, money market funds, commercial paper and other marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Investments	Investments
	Investment securities with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year at time of purchase are considered short-term investments. The Company’s short-term investments primarily consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of less than a year. Investment securities with maturities of more than a year are considered long-term investments and are classified in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term investments primarily consist of U.S. Treasuries, mutual funds, and preferred securities. Gross purchases and sales of the Company’s investments are presented within “Cash flows from investing activities” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The Company accounts for its investments in privately held companies under the cost method as it does not exert significant influence. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold an investment with a carrying value of $8.4 million for $20.9 million which is reflected in Net cash used in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and recorded a gain of $12.5 million which is reflected in Other income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The aggregate carrying value of the Company’s cost-method investments was approximately $43.3 million and $51.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is classified within other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company evaluates its cost-method investments for impairment at least annually. The Company determines the fair value of its cost-method investments by considering available evidence, including general market conditions, the investee’s financial condition, near-term prospects, market comparables and subsequent rounds of financing. The Company measures and records its cost-method investments at fair value when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company did not recognize any impairment loss associated with its cost-method investments during the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013, and 2012.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	The Company classifies all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. This includes cash held in escrow to fund certain reserve accounts relating to the Tower Securities as well as for payment and performance bonds and surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company in the ordinary course of business (see Note 4).
Property And Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost or at estimated fair value (in the case of acquired properties), adjusted for asset impairment and estimated asset retirement obligations. Costs for self-constructed towers include direct materials and labor, indirect costs and capitalized interest. Approximately $0.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million of interest cost was capitalized in 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Depreciation on towers and related components is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, not to exceed the minimum lease term of the underlying ground lease. The Company defines the minimum lease term as the shorter of the period from lease inception through the end of the term of all tenant lease obligations in existence at ground lease inception, including renewal periods, or the ground lease term, including renewal periods. If no tenant lease obligation exists at the date of ground lease inception, the initial term of the ground lease is considered the minimum lease term. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the minimum lease term of the lease. For all other property and equipment, depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.
	The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the remaining estimated life of the leased property, whichever is shorter, and the related amortization is included in depreciation expense. Expenditures for maintenance and repair are expensed as incurred.
	Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Towers and related components	3 - 15  years
	Furniture, equipment and vehicles	2 - 7 years
	Buildings and improvements	5 - 10  years
	Betterments, improvements, and significant repairs, which increase the value or extend the life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life. There has been no material impact for changes in estimated useful lives for any years presented.
Deferred Financing Fees	Deferred Financing Fees
	Financing fees related to the issuance of debt have been deferred and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the expected duration of the related indebtedness (see Note 13).
Deferred Lease Costs	Deferred Lease Costs
	The Company defers certain initial direct costs associated with the origination of tenant leases and lease amendments and amortizes these costs over the initial lease term or over the lease term remaining if related to a lease amendment. Such deferred costs were approximately $12.4 million, $12.8 million, and $10.2 million in 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense was $6.8 million, $5.5 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in cost of site leasing on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, unamortized deferred lease costs were $28.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively, and are included in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	The Company classifies as intangible assets the fair value of current leases in place at the acquisition date of towers and related assets (referred to as the “Current contract intangibles”), and the fair value of future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the acquired towers (referred to as the “Network location intangibles”). These intangibles are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years. For all intangible assets, amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as the benefit associated with these intangible assets is anticipated to be derived evenly over the life of the asset.
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates its individual long-lived and related assets with finite lives for indicators of impairment to determine when an impairment analysis should be performed. The Company evaluates its tower assets and Current contract intangibles at the tower level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exists. The Company evaluates its Network location intangibles for impairment at the tower leasing business level whenever indicators of impairment are present. The Company has established a policy to at least annually evaluate its tower assets and Current contract intangibles for impairment.
	The Company records an impairment charge when the Company believes an investment in towers or related assets has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the then current carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible. If the future undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible, the Company calculates future discounted cash flows and compares those amounts to the carrying value. The Company records an impairment charge for any amounts lower than the carrying value. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. In addition, the Company makes certain assumptions in determining an asset’s fair value for the purpose of calculating the amount of an impairment charge. The Company recorded asset impairment and decommission costs of  $23.8 million, $29.0 million, and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014,  2013 and 2012, respectively, which includes the write off of $16.8 million and $23.1 million in carrying value of decommissioned communication sites and the incurrence of other third party decommission costs, related to its long-lived assets and intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There were no write offs for decommissioned towers or the incurrence of other third party decommission costs, related to its long-lived assets and intangibles for the year ended December 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from site leasing is recorded monthly and recognized on a straight-line basis over the current term of the related lease agreements, which are generally five to ten years. Receivables recorded related to the straight-lining of site leases are reflected in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Site development projects in which the Company performs consulting services include contracts on a time and materials basis or a fixed price basis. Time and materials based contracts are billed at contractual rates as the services are rendered. For those site development contracts in which the Company performs work on a fixed price basis, site development billing (and revenue recognition) is based on the completion of agreed upon phases of the project on a per site basis. Upon the completion of each phase on a per site basis, the Company recognizes the revenue related to that phase. Site development projects generally take from 3 to 12 months to complete. Amounts billed in advance (collected or uncollected) are recorded as deferred revenue on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue from construction projects is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. The asset “costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” represents costs incurred and revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The liability “billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” included within other current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, represents billings in excess of costs incurred and revenues recognized. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers. The Company monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience, specific customer collection issues identified, and past due balances as determined based on contractual terms. Interest is charged on outstanding receivables from customers on a case by case basis in accordance with the terms of the respective contracts or agreements with those customers. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts in the period in which uncollectibility is determined to be probable.
	The following is a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts:
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	686	$	246	$	135
	Provision for doubtful accounts			338		770		330
	Write-offs, net of recoveries			-135		-330		-219
	Ending balance		$	889	$	686	$	246
Cost Of Revenue	Cost of Revenue
	Cost of site leasing revenue includes ground lease rent, property taxes, amortization of deferred lease costs, maintenance and other tower operating expenses. All ground lease rental obligations due to be paid out over the lease term, including fixed escalations, are recorded on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. Liabilities recorded related to the straight-lining of ground leases are reflected in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cost of site development revenue includes the cost of materials, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects are recognized as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company had taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2014 and utilized net operating loss carry-forwards. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had taxable losses and generated net operating loss carry-forwards. The majority of these net operating loss carry-forwards are fully reserved as management believes it is not “more-likely-than-not” that the Company will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to recognize the losses. The U.S. tax losses generated in tax years 1999 through 2013 remain subject to adjustment and tax years 2011 through 2013 are open to examination by the major jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
	The Company determines whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position taken in an income tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Company has not identified any tax exposures that require a reserve. In the future, to the extent that the Company records unrecognized tax exposures, any related interest and penalties will be recognized as interest expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company does not calculate U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because substantially all such earnings are expected to be reinvested indefinitely.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases under employee stock purchase plans. The Company records compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for stock options and restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for employee stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Any stock options granted to non-employees would be valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the market price of the underlying common stock on the “valuation date,” which for options to non-employees is the vesting date. Expense related to options granted to non-employees would be recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the period over which services are to be received or the vesting period. Compensation expense for restricted stock units is based on the fair market value of the units awarded at the date of the grant.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company has entered into ground leases for the land underlying the majority of the Company’s towers. A majority of these leases require the Company to restore leaseholds to their original condition upon termination of the ground lease.
	The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made, and accretes such liability through the obligation’s estimated settlement date. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets, and over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the tower.
	The asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $5.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon settlement of the obligations, any difference between the cost to retire an asset and the recorded liability is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a gain or loss. In determining the measurement of the asset retirement obligations, the Company considered the nature and scope of the contractual restoration obligations contained in the Company’s third party ground leases, the historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current and future value and timing of estimated restoration costs and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations.
	The following summarizes the activity of the asset retirement obligation liability:
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	5,312	$	7,506	$	5,386
	Additions			599		597		2,261
	Currency translation adjustment			-161		-42		1
	Accretion expense			446		512		333
	Removal			-188		-407		-334
	Revision in estimates			-152		-2,854		-141
	Ending balance		$	5,856	$	5,312	$	7,506
Loss Per Share	Loss Per Share
	The Company has potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options and convertible senior notes. These potential common stock equivalents were not included in diluted loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive in calculating the full year earnings per share. Accordingly, basic and diluted loss per common share and the weighted average number of shares used in the computations are the same for all periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, and is comprised of net income (loss) and other foreign currency adjustments.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the United States dollar as its functional currency 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 accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations
	The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at fair market value at the date of each acquisition and the results of operations of the acquired assets are included with those of the Company from the dates of the respective acquisitions. The Company continues to evaluate all acquisitions for a period not to exceed one year 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 as a result of information available at the acquisition date. The intangible assets represent the value associated with the current leases at the acquisition date (“Current contract intangibles”) and future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the towers (“Network location intangibles”) and were calculated using the discounted values of the current or future expected cash flows. The intangible assets are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years.
	In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company may agree to pay additional consideration (or earnouts) in cash or stock in certain acquisitions if the communication sites or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets over a period of one to three years after they have been acquired. The Company accrues for contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions at fair value as of the date of the acquisition. All subsequent changes in fair value of contingent consideration are recorded through Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Intercompany Loans	Intercompany Loans
	On November 25, 2014, two wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, Brazil Shareholder I, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and SBA Torres Brasil, Limitada, a limitada existing under the laws of the Republic of Brazil, entered into an intercompany loan agreement where from time to time the entities may agree to lend/borrow amounts up to $750.0 million. On November 25, 2014, $455.8 million was borrowed under this agreement.
	In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a $23.0 million foreign exchange loss on the remeasurement of intercompany loans.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released updated guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017. This guidance is required to be applied (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) with the cumulative effect being recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the guidance including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Asset Classes And Related Estimated Useful Lives
	Towers and related components	3 - 15  years
	Furniture, equipment and vehicles	2 - 7 years
	Buildings and improvements	5 - 10  years
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	686	$	246	$	135
	Provision for doubtful accounts			338		770		330
	Write-offs, net of recoveries			-135		-330		-219
	Ending balance		$	889	$	686	$	246
Summary Of Asset Retirement Obligation Activity
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	5,312	$	7,506	$	5,386
	Additions			599		597		2,261
	Currency translation adjustment			-161		-42		1
	Accretion expense			446		512		333
	Removal			-188		-407		-334
	Revision in estimates			-152		-2,854		-141
	Ending balance		$	5,856	$	5,312	$	7,506

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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		11,048		31,704
	Payments		-18,724		-9,324
	Change in estimate		-7,310		-1,585
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		9		-572
	Ending balance, December 31,	$	15,086	$	30,063
Summary Of Fair Values, Principal Balances, And Carrying Values Of Company's Debt Instruments
		As of December 31, 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	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,479,859	$	499,944	$	468,394
	8.250% Senior Notes due 2019		—		—		—		262,031		243,750		242,387
	5.625% Senior Notes due 2019		511,250		500,000		500,000		514,375		500,000		500,000
	5.750% Senior Notes due 2020		816,000		800,000		800,000		832,000		800,000		800,000
	4.875% Senior Notes due 2022		721,875		750,000		744,150		—		—		—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities		—		—		—		689,717		680,000		680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities		576,901		550,000		550,000		586,586		550,000		550,000
	2.933% 2012 Tower Securities		620,175		610,000		610,000		604,736		610,000		610,000
	2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities		420,776		425,000		425,000		408,442		425,000		425,000
	3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities		584,344		575,000		575,000		530,098		575,000		575,000
	3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities		330,551		330,000		330,000		318,856		330,000		330,000
	2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities		920,515		920,000		920,000		—		—		—
	3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities		629,474		620,000		620,000		—		—		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		125,000		125,000		125,000		215,000		215,000		215,000
	2011 Term Loan		—		—		—		180,980		180,529		180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan		171,422		172,500		172,500		184,538		185,000		185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan		—		—		—		110,383		109,971		109,745
	2014 Term Loan		1,458,919		1,492,500		1,489,149		—		—		—
	BNDES Loans		—		—		—		5,847		5,847		5,847
	Totals	$	7,887,202	$	7,870,000	$	7,860,799	$	6,923,448	$	5,910,041	$	5,876,607

Restricted_Cash_Tables

Restricted Cash (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Schedule Of Restricted Cash
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13		Included on Balance Sheet
			(in thousands)
	Securitization escrow accounts	$	52,117	$	46,364	Restricted cash - current asset
	Payment and performance bonds		402		941	Restricted cash - current asset
	Surety bonds and workers compensation		5,934		8,991	Other assets - noncurrent
	Total restricted cash	$	58,453	$	56,296

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Assets
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
			(in thousands)
	Restricted cash	$	5,934	$	8,991
	Long-term investments		44,095		52,801
	Prepaid land rent		134,148		119,047
	Straight-line rent receivable		230,384		179,292
	Other		52,482		40,721
	Total other assets	$	467,043	$	400,852

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed	On March 31, 2014, the Company acquired 2,007 towers in Brazil from Oi S.A. for an aggregate purchase price of $673.9 million in cash. The preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the Oi S.A. acquisition is summarized below (in thousands):
	Property and equipment		$	103,586
	Intangible assets			570,312
	Net assets acquired		$	673,898
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, total revenue for this acquisition was $60.7 million.
	On December 1, 2014, the Company acquired 1,641 towers in Brazil from Oi S.A. for an aggregate purchase price of $463.2 million in cash. The preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the Oi S.A. acquisition is summarized below (in thousands):
	Property and equipment		$	62,957
	Intangible assets			400,205
	Net assets acquired		$	463,162
Schedule Of Acquisition Activity
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Tower acquisitions (number of towers)			4,030		2,502		6,630
Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Towers and related intangible assets (1)		$	1,540,258	$	628,423	$	2,205,859
	Ground lease buyouts (2)			44,964		48,956		46,865
	Total cash acquisition capital expenditures		$	1,585,222	$	677,379	$	2,252,724
		-1		Total acquisition capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013, included $175.9 million related to an acquisition in Brazil which closed in the fourth quarter of 2012 and funded on January 4, 2013.
		-2		In addition, the Company paid $10.8 million, $9.1 million, and $9.7 million for ground lease extensions during the years ending 2014,  2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Components Of Discontinued Operations
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Site leasing revenue	$	—	$	—	$	5,046
	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		—		2,296

Intangible_Assets_Net_Tables

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets
		As of December 31, 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	$	4,090,129	$	-891,374	$	3,198,755	$	3,154,616	$	-649,861	$	2,504,755
	Network location intangibles		1,402,704		-411,919		990,785		1,209,142		-326,699		882,443
	Intangible assets, net	$	5,492,833	$	-1,303,293	$	4,189,540	$	4,363,758	$	-976,560	$	3,387,198
Estimated Future Amortization Expense
	For the year ended December 31,					(in thousands)
	2015					$	367,089
	2016						365,980
	2017						365,980
	2018						365,875
	2019						365,519

Property_And_Equipment_Net_Tab

Property And Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Towers and related components	$	4,194,375	$	3,821,482
	Construction-in-process		35,855		24,275
	Furniture, equipment, and vehicles		51,832		40,274
	Land, buildings, and improvements		426,974		364,830
	Total property and equipment		4,709,036		4,250,861
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-1,946,619		-1,672,417
	Property and equipment, net	$	2,762,417	$	2,578,444

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O1

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	113,654	$	94,145
	Estimated earnings		48,949		32,547
	Billings to date		-143,323		-108,070
		$	19,280	$	18,622
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
	billings on uncompleted contracts	$	30,078	$	27,864
	Other current liabilities (Billings in excess of costs and
	estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts)		-10,798		-9,242
		$	19,280	$	18,622

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk_T

Concentration Of Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Concentration Of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Customers And Percentage Of Total Revenue For Specified Time Periods Derived From Such Customers	The following is a list of significant customers (representing at least 10% of revenue for any period reported) and the percentage of total revenue for the specified time periods derived from such customers:
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of Total Revenues	2014	2013	2012
	Sprint (1)	23.4%	25.0%	23.9%
	AT&T Wireless (2)	23.0%	20.5%	21.9%
	T-Mobile (3)	15.5%	17.3%	17.2%
	Verizon Wireless	12.0%	11.3%	13.0%
	The Company’s site leasing and site development segments derive revenue from these customers. Client percentages of total revenue in each of the segments are as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of Domestic Site Leasing Revenue	2014	2013	2012
	AT&T Wireless (2)	30.1%	25.5%	26.1%
	Sprint (1)	25.6%	30.9%	28.5%
	T-Mobile (3)	19.2%	20.2%	19.7%
	Verizon Wireless	14.4%	13.3%	14.3%
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of International Site Leasing Revenue	2014	2013	2012
	Oi S.A.	44.3%	6.3%	0.1%
	Telefonica	28.8%	44.2%	48.1%
	Claro	8.0%	8.8%	12.6%
	Digicel	4.9%	11.2%	19.5%
		For the year ended December 31,
	Percentage of Site Development Revenue	2014	2013	2012
	Sprint (1)	36.7%	1.5%	1.1%
	Ericsson, Inc.	16.8%	34.5%	24.5%
	Verizon Wireless	10.1%	4.8%	8.9%
	MasTec Inc.	1.9%	4.6%	16.4%
	(1)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of Sprint and Clearwire.
	(2)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of AT&T Wireless and Leap Wireless (Cricket Wireless).
	(3)Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Metro PCS.

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses
		As of		As of
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(in thousands)
	Accrued earnouts	$	15,086	$	30,063
	Salaries and benefits		13,440		11,351
	Real estate and property taxes		5,331		9,814
	Other		31,696		34,903
	Total accrued expenses	$	65,553	$	86,131

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt
		Maturity		As of						As of
		Date		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
				Principal Balance			Carrying Value			Principal Balance			Carrying Value
	4.000% Convertible Senior Notes	Oct. 1, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	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			744,150			—			—
	4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities	15-Apr-15			—			—			680,000			680,000
	5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities	17-Apr-17			550,000			550,000			550,000			550,000
	2.933% 2012 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
	2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities	Oct. 15, 2019			920,000			920,000			—			—
	3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities	Oct. 15, 2024			620,000			620,000			—			—
	Revolving Credit Facility	9-May-17			125,000			125,000			215,000			215,000
	2011 Term Loan	30-Jun-18			—			—			180,529			180,234
	2012-1 Term Loan	9-May-17			172,500			172,500			185,000			185,000
	2012-2 Term Loan	Sept. 28, 2019			—			—			109,971			109,745
	2014 Term Loan	Mar. 24, 2021			1,492,500			1,489,149			—			—
	BNDES Loans	various			—			—			5,847			5,847
	Total debt			$	7,870,000		$	7,860,799		$	5,910,041		$	5,876,607
	Less: current maturities of long-term debt							-32,500						-481,886
	Total long-term debt, net of current maturities						$	7,828,299					$	5,394,721
Future Principal Payment Obligations
	For the year ended December 31,			(in thousands)
	2015			$	32,500
	2016				35,000
	2017				1,435,000
	2018				770,000
	2019				1,435,000
Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014						2013						2012
		Cash			Non-cash			Cash			Non-cash			Cash		Non-cash
		Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest			Interest		Interest
		(in thousands)
	1.875% Convertible Senior Notes	$	—		$	—		$	2,670		$	10,434		$	9,885	$	36,388
	4.0% Convertible Senior Notes		12,520			26,266			19,998			38,307			20,000		33,149
	8.0% Senior Notes		—			—			—			—			15,867		174
	8.25% Senior Notes		12,513			121			20,109			182			23,177		192
	5.625% Senior Notes		28,125			—			28,125			—			7,266		—
	5.75% Senior Notes		46,000			—			46,000			—			21,594		—
	4.875% Senior Notes		18,281			315			—			—			—		—
	2010 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		51,237			—			57,383			—			57,377		—
	2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		18,085			—			18,085			—			7,133		—
	2013 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		43,217			—			30,392			—			—		—
	2014 Secured Tower Revenue Securities		10,796			—			—			—			—		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		4,591			—			4,515			—			4,392		—
	2011 Term Loan		696			7			10,533			101			18,894		179
	2012-1 Term Loan		4,534			—			4,557			—			3,567		—
	2012-2 Term Loan		424			4			6,416			61			2,969		28
	2014 Term Loan		41,338			399			—			—			—		—
	Mobilitie Bridge Loan		—			—			—			—			4,239		—
	Other		243			—			268			—			-119		—
	Total	$	292,600		$	27,112		$	249,051		$	49,085		$	196,241	$	70,110

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options
			For the year ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Risk free interest rate		1.15% - 1.37%			0.51% - 1.38%			0.58% - 0.83%
	Dividend yield		0.00%			0.00%			0.00%
	Expected volatility		22.00%			25.0% - 29.0%			53.00%
	Expected lives		4.4 years			3.9 - 4.8 years			3.8 - 4.6 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, 2011	3,608		$	28.06
	Granted	613		$	47.58
	Exercised	-1,381		$	24.37
	Canceled	-9		$	37.71
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,831		$	34.06
	Granted	984		$	73.17
	Exercised	-776		$	27.57
	Canceled	-60		$	52.54
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,979		$	48.30
	Granted	1,121		$	95.51
	Exercised	-780		$	36.34
	Canceled	-44		$	81.21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	3,276		$	66.85		4.6		$	143,883
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,055		$	41.03		2.9		$	73,584
	Unvested at December 31, 2014	2,221		$	79.12		5.4		$	70,300
Additional Information Regarding Options Outstanding And Exercisable
		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
						Weighted					Weighted
				Weighted Average		Average					Average
	Range	Outstanding		Contractual Life		Exercise Price			Exercisable		Exercise Price
		(in thousands)		(in years)					(in thousands)
	$0.00 - $30.00	241		1.4		$	20.78		241		$	20.78
	$30.51 - $50.00	1,062		3.3		$	42.62		650		$	40.62
	$50.01 - $70.00	10		4.4		$	50.45		6		$	50.35
	$70.01 - $90.00	869		5.2		$	73.25		158		$	73.30
	$90.01 - $111.00	1,094		6.2		$	95.58		-		$	0.00
		3,276							1,055
Activity Of Options Outstanding Not Yet Vested
				Weighted-
				Average
		Number		Fair Value
		of Shares		Per Share
		(in thousands)
	Unvested as of December 31, 2013	1,785		$	18.15
	Shares granted	1,121		$	19.49
	Vesting during period	-641		$	17.98
	Forfeited or canceled	-44		$	17.52
	Unvested as of December 31, 2014	2,221		$	18.89
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						-123		$	50.02
	Forfeited/canceled						-5		$	78.33
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014						295		$	73.55
Schedule Of Non-Cash Compensation Expense
			For the year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Cost of revenues	$	386		$	230		$	187
	Selling, general and administrative		22,285			16,975			13,781
	Total cost of non-cash compensation included
	in loss before provision for income taxes		22,671			17,205			13,968
	Amount of income tax recognized in earnings		—			—			—
	Amount charged against loss	$	22,671		$	17,205		$	13,968

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area
			For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Domestic	$	-16,623	$	-45,429	$	-175,679
	Foreign		963		-11,789		-1,413
	Total	$	-15,660	$	-57,218	$	-177,092
Components Of Provision For Income Taxes
			For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Current provision (benefit)
	Federal (1)	$	—	$	—	$	-1,237
	State (1)		1,099		387		2,702
	Foreign		7,006		4,946		3,769
	Total current		8,105		5,333		5,234
	Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes:
	Federal		1,458		-11,977		-53,501
	State		-887		-3,272		-13,750
	Foreign		-472		-9,013		-1
	Increase in valuation allowance		431		17,620		68,612
	Total deferred		530		-6,642		1,360
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	8,635	$	-1,309	$	6,594
	(1)Included in the 2012 current provision for income taxes on continuing operations is a benefit of $1.5 million that is an offset to the tax expense netted in discontinued operations. Of the $1.5 million benefit, $1.2 million relates to federal taxes and $0.3 million relates to state taxes.
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
				(in thousands)
	Statutory federal benefit	$	-5,481	$	-20,027	$	-61,982
	Foreign tax expense		3,844		2,870		1,878
	State and local taxes benefit		138		-1,875		-7,181
	Non-deductible foreign expenses		5,644		2,605		987
	Foreign dividend income		3,700		—		—
	Foreign tax rate change		1,374		-4,960		—
	Foreign exchange rate changes		-799		—		—
	Other		-216		2,458		4,280
	Valuation allowance		431		17,620		68,612
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	8,635	$	-1,309	$	6,594
Components Of Net Deferred Income Tax Asset And Liability
				As of December 31,
				2014			2013
				(in thousands)
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses			$	49,900	$	—
	Allowance for doubtful accounts				326		241
	Deferred revenue				48,940		35,970
	Accrued liabilities				6,701		14,862
	Valuation allowance				-51,249		-21,187
	Total current deferred tax assets, net (1)			$	54,618	$	29,886
	Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
	Net operating losses			$	375,103	$	438,608
	Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences				27,340		47,602
	Accrued liabilities				40,368		26,087
	Non-cash compensation				10,567		8,582
	Valuation allowance				-216,052		-225,339
	Currency translation				7,757		—
	Other				2,425		2,527
	Total noncurrent deferred tax assets, net (2)				247,508		298,067
	Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences				-283,185		-339,037
	Convertible debt instruments				—		-2,006
	Straight-line rents				-25,142		-17,463
	Deferred lease costs				-5,647		—
	Other				-10,905		-8,079
	Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net (2)			$	-77,371	$	-68,518
	(1)Amounts are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(2)Of these amounts, $451 and $(77,822) are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013,  $232 and $(68,750) are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Annual Minimum Lease Payments
	For the year ended December 31,	Capital Leases		Operating Leases
	2015	$	1,652	$	135,563
	2016		975		136,675
	2017		499		138,640
	2018		148		140,209
	2019		—		140,620
	Thereafter		—
	Total minimum lease payments		3,274
	Less: amount representing interest		-169
	Present value of future payments		3,105
	Less: current obligations		-1,741
	Long-term obligations	$	1,364
Annual Minimum Tower Lease Income
	For the year ended December 31,			(in thousands)
	2015			$	1,220,266
	2016				1,081,408
	2017				956,211
	2018				806,190
	2019				611,057

Segment_Data_Tables

Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information Disclosure
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	(in thousands)
	Revenues	$	1,157,293	$	202,909	$	166,794	$	—	$	1,526,996
	Cost of revenues (2)		247,237		54,076		127,172		—		428,485
	Operating profit		910,056		148,833		39,622		—		1,098,511
	Selling, general, and administrative		67,611		16,762		9,074		9,870		103,317
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		3,351		4,447		—		—		7,798
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		21,538		2,263		—		—		23,801
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		515,150		104,447		2,453		5,022		627,072
	Operating income (loss)		302,406		20,914		28,095		-14,892		336,523
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-352,183		-352,183
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-15,660
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		547,774		1,221,786		3,851		24,352		1,797,763
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	1,048,756	$	84,257	$	171,853	$	—	$	1,304,866
	Cost of revenues (2)		242,839		27,933		137,481		—		408,253
	Operating profit		805,917		56,324		34,372		—		896,613
	Selling, general, and administrative		59,320		10,065		7,760		8,331		85,476
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		6,525		12,673		—		—		19,198
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		26,478		2,482		—		—		28,960
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		484,053		44,973		2,280		2,028		533,334
	Operating income (loss)		229,541		-13,869		24,332		-10,359		229,645
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-286,863		-286,863
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-57,218
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		261,775		578,938		6,693		105		847,511
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	797,794	$	48,300	$	107,990	$	—	$	954,084
	Cost of revenues (2)		175,452		13,499		90,556		—		279,507
	Operating profit		622,342		34,801		17,434		—		674,577
	Selling, general, and administrative		48,228		7,481		8,187		8,252		72,148
	Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		38,060		2,373		—		—		40,433
	Asset impairment and decommission costs		4,020		2,363		—		—		6,383
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion		380,190		24,786		2,118		1,373		408,467
	Operating income (loss)		151,844		-2,202		7,129		-9,625		147,146
	Other expense (principally interest expense
	and other expense)								-324,238		-324,238
	Loss before provision for income taxes										-177,092
	Cash capital expenditures (3)		2,271,636		86,645		6,466		3,751		2,368,498
								Not
		Domestic Site		Int'l Site		Site		Identified by
		Leasing		Leasing		Development		Segment (1)		Total
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	As of December 31, 2014	$	5,554,753	$	1,989,571	$	78,633	$	218,168	$	7,841,125
	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.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information
		Quarter Ended
		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2014		2014		2014		2014
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Revenues	$	404,734	$	393,293	$	383,420	$	345,549
	Operating income		96,590		89,484		83,317		67,132
	Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		-162,214		-159,410		-161,005		-144,443
	Loss from extinguishment of debt, net		-1,124		-14,893		-8,236		-1,951
	Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation		388		-16,624		-9,467		1,408
	Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$	0.00	$	-0.13	$	-0.07	$	0.01
		Quarter Ended
		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2013		2013		2013		2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Revenues	$	335,396	$	332,094	$	324,305	$	313,071
	Operating income		59,445		63,902		49,534		56,764
	Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		-133,328		-133,281		-141,089		-125,636
	Loss from extinguishment of debt, net		-336		-3		-5,618		-142
	Net (loss) income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation		-19,164		21,531		-35,899		-22,377
	Net (loss) income per common share - basic	$	-0.15	$	0.17	$	-0.28	$	-0.18
	Net (loss) income per common share - diluted	$	-0.15	$	0.16	$	-0.28	$	-0.18

General_Narrative_Details

General (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	item
General [Abstract]
Company owned tower sites	24,292

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 25, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 25, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cost-method investments, carrying value		$43.30	$51.70
Cost-method investments, impairment loss		0	0	0
Interest cost capitalized		0.3	0.1	0.3
Deferred lease costs		12.4	12.8	10.2
Amortization expense		6.8	5.5	4.6
Unamortized deferred lease costs		28.5	22.9
Intangible assets, useful life		15 years
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets		23.8	29	6.4
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles		16.8	23.1	0
Asset retirement obligation		5.9	5.3
Business acquistions period after closing date to determine additional adjustments		1 year
Acquired intangible assets, useful life		15 years
Intercompany Loan Maxiumum Amount	750
Intercompany Foreign Currency Balance, Amount	455.8				455.8
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized		23
Privately Held Company [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cost-method investments, carrying value		8.4
Proceeds from sale of other investments		20.9
Gain on sale of investments		$12.50
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Lease term		5 years
Duration of site development projects		3 months
Business acquisitions performance target period		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Lease term		10 years
Duration of site development projects		12 months
Business acquisitions performance target period		3 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Asset Classes And Related Estimated Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Towers and Related Components [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Towers and Related Components [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Furniture, equipment and vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Furniture, equipment and vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	7 years
Buildings and improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Buildings and improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance For Doubtful Account) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$686	$246	$135
Provision for doubtful accounts	338	770	330
Write-offs, net of recoveries	-135	-330	-219
Ending balance	$889	$686	$246

Summary_Of_Significant_Account6

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Asset Retirement Obligation Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$5,312	$7,506	$5,386
Additions	599	597	2,261
Currency translation adjustment	-161	-42	1
Accretion expense	446	512	333
Removal	-188	-407	-334
Revision in estimates	-152	-2,854	-141
Ending balance	$5,856	$5,312	$7,506

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued earnouts	$15,086,000	$30,063,000	$9,840,000
Performance targets, maximum potential obligation	23,100,000	42,100,000
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets	23,800,000	29,000,000	6,400,000
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	16,800,000	23,100,000	0
Certificate of deposits	5,300,000	5,200,000
Held-to-maturity investments, carrying value	1,000,000	1,100,000
Held-to-maturity investments, fair value	$1,100,000	$1,300,000
Minimum [Member]
Interest rate under Revolving Credit Facility	1.88%
Maximum [Member]
Interest rate under Revolving Credit Facility	2.38%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Accrued Earnout Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Beginning balance, December 31,	$30,063	$9,840
Additions	11,048	31,704
Payments	-18,724	-9,324
Change in estimate	-7,310	-1,585
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9	-572
Ending balance, December 31,	$15,086	$30,063

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar1

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

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

16-May-08

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 24, 2009

Sep. 28, 2012

Jul. 13, 2012

Jul. 01, 2014

Apr. 16, 2010

Aug. 09, 2012

Apr. 18, 2013

Oct. 15, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 24, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

7,887,202

$6,923,448

Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

7,870,000

5,910,041

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

7,860,799

5,876,607

1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

1.88%

1.88%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

1-May-13

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

1-Oct-14

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

1,479,859

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

499,944

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

468,394

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

8.25%

8.25%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Aug-19

15-Aug-19

8.25% Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

262,031

8.25% Senior Notes [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

243,750

8.25% Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

242,387

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

5.63%

5.63%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

1-Oct-19

1-Oct-19

5.625% Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

511,250

514,375

5.625% Senior Notes [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

500,000

500,000

5.625% Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

500,000

500,000

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

5.75%

5.75%

5.75%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Jul-20

15-Jul-20

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

816,000

832,000

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

800,000

800,000

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

800,000

800,000

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

4.88%

4.88%

4.88%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Jul-22

15-Jul-22

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

721,875

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

750,000

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

744,150

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

4.25%

4.25%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Apr-15

16-Apr-40

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

689,717

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

680,000

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

680,000

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

5.10%

5.10%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

17-Apr-17

15-Apr-42

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

576,901

586,586

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

550,000

550,000

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

550,000

550,000

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

2.93%

2.93%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Dec-17

15-Dec-42

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

620,175

604,736

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

610,000

610,000

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

610,000

610,000

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

2.24%

2.24%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

16-Apr-18

17-Apr-43

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

420,776

408,442

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

425,000

425,000

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

425,000

425,000

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

3.72%

3.72%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

17-Apr-23

17-Apr-48

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

584,344

530,098

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

575,000

575,000

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

575,000

575,000

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

3.60%

3.60%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

16-Apr-18

17-Apr-43

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

330,551

318,856

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

330,000

330,000

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

330,000

330,000

2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

2.90%

2.90%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Oct-19

17-Oct-44

2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

920,515

2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

920,000

2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

920,000

3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument stated percentage

3.87%

3.87%

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

15-Oct-24

15-Oct-49

3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

629,474

3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

620,000

3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

620,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

9-May-17

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

125,000

215,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

125,000

215,000

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

125,000

215,000

2011 Term Loan [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

30-Jun-18

2011 Term Loan [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

180,980

2011 Term Loan [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

180,529

2011 Term Loan [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

180,234

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

9-May-17

2012-1 Term Loan [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

171,422

184,538

2012-1 Term Loan [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

172,500

185,000

2012-1 Term Loan [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

172,500

185,000

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

28-Sep-19

2012-2 Term Loan [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

110,383

2012-2 Term Loan [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

109,971

2012-2 Term Loan [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

109,745

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Maturity Date

24-Mar-21

2014 Term Loan [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

1,458,919

2014 Term Loan [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

1,492,500

2014 Term Loan [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

1,489,149

BNDES Loans [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

5

BNDES Loans [Member] | Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

5,847

BNDES Loans [Member] | Principal Balance [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

5,847

BNDES Loans [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]

Debt instrument, Fair Value

$5,847

Restricted_Cash_Narrative_Deta

Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$38.30	$42
Collateral payment for performance bonds	1.7	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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	$58,453	$56,296
Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member] | Securitization Escrow Accounts [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	52,117	46,364
Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member] | Payment and Performance Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	402	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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$5,934	$8,991
Long-term investments	44,095	52,801
Prepaid land rent	134,148	119,047
Straight-line rent receivable	230,384	179,292
Other	52,482	40,721
Total other assets	$467,043	$400,852

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2014

Dec. 01, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Nov. 26, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 26, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

item

item

item

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]

Other Acquisitions [Member]

Other Acquisitions [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

BRL

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

March 31, 2014 Acquisition [Member]

December 1, 2014 Acquisition [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

item

item

item

USD ($)

USD ($)

BRL

BRL

item

item

item

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of towers acquired

4,030

2,502

6,630

1,641

2,007

2,113

382

389

45

Aggregate purchase price

$463.20

$673.90

$317

$403.20

Revenue From Business Acquisition Total

60.7

4.8

Cash paid for acquisition

299.2

311.4

35.7

Acquisition liabilities to be paid over next year

17.8

Business acquistions period after closing date to determine additional adjustments

1 year

Foreign currency forward contracts

1,170

1,525

Foreign currency floor price

2.4

Foreign currency ceiling price

2.5665

Gain (loss) on derivative

17.9

Acquisitions_Schedule_Of_Recog

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	Dec. 01, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Oi. S. A. Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$62,957	$103,586
Intangible assets	400,205	570,312
Net assets acquired	$463,162	$673,898

Acquisitions_Schedule_Of_Acqui

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acquisition Activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item	item	item
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Number of towers acquired	4,030	2,502	6,630

Acquisitions_Schedule_Of_Acqui1

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Towers and related intangible assets	$1,540,258,000	[1]	$628,423,000	[1]	$2,205,859,000	[1]
Ground lease land purchases	44,964,000	[2]	48,956,000	[2]	46,865,000	[2]
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures	1,585,222,000		677,379,000		2,252,724,000
Ground lease extensions	10,800,000		9,100,000		9,700,000
Brazilian Acquisiton [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures	$175,900,000
[1]	Total acquisition capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013, included $175.9 million related to an acquisition in Brazil which closed in the fourth quarter of 2012 and funded on January 4, 2013.
[2]	In addition, the Company paid $10.8 million, $9.1 million, and $9.7 million for ground lease extensions during the years ending 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 23, 2013	Oct. 23, 2012	Sep. 06, 2012
	item
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Sale of DAS networks to ExteNet, discontinued operations, total consideration			$119.30
Sale of DAS networks to ExteNet, discontinued operations, cash amount		5.7	94.3
Sale of DAS networks to ExteNet, discontinued operations, promissory note			$25
Number of additional networks sold	1

Discontinued_Operations_Compon

Discontinued Operations (Components Of Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Site leasing revenue	$5,046
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$2,296

Intangible_Assets_Net_Narrativ

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets, useful life	15 years
Amortization expense	$338.40	$266.60	$188.70

Intangible_Assets_Net_Gross_An

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	$5,492,833	$4,363,758
Accumulated amortization	-1,303,293	-976,560
Net book value	4,189,540	3,387,198
Current Contract Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	4,090,129	3,154,616
Accumulated amortization	-891,374	-649,861
Net book value	3,198,755	2,504,755
Network Location Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross amount	1,402,704	1,209,142
Accumulated amortization	-411,919	-326,699
Net book value	$990,785	$882,443

Intangible_Assets_Net_Estimate

Intangible Assets, Net (Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
2015	$367,089
2016	365,980
2017	365,980
2018	365,875
2019	$365,519

Property_And_Equipment_Net_Nar

Property And Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$287.80	$266.10	$219.50
Non-cash capital expenditures	$29	$11.40

Property_And_Equipment_Net_Pro

Property And Equipment, Net (Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$4,709,036	$4,250,861
Less: accumulated depreciation	-1,946,619	-1,672,417
Property and equipment, net	2,762,417	2,578,444
Towers and Related Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	4,194,375	3,821,482
Construction-In-Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	35,855	24,275
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	51,832	40,274
Land, Buildings, and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$426,974	$364,830

Costs_And_Estimated_Earnings_O2

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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	92.70%	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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$113,654	$94,145
Estimated earnings	48,949	32,547
Billings to date	-143,323	-108,070
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$19,280	$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 $)	Dec. 31, 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	$30,078	$27,864
Other current liabilities (Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts)	-10,798	-9,242
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$19,280	$18,622

Concentration_Of_Credit_Risk_N

Concentration Of Credit Risk (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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	63.50%	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) (Revenue [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
AT&T [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	23.00%	[1]	20.50%	[1]	21.90%	[1]
Sprint [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	23.40%	[2]	25.00%	[2]	23.90%	[2]
T-Mobile [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	15.50%	[3]	17.30%	[3]	17.20%	[3]
Verizon [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	12.00%		11.30%		13.00%
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	30.10%	[1]	25.50%	[1]	26.10%	[1]
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Sprint [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	25.60%	[2]	30.90%	[2]	28.50%	[2]
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	19.20%	[3]	20.20%	[3]	19.70%	[3]
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Verizon [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	14.40%		13.30%		14.30%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Oi S.A. [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	44.30%		6.30%		0.10%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Telefonica [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	28.80%		44.20%		48.10%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Claro [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	8.00%		8.80%		12.60%
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Digicel [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	4.90%		11.20%		19.50%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Sprint [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	36.70%	[2]	1.50%	[2]	1.10%	[2]
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Ericsson, Inc [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	16.80%		34.50%		24.50%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Verizon [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	10.10%		4.80%		8.90%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | MasTec Inc. [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	1.90%		4.60%		16.40%
[1]	Prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of AT&T Wireless and Leap Wireless (Cricket Wireless).
[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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued earnouts	$15,086	$30,063
Salaries and benefits	13,440	11,351
Real estate and property taxes	5,331	9,814
Other	31,696	34,903
Accrued expenses	$65,553	$86,131

Debt_Terms_Of_The_Senior_Credi

Debt (Terms Of The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) (Senior Credit Agreement [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to annualized borrower EBITDA ratio	6.5
Debt and net hedge exposure to annualized borrower EBITDA	6.5
Consecutive trading days	30 days
Annualized borrower EBITDA to annualized cash interest expense	2

Debt_Revolving_Credit_Facility

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility Under The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 15, 2014	Feb. 07, 2014	Feb. 05, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility	$790,000,000	$225,000,000	$484,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	770,000,000
Borrowings on the revolving credit facility	700,000,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	790,000,000			300,000,000	390,000,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding	125,000,000
Revolving credit facility, effective interest rate	2.54%
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	645,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						1,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, commitment fee						0.25%
Revolving credit facility, maturity date						5-Feb-20
Line of credit facility, outstanding							200,000,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity							$800,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate						1.38%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate						0.38%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate						2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate						1.00%

Debt_Term_Loans_Under_The_Seni

Debt (Term Loans Under The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 07, 2014	Apr. 24, 2013	Oct. 15, 2014	Feb. 05, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of term loans	$310,500,000	$512,000,000	$10,000,000
Deferred financing fees	17,572,000	15,560,000	12,870,000
Debt instrument, principal balance	7,870,000,000	5,910,041,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	790,000,000	225,000,000	484,000,000
Aggregate debt	7,860,799,000	5,876,607,000
2011 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	30-Jun-18
Term Loan, percentage of par value	99.75%
Deferred financing fees	4,900,000
Repayment of term loans		312,000,000		180,500,000	310,700,000
Deferred financing fees				1,100,000	2,300,000
Discount related to debt				300,000	600,000
Debt instrument, principal balance		180,529,000
Aggregate debt		180,234,000
2012-1 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	200,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	9-May-17
Accrued interest on Term Loan	2.67%
Deferred financing fees	2,700,000
Repayment of term loans	12,500,000
Debt instrument, principal balance	172,500,000	185,000,000
Aggregate debt	172,500,000	185,000,000
2012-1 Term Loan [Member] | First Eight Quarters [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly payments	2,500,000
2012-1 Term Loan [Member] | Next Four Quarters [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly payments	3,750,000
2012-1 Term Loan [Member] | Each Quarter Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly payments	5,000,000
2012-2 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	300,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	28-Sep-19
Percentage of par value price for issuance of term loan	99.75%
Deferred financing fees	3,500,000
Repayment of term loans		190,000,000		110,000,000	189,300,000
Deferred financing fees				1,000,000	2,000,000
Discount related to debt				200,000	400,000
Debt instrument, principal balance		109,971,000
Aggregate debt		109,745,000
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	24-Mar-21
Accrued interest on Term Loan	3.25%
Percentage of par value price for issuance of term loan	99.75%
Deferred financing fees	12,900,000
Quarterly payments	3,750,000
Repayment of term loans	7,500,000
Debt instrument, principal balance	1,492,500,000
Aggregate debt	1,489,149,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	9-May-17
Debt instrument, principal balance	125,000,000	215,000,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	790,000,000			390,000,000		300,000,000
Aggregate debt	$125,000,000	$215,000,000
Base Rate [Member] | 2011 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.75%
Base rate floor	2.00%
Base Rate [Member] | 2012-2 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.75%
Base rate floor	2.00%
Base Rate [Member] | 2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.50%
Base rate floor	1.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | 2011 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.75%
Eurodollar rate floor	1.00%
Eurodollar [Member] | 2012-2 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.75%
Eurodollar rate floor	1.00%
Eurodollar [Member] | 2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.50%
Eurodollar rate floor	0.75%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | 2012-1 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.00%
Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | 2012-1 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate							1.38%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | 2012-1 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.50%
Maximum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | 2012-1 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.50%
Maximum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate							2.00%

Debt_Mobilitie_Bridge_Loan_Nar

Debt (Mobilitie Bridge Loan) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jul. 13, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		400,000,000
Repayments of long-term debt	$400,000,000
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.75%		5.75%	5.75%
Minimum [Member] | Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		3.00%
Maximum [Member] | Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		2.50%
Maximum [Member] | Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		3.50%

Debt_Secured_Tower_Revenue_Sec

Debt (Secured Tower Revenue Securities) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2010	Oct. 15, 2014	Aug. 09, 2012	Apr. 18, 2013	Feb. 07, 2014	Apr. 24, 2009
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees	$17,572,000	$15,560,000	$12,870,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	790,000,000	225,000,000	484,000,000
Aggregate debt	7,860,799,000	5,876,607,000
Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate number of tower sites owned by Borrowers	9,659
Property management fee percentage	4.50%
U.S. Treasury rate term	10 years
Interest added to Treasury rate and credit-based spread for non-compliance	5.00%
2010 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	9 months
Deferred financing fees				18,000,000
4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				680,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.25%			4.25%
Repayment date of debt instrument				15-Apr-15
Debt instrument, maturity date	15-Apr-15			16-Apr-40
Deferred financing fees					1,100,000
Repayments of long-term debt					680,000,000
Aggregate debt		680,000,000
5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				550,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.10%			5.10%
Repayment date of debt instrument				17-Apr-17
Debt instrument, maturity date	17-Apr-17			15-Apr-42
Aggregate debt	550,000,000	550,000,000
2012 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	12 months
2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount						610,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.93%					2.93%
Repayment date of debt instrument						15-Dec-17
Debt instrument, maturity date	15-Dec-17					15-Dec-42
Deferred financing fees						14,900,000
Aggregate debt	610,000,000	610,000,000
2013 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							1,330,000,000
Deferred financing fees							25,500,000
Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate							3.22%
Weighted average life of debt instrument through the anticipated repayment date							7 years 2 months 12 days
2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	12 months
Debt instrument, face amount							425,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.24%						2.24%
Repayment date of debt instrument							17-Apr-18
Debt instrument, maturity date	16-Apr-18						17-Apr-43
Aggregate debt	425,000,000	425,000,000
3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	12 months
Debt instrument, face amount							330,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.60%						3.60%
Repayment date of debt instrument							17-Apr-18
Debt instrument, maturity date	16-Apr-18						17-Apr-43
Aggregate debt	330,000,000	330,000,000
3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	18 months
Debt instrument, face amount							575,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.72%						3.72%
Repayment date of debt instrument							17-Apr-23
Debt instrument, maturity date	17-Apr-23						17-Apr-48
Aggregate debt	575,000,000	575,000,000
2014 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					1,540,000,000
Deferred financing fees					21,800,000
Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate					3.29%
Weighted average life of debt instrument through the anticipated repayment date					7 years
2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	12 months
Debt instrument, face amount					920,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.90%				2.90%
Repayment date of debt instrument					15-Oct-19
Debt instrument, maturity date	15-Oct-19				17-Oct-44
Aggregate debt	920,000,000
3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
No prepayment consideration period	18 months
Debt instrument, face amount					620,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.87%				3.87%
Repayment date of debt instrument					15-Oct-24
Debt instrument, maturity date	15-Oct-24				15-Oct-49
Aggregate debt	620,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	9-May-17
Repayments of revolving credit facility	790,000,000				300,000,000			390,000,000
Aggregate debt	125,000,000	215,000,000
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.00%				4.00%				4.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Oct-14
Aggregate debt		468,394,000
Mortgage Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, additional borrowings	860,000,000
Aggregate debt	$4,030,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional interest rate for non-compliance	5.00%
Excess Cash Flow Reserve Minimum [Member] | Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt service coverage ratio	1.3
Amortization Period Prepay Maximum [Member] | Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt service coverage ratio	1.15

Debt_1875_Convertible_Senior_N

Debt (1.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2013) (Narrative) (Details) (1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	16-May-08	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, issuance date	16-May-08
Convertible senior notes issued	$550
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	1.88%		1.88%
Interest payable dates	May 1 and November 1
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-May-13
Lehman Brothers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain on a sale of a bankruptcy claim		$27.30
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion rate	0.0241196
Per share conversion price	$41.46
Conversion premium	20.00%
Last reported selling price	$34.55

Debt_40_Convertible_Senior_Not

Debt (4.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2014) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 24, 2009	Mar. 02, 2015	Oct. 15, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments for settlement of convertible debt	$499,721,000	$794,997,000	$107,493,000
Company paid in cash to settle warrants	884,985,000	97,912,000
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [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
Principal amount converted	499,900,000
Payments for settlement of convertible debt	499,700,000
Aggregate principal amount of convertible debt	38,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Oct-14
Company paid in cash to settle warrants	885,000,000
Settlement of outstanding warrants, percentage	87.00%
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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
Issuance of common stock	11,700,000
Common stock received from conversion settlement	11,700,000
Settlement of convertible notes, Shares	14,400,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Company paid in cash to settle warrants	$82,700,000
Settlement of convertible notes, Shares	1,200,000
Number of warrants remaining under obligation, percentage					5.00%
Warrants outstanding					900,000

Debt_Senior_Notes_Narrative_De

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

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 29, 2012

Apr. 13, 2012

Jul. 24, 2009

Aug. 15, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Jul. 13, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Apr. 24, 2009

Oct. 15, 2014

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Deferred financing fees

$17,572,000

$15,560,000

$12,870,000

Net proceeds of offering after deducting discounts

727,800,000

Debt instrument, principal balance

7,870,000,000

5,910,041,000

8.0% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured senior notes

375,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Aug-16

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

8.00%

8.00%

Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes

99.33%

Deferred financing fees

3,400,000

Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount redeemed

243,800,000

131,300,000

Premium on redemption

14,600,000

Debt discount expensed

1,000,000

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured senior notes

375,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Aug-19

15-Aug-19

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

8.25%

8.25%

Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes

99.15%

Deferred financing fees

1,200,000

Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount redeemed

131,300,000

243,800,000

Premium on redemption

10,100,000

253,000,000

Debt discount expensed

3,300,000

Debt instrument, principal balance

243,750,000

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured senior notes

800,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Jul-20

15-Jul-20

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

5.75%

5.75%

5.75%

Interest payable dates

July 15 and January 15

Deferred financing fees

14,000,000

Redemption price, percentage

105.75%

Debt instrument, principal balance

800,000,000

800,000,000

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

102.88%

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

101.44%

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Three [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

100.00%

5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Telecommunications [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate redemption price, percentage

35.00%

Ownership interest

100.00%

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured senior notes

500,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

1-Oct-19

1-Oct-19

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

5.63%

5.63%

Interest payable dates

October 1 and April 1

Deferred financing fees

8,600,000

Aggregate redemption price, percentage

35.00%

Redemption price, percentage

105.63%

Debt instrument, principal balance

500,000,000

500,000,000

5.625% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

102.81%

5.625% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

101.41%

5.625% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Three [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

100.00%

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured senior notes

750,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Jul-22

15-Jul-22

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.88%

4.88%

4.88%

Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes

99.18%

Interest payable dates

January 15 and July 15

Deferred financing fees

11,500,000

Aggregate redemption price, percentage

35.00%

Redemption price, percentage

104.88%

Additional interest rate for non-compliance

0.25%

Additional interest rate for non-compliance, period

90 days

Additional interest rate for each subsuquent period of non-compliance

0.25%

Additional interest rate for each subsequent period of non-compliance, period

90 days

Debt instrument, principal balance

750,000,000

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

103.66%

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

102.44%

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Three [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

101.22%

4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Four [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Redemption price, percentage

100.00%

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, maturity date

1-Oct-14

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

Interest payable dates

April 1 and October 1

Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount redeemed

121,000,000

Debt instrument, principal balance

499,944,000

Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured senior notes

750,000,000

Deferred financing fees

4,300,000

Premium on redemption

21,300,000

Debt discount expensed

$1,500,000

Ratio of indebtedness to annualized consolidated adjusted EBITDA

9.5

Senior Notes [Member] | Telecommunications [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Ratio of indebtedness to annualized consolidated adjusted EBITDA

7.5

Maximum [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Additional interest rate for non-compliance

1.00%

Debt_BNDES_Loans_Narrative_Det

Debt (BNDES Loans) (Narrative) (Details) (BNDES Loans [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
BNDES Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fair value		$5,000
Debt instrument, additional borrowings	400,000	1,300,000
Repayments of long-term debt	$6,300,000

Debt_Carrying_And_Principal_Va

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

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 24, 2009

Sep. 28, 2012

Jul. 13, 2012

Jul. 01, 2014

Apr. 16, 2010

Aug. 09, 2012

Apr. 18, 2013

Oct. 15, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 24, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

$7,870,000,000

$5,910,041,000

Carrying Value

7,860,799,000

5,876,607,000

Less: current maturities of long-term debt

-32,500,000

-481,886,000

Total long-term debt, net of current maturities

7,828,299,000

5,394,721,000

4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

499,944,000

Carrying Value

468,394,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

1-Oct-14

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

8.25% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

243,750,000

Carrying Value

242,387,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Aug-19

15-Aug-19

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

8.25%

8.25%

5.625% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

500,000,000

500,000,000

Carrying Value

500,000,000

500,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

1-Oct-19

1-Oct-19

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

5.63%

5.63%

5.75% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

800,000,000

800,000,000

Carrying Value

800,000,000

800,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Jul-20

15-Jul-20

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

5.75%

5.75%

5.75%

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

750,000,000

Carrying Value

744,150,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Jul-22

15-Jul-22

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.88%

4.88%

4.88%

4.254% 2010-1 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

680,000,000

Carrying Value

680,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Apr-15

16-Apr-40

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.25%

4.25%

5.101% 2010-2 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

550,000,000

550,000,000

Carrying Value

550,000,000

550,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

17-Apr-17

15-Apr-42

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

5.10%

5.10%

2.933% 2012-1 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

610,000,000

610,000,000

Carrying Value

610,000,000

610,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Dec-17

15-Dec-42

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.93%

2.93%

2.240% 2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

425,000,000

425,000,000

Carrying Value

425,000,000

425,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

16-Apr-18

17-Apr-43

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.24%

2.24%

3.722% 2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

575,000,000

575,000,000

Carrying Value

575,000,000

575,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

17-Apr-23

17-Apr-48

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.72%

3.72%

3.598% 2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

330,000,000

330,000,000

Carrying Value

330,000,000

330,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

16-Apr-18

17-Apr-43

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.60%

3.60%

2.898% 2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

920,000,000

Carrying Value

920,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Oct-19

17-Oct-44

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.90%

2.90%

3.869% 2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

620,000,000

Carrying Value

620,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

15-Oct-24

15-Oct-49

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.87%

3.87%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

125,000,000

215,000,000

Carrying Value

125,000,000

215,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

9-May-17

2011 Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

180,529,000

Carrying Value

180,234,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

30-Jun-18

2012-1 Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

172,500,000

185,000,000

Carrying Value

172,500,000

185,000,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

9-May-17

2012-2 Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

109,971,000

Carrying Value

109,745,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

28-Sep-19

2014 Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

1,492,500,000

Carrying Value

1,489,149,000

Debt instrument, maturity date

24-Mar-21

BNDES Loans [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Balance

5,847,000

Carrying Value

$5,847,000

Debt_Future_Principal_Payment_

Debt (Future Principal Payment Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt [Abstract]
2015	$32,500
2016	35,000
2017	1,435,000
2018	770,000
2019	$1,435,000

Debt_Schedule_Of_Cash_And_NonC

Debt (Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	16-May-08	Oct. 15, 2014	Apr. 24, 2009	Jul. 24, 2009	Sep. 28, 2012	Jul. 13, 2012	Jul. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$292,600	$249,051	$196,241
Non-cash Interest	27,112	49,085	70,110
1.875% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest		2,670	9,885
Non-cash Interest		10,434	36,388
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	1.88%			1.88%
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	12,520	19,998	20,000
Non-cash Interest	26,266	38,307	33,149
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.00%				4.00%	4.00%
8.0% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest			15,867
Non-cash Interest			174
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	8.00%						8.00%
8.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	12,513	20,109	23,177
Non-cash Interest	121	182	192
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	8.25%						8.25%
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	28,125	28,125	7,266
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.63%							5.63%
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	46,000	46,000	21,594
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.75%	5.75%							5.75%
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	18,281
Non-cash Interest	315
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.88%		4.88%							4.88%
2010 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	51,237	57,383	57,377
2012 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	18,085	18,085	7,133
2013 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	43,217	30,392
2014 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	10,796
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	4,591	4,515	4,392
2011 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	696	10,533	18,894
Non-cash Interest	7	101	179
2012-1 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	4,534	4,557	3,567
2012-2 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	424	6,416	2,969
Non-cash Interest	4	61	28
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	41,338
Non-cash Interest	399
Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest			4,239
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$243	$268	($119)

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Adjusted non-controlling interest	$5.70
Central American Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Acquired noncontrolling interest	$6
Acquired additional non-controlling interest	10.00%
Ownership interest after acquisition	100.00%

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 07, 2012	Dec. 31, 2007	Oct. 15, 2014	Apr. 24, 2009	Apr. 27, 2011	20-May-10
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares registered	400,000,000			400,000,000		4,000,000
Shares reclassified as authorized and unissued	1,700,000
Common stock value per share					$47.30
Proceeds from sale of stock, net of related fees					$283.90
4.0% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated percentage	4.00%						4.00%	4.00%
Current Stock Repurchase Program [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized	300								300
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization	150
2010 Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum issuance of shares	15,000,000									15,000,000
Mobilitie [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total consideration paid in cash		850
Mobilitie [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Newly issued shares		5,250,000
TowerCo [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Total consideration paid in cash			$1,200
TowerCo [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Newly issued shares			4,588,840

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	20-May-10
	ShareBasedCompensationPlan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of equity participation plans	2
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$19.49	$17.38	$20.31
Total intrinsic value for options exercised	$49,200,000	$39,300,000	$49,000,000
Cash received from option exercises	28,300,000	21,400,000	32,000,000
Tax benefit realized from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Share price	$110.76
Total fair value of shares vested	11,500,000	9,800,000	9,000,000
Non-cash compensation expense	22,671,000	17,205,000	13,968,000
Non-cash compensation capitalized to fixed and intangible assets	300,000	200,000	200,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	29,100,000
Weighted average period to recognize cost	2 years 7 months 10 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average period to recognize cost	2 years 4 months 24 days
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock	14,700,000
2010 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum issuance of granted	7,500,000
2010 Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum issuance of shares	15,000,000			15,000,000
Shares remaining available for future issuance under the plan	11,300,000
2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares remaining available for future issuance under the plan	331,237
Percentage of purchase plan price per share equal to the fair market value	85.00%
Non-cash compensation expense	400,000	300,000	200,000
2008 Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum issuance of shares	500,000
Class A common stock were issued under the purchase plan	23,204	25,604
Cash proceeds from issuance of shares under the purchase plan	$2,100,000	$1,700,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual life of options and restricted stock units	7 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual life of options and restricted stock units	10 years

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk free interest rate, Minimum	1.15%	0.51%	0.58%
Risk free interest rate, Maximum	1.37%	1.38%	0.83%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	22.00%		53.00%
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	3 years 9 months 18 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	4 years 7 months 6 days

StockBased_Compensation_Compan

Stock-Based Compensation (Company's Activities With Respect To Its Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	2,979	2,831	3,608
Number of Shares, Granted	1,121	984	613
Number of Shares, Exercised	-780	-776	-1,381
Number of Shares, Canceled	-44	-60	-9
Number of Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	3,276	2,979	2,831
Number of Shares Exercisable, Ending Balance	1,055
Number of Shares Unvested, Ending Balance	2,221
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$48.30	$34.06	$28.06
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted	$95.51	$73.17	$47.58
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$36.34	$27.57	$24.37
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Canceled	$81.21	$52.54	$37.71
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Outstanding, Ending Balance	$66.85	$48.30	$34.06
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Exercisable, Ending Balance	$41.03
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Unvested, Ending Balance	$79.12
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2014	4 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Exercisable at December 31, 2014	2 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Unvested at December 31, 2014	5 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable at December 31, 2014	$143,883
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014	73,584
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Unvested at December 31, 2014	$70,300

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation (Additional Information Regarding Options Outstanding And Exercisable) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	3,276
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares	1,055
$0.00 - $30.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	$0
Exercise price range, upper limit	$30
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	241
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life	1 year 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.78
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares	241
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.78
$30.51 - $50.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	$30.51
Exercise price range, upper limit	$50
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	1,062
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life	3 years 3 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$42.62
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares	650
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$40.62
$50.01 - $70.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	$50.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$70
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	10
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life	4 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.45
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares	6
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.35
$70.01 - $90.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	$70.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$90
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	869
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life	5 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$73.25
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares	158
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$73.30
$90.01 - $111.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	$90.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$111
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares	1,094
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Life	6 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$95.58
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Activi

Stock-Based Compensation (Activity Of Options Outstanding Not Yet Vested) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares, Unvested as of December 31, 2013	1,785
Number of Shares, Granted	1,121	984	613
Number of Shares, Vesting during period	-641
Number of Shares, Forfeited or canceled	-44
Number of Shares, Unvested as of December 31, 2014	2,221	1,785
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Unvested as of December 31, 2013	$18.15
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Granted	$19.49	$17.38	$20.31
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Vesting during period	$17.98
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Forfeited or canceled	$17.52
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Unvested as of December 31, 2014	$18.89	$18.15

StockBased_Compensation_Compan1

Stock-Based Compensation (Company's Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Units Outstanding, at December 31, 2013	305
Number of Units, Granted	118
Number of Units, Vested	-123
Number of Units, Forfeited/Canceled	-5
Number of Units Outstanding, at September 30, 2014	295
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	$50.02
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited/Canceled	$78.33
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Outstanding, at September 30, 2014	$73.55

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Cash Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total cost of non-cash compensation included in loss before provision for income taxes	$22,671	$17,205	$13,968
Amount charged against loss	22,671	17,205	13,968
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total cost of non-cash compensation included in loss before provision for income taxes	386	230	187
Selling, General And Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total cost of non-cash compensation included in loss before provision for income taxes	$22,285	$16,975	$13,781

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes on continuing operations at the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate	35.00%
Valuation allowance recognized	$267,300,000	$246,500,000
Net change in valuation allowance	20,800,000	12,800,000
Valuation allowance relating to federal carryover	2,000,000
Valuation allowance relating to state tax credit carryover	400,000
Net federal operating tax loss carry-forward	1,100,000,000
Net operating tax loss carried forward from stock options	227,400,000
Operating loss carry-forward, expiration year	2015
Foreign net operating loss carry-forward	39,500,000
Net state operating tax loss carry-forward	558,000,000
Undistributed earnings of Company's foreign subsidiaries	22,700,000
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, federal and state income taxes	0
Recognized deemed dividend	$10,600,000
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carry-forward, expiration year	2017
Operating loss carry-forward, expiration year	2021
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carry-forward, expiration year	2033

Income_Taxes_Loss_Before_Provi

Income Taxes (Loss Before Provision For Income Taxes From Continuing Operations By Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	($16,623)	($45,429)	($175,679)
Foreign	963	-11,789	-1,413
Total	($15,660)	($57,218)	($177,092)

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Pro

Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current (benefit) provision for taxes, Federal					($1,237,000)	[1]
Current (benefit) provision for taxes, State	1,099,000	[1]	387,000	[1]	2,702,000	[1]
Current (benefit) provision for taxes, Foreign	7,006,000		4,946,000		3,769,000
Total current	8,105,000		5,333,000		5,234,000
Deferred (benefit) provision for taxes, Federal income taxes	1,458,000		-11,977,000		-53,501,000
Deferred (benefit) provision for taxes, State and local taxes	-887,000		-3,272,000		-13,750,000
Deferred (benefit) provision for taxes, Foreign tax	-472,000		-9,013,000		-1,000
Deferred (benefit) provision for taxes, Increase in valuation allowance	431,000		17,620,000		68,612,000
Deferred income tax expense benefits	530,000		-6,642,000		1,360,000
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes	8,635,000		-1,309,000		6,594,000
Provision for income taxes on continuing operations			1,500,000
Federal taxes on continuing operations			1,200,000
State taxes on continuing operations			$300,000
[1]	Included in the 2012 current provision for income taxes on continuing operations is a benefit of $1.5 million that is an offset to the tax expense netted in discontinued operations. Of the $1.5 million benefit, $1.2 million relates to federal taxes and $0.3 million relates to state taxes.

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Rate_R

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory Federal benefit	($5,481)	($20,027)	($61,982)
Foreign tax expense	3,844	2,870	1,878
State and local taxes benefit	138	-1,875	-7,181
Non-deductible non-cash compensation	5,644	2,605	987
Foreign dividend income	3,700
Foreign tax rate change	1,374	-4,960
Foreign exchange rate changes	-799
Other	-216	2,458	4,280
Valuation allowance	431	17,620	68,612
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes	$8,635	($1,309)	$6,594

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Net

Income Taxes (Components Of Net Deferred Income Tax Asset And Liability) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Net operating losses	$49,900
Current deferred tax assets, Allowance for doubtful accounts	326		241
Current deferred tax assets, Deferred revenue	48,940		35,970
Current deferred tax assets, Accrued liabilities	6,701		14,862
Current deferred tax assets, Valuation allowance	-51,249		-21,187
Current deferred tax assets, Total current deferred tax assets, net	54,618	[1]	29,886	[1]
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Net operating losses	375,103		438,608
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Property, equipment & intangible basis differences	27,340		47,602
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Accrued liabilities	40,368		26,087
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Non-cash compensation	10,567		8,582
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Valuation allowance	-216,052		-225,339
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Currency translation	7,757
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Other	2,425		2,527
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	247,508	[2]	298,067	[2]
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, Property, equipment & intangible basis differences	-283,185		-339,037
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, Convertible debt instruments			-2,006
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, Straight-line Rents	-25,142		-17,463
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, Deferred lease costs	-5,647
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, Other	-10,905		-8,079
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net	-77,371	[2]	-68,518	[2]
Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	451		232
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net	($77,822)		($68,750)
[1]	Amounts are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Of these amounts, $451 and $(77,822) are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, $232 and $(68,750) are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense for operating leases	$223.40	$196.30	$133.10
Contingent rent expense	23.3	20.3	16.1
Long term purchase commitment milestone	18.7	9.3	5.9
Estimated obligation for long term purchase commitment milestones	15.1
Maximum obligation for long term purchase commitment milestones	$23.10	$42.10
Non-cancelable Operating Leases [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration period	1-Jul-14
Non-cancelable Capital Leases [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration period	1-Jul-18
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Business acquisitions performance target period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Business acquisitions performance target period	3 years

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Annual Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Capital Leases, due on 2015	$1,652
Capital Leases, due on 2016	975
Capital Leases, due on 2017	499
Capital Leases, due on 2018	148
Total minimum lease payments	3,274
Less: amount representing interest	-169
Present value of future payments	3,105
Less: current obligations	-1,741
Long-term obligations	1,364
Operating Leases, due on 2015	135,563
Operating Leases, due on 2016	136,675
Operating Leases, due on 2017	138,640
Operating Leases, due on 2018	140,209
Operating Leases, due on 2019	$140,620

Commitments_And_Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies (Annual Minimum Tower Lease Income) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2015	$1,220,266
2016	1,081,408
2017	956,211
2018	806,190
2019	$611,057

Defined_Contribution_Plan_Narr

Defined Contribution Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Condition to participate in defined contribution plan			Employees have the opportunity to participate following completion of three months of employment and must be 21 years of age.
Discretionary matching contribution company percentage	75.00%	50.00%	75.00%		50.00%
Discretionary matching contribution, employee's contribution, maximum	$4,000	$3,000	$4,000		$3,000
Company matching contributions			$2,000,000	$1,600,000	$1,000,000

Segment_Data_Narrative_Details

Segment Data (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of business segments	2
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	10.00%

Segment_Data_Segment_Reporting

Segment Data (Segment Reporting Information Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$404,734		$393,293	$383,420	$345,549	$335,396		$332,094	$324,305	$313,071	$1,526,996		$1,304,866		$954,084
Cost of revenues											428,485	[1]	408,253	[1]	279,507	[1]
Operating profit											1,098,511		896,613		674,577
Selling, general, and administrative											103,317		85,476		72,148
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses											7,798		19,198		40,433
Asset impairment and decommission costs											23,801		28,960		6,383
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	162,214		159,410	161,005	144,443	133,328		133,281	141,089	125,636	627,072		533,334		408,467
Operating income (loss)	96,590		89,484	83,317	67,132	59,445		63,902	49,534	56,764	336,523		229,645		147,146
Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense)											-352,183		-286,863		-324,238
Loss before provision for income taxes											-15,660		-57,218		-177,092
Cash capital expenditures											1,797,763		847,511		2,368,498
Assets	7,841,125					6,783,188					7,841,125		6,783,188
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											1,157,293		1,048,756		797,794
Cost of revenues											247,237	[1]	242,839	[1]	175,452	[1]
Operating profit											910,056		805,917		622,342
Selling, general, and administrative											67,611		59,320		48,228
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses											3,351		6,525		38,060
Asset impairment and decommission costs											21,538		26,478		4,020
Depreciation, amortization and accretion											515,150		484,053		380,190
Operating income (loss)											302,406		229,541		151,844
Cash capital expenditures											547,774		261,775		2,271,636
Assets	5,554,753					5,427,969					5,554,753		5,427,969
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											202,909		84,257		48,300
Cost of revenues											54,076	[1]	27,933	[1]	13,499	[1]
Operating profit											148,833		56,324		34,801
Selling, general, and administrative											16,762		10,065		7,481
Acquisition related adjustment and expenses											4,447		12,673		2,373
Asset impairment and decommission costs											2,263		2,482		2,363
Depreciation, amortization and accretion											104,447		44,973		24,786
Operating income (loss)											20,914		-13,869		-2,202
Cash capital expenditures											1,221,786		578,938		86,645
Assets	1,989,571					1,040,401					1,989,571		1,040,401
Site Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues											166,794		171,853		107,990
Cost of revenues											127,172	[1]	137,481	[1]	90,556	[1]
Operating profit											39,622		34,372		17,434
Selling, general, and administrative											9,074		7,760		8,187
Depreciation, amortization and accretion											2,453		2,280		2,118
Operating income (loss)											28,095		24,332		7,129
Cash capital expenditures											3,851		6,693		6,466
Assets	78,633					76,214					78,633		76,214
Not Identified By Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	218,168	[2]				238,604	[2]				218,168	[2]	238,604	[2]
Not Identified by Segment [Member] | Not Identified By Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general, and administrative											9,870	[3]	8,331	[3]	8,252	[3]
Depreciation, amortization and accretion											5,022	[3]	2,028	[3]	1,373	[3]
Operating income (loss)											-14,892	[3]	-10,359	[3]	-9,625	[3]
Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense)											-352,183	[3]	-286,863	[3]	-324,238	[3]
Cash capital expenditures											$24,352	[3]	$105	[3]	$3,751	[3]
[1]	Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.
[2]	Includes cash paid for capital expenditures and acquisitions and vehicle capital lease additions.
[3]	Assets not identified by segment consist primarily of general corporate assets.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Sched

Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenues	$404,734	$393,293	$383,420	$345,549	$335,396	$332,094	$324,305	$313,071	$1,526,996	$1,304,866	$954,084
Operating income	96,590	89,484	83,317	67,132	59,445	63,902	49,534	56,764	336,523	229,645	147,146
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	-162,214	-159,410	-161,005	-144,443	-133,328	-133,281	-141,089	-125,636	-627,072	-533,334	-408,467
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	-1,124	-14,893	-8,236	-1,951	-336	-3	-5,618	-142	-26,204	-6,099	-51,799
Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	$388	($16,624)	($9,467)	$1,408	($19,164)	$21,531	($35,899)	($22,377)	($24,295)	($55,909)	($181,037)
Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$0	($0.13)	($0.07)	$0.01					($0.19)	($0.44)	($1.51)
Net (loss) income per common share - basic					($0.15)	$0.17	($0.28)	($0.18)
Net (loss) income per common share - diluted					($0.15)	$0.16	($0.28)	($0.18)