SBA Communications (SBAC) 10-Q 9 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1,034,054
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		124,615,402
Trading Symbol	SBAC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 133,956	$ 118,039
Restricted cash	25,449	25,353
Short-term investments	219	706
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20,136 and $1,681 at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	66,117	83,326
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	11,673	16,934
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	53,843	49,602
Total current assets	291,257	293,960
Property and equipment, net	2,805,360	2,782,353
Intangible assets, net	3,788,754	3,735,413
Other assets	550,951	501,254
Total assets	7,436,322	7,312,980
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	25,524	27,105
Accrued expenses	59,117	63,755
Current maturities of long-term debt	568,924	20,000
Deferred revenue	89,652	97,083
Accrued interest	52,441	53,365
Other current liabilities	9,248	12,063
Total current liabilities	804,906	273,371
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	7,913,879	8,432,070
Other long-term liabilities	325,114	313,683
Total long-term liabilities	8,238,993	8,745,753
Shareholders' deficit:
Preferred stock - par value $.01, 30,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock - Class A, par value $.01, 400,000 shares authorized, 124,566 and 125,743 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	1,246	1,257
Additional paid-in capital	1,987,773	1,962,713
Accumulated deficit	(3,231,735)	(3,168,069)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(364,861)	(502,045)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,607,577)	(1,706,144)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 7,436,322	$ 7,312,980

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 20,136	$ 1,681
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
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	124,566,000	125,743,000
Common stock - Class A, shares outstanding	124,566,000	125,743,000

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Site leasing		$ 381,843	$ 370,462	$ 756,293	$ 740,189
Site development		23,689	40,242	49,008	80,609
Total revenues		405,532	410,704	805,301	820,798
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion, and amortization shown below):
Cost of site leasing		86,493	81,731	169,255	161,950
Cost of site development		20,074	30,381	39,907	61,274
Selling, general, and administrative	[1],[2]	47,664	28,262	78,071	58,145
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		2,821	5,780	6,003	7,119
Asset impairment and decommission costs		14,691	4,010	20,874	10,832
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		159,723	162,377	319,524	334,230
Total operating expenses		331,466	312,541	633,634	633,550
Operating income		74,066	98,163	171,667	187,248
Other income (expense):
Interest income		2,737	715	4,603	1,008
Interest expense		(83,682)	(78,908)	(167,486)	(156,562)
Non-cash interest expense		(460)	(322)	(915)	(601)
Amortization of deferred financing fees		(5,325)	(4,626)	(10,590)	(9,170)
Other income (expense), net		47,376	15,507	93,275	(67,461)
Total other expense		(39,354)	(67,634)	(81,113)	(232,786)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		34,712	30,529	90,554	(45,538)
Provision for income taxes		(2,001)	(2,224)	(4,206)	(5,187)
Net income (loss)		$ 32,711	$ 28,305	$ 86,348	$ (50,725)
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic		$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.69	$ (0.39)
Diluted		$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.69	$ (0.39)
Weighted average number of common shares
Basic		125,125	128,809	125,261	129,021
Diluted		125,783	129,948	125,921	129,021
[1]	Includes non-cash compensation of $8,785 and $8,089 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $16,471 and $14,972 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
[2]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of Ope5

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Non-cash compensation expense				$ 16,677	$ 15,201
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]			17,504	215
Oi S.A. [Member]
Provision for doubtful accounts		$ 16,498		16,498
Selling, General And Administrative [Member]
Non-cash compensation expense		8,785	$ 8,089	16,471	$ 14,972
Selling, General And Administrative [Member] | Oi S.A. [Member]
Provision for doubtful accounts		$ 16,498		$ 16,498
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve recorded during the second quarter of 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 32,711	$ 28,305	$ 86,348	$ (50,725)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	76,491	26,533	137,184	(147,917)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 109,202	$ 54,838	$ 223,532	$ (198,642)

Consolidated Statement Of Share

Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Deficit - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Class A Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Total
BALANCE, Amount at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,257	$ 1,962,713	$ (3,168,069)	$ (502,045)	$ (1,706,144)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015	125,743
Net income			86,348		86,348
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Amount	$ 4	8,134			8,138
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares	352
Non-cash compensation		16,926			16,926
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, Amount	$ (15)		(150,014)		(150,029)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, Shares	(1,529)
Foreign currency translation adjustments				137,184	137,184
BALANCE, Amount at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 1,246	$ 1,987,773	$ (3,231,735)	$ (364,861)	$ (1,607,577)
BALANCE, Shares at Jun. 30, 2016	124,566

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)		$ 86,348	$ (50,725)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		319,524	334,230
Non-cash interest expense		915	601
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(627)	192
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs		17,752	7,902
Non-cash compensation expense		16,677	15,201
Amortization of deferred financing fees		10,590	9,170
(Gain) loss on remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan		(92,132)	68,292
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]	17,504	215
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations		(955)	(2,584)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net		8,769	6,461
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(25,912)	(24,148)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(5,310)	4,348
Accrued interest		(924)	(564)
Other liabilities		2,427	6,941
Net cash provided by operating activities		354,646	375,532
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions		(148,704)	(323,082)
Capital expenditures		(70,661)	(118,392)
Other investing activities		(10,062)	4,864
Net cash used in investing activities		(229,427)	(436,610)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility		140,000	450,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility		(110,000)	(535,000)
Proceeds from Term Loans, net of fees			489,899
Repayment of Term Loans		(10,000)	(15,000)
Payments for settlement of common stock warrants			(150,874)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, inclusive of fees		(150,029)	(150,023)
Other financing activities		5,729	4,782
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(124,300)	93,784
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		14,998	(2,303)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		15,917	30,403
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period		118,039	39,443
End of period		133,956	69,846
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest		168,583	157,153
Income taxes		5,861	5,667
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Assets acquired through capital leases		$ 1,073	$ 1,976
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve recorded during the second quarter of 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of Cas9

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]		$ 17,504	$ 215
Oi S.A. [Member]
Provision for doubtful accounts		$ 16,498	$ 16,498
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve recorded during the second quarter of 2016.

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for SBA Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, omit or condense certain footnotes and other information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair financial statement presentation have been made. The results of operations for an interim period may not give a true indication of the results for the year. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts or balances to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, the actual amounts, when known, may vary from these estimates. Foreign Currency Translation All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the U.S. dollar as its functional currency are translated at period-end rates of exchange, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Unrealized remeasurement gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit. The functional currency for the Company’s Central American subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries which are not denominated in U.S. dollars are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are remeasured at monthly average rates prevailing during the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Intercompany Loans In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recorded a $47.4 million gain and a $15.7 million gain on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and a $92.1 million gain and a $68.3 million loss on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. On July 11, 2016, SBA Torres Brasil, Limitada repaid $22.5 million of the outstanding balance on the intercompany loan with Brazil Shareholder I, LLC, leaving a current outstanding balance of $433.3 million. Bad Debt Provision On June 20, 2016, Oi, S.A. (“Oi”), the Company’s largest customer in Brazil, filed a petition for judicial reorganization in Brazil. Prior to the filing of the reorganization petition, Oi was current in all payment obligations to the Company. These obligations related to periods ending on or before April 30, 2016. As a result of the relief provisions available in a judicial reorganization proceeding, obligations of Oi to the Company arising from the periods from May 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 remain unpaid. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the recoverability of amounts owed by Oi relating to services provided prior to the date of Oi’s petition, the Company has recorded a $16.5 million bad debt provision (the “Oi reserve”) which covers amounts owed or potentially owed by Oi as of the filing date. Under Brazilian law governing judicial reorganizations, the contracts governing post-petition obligations such as tower rents remain unchanged, and debtors do not have the ability to reject or terminate the contracts other than pursuant to their original terms. Since the filing, the Company has received all payments due in connection with obligations of Oi accruing post-petition. The Oi reserve has been recorded in Selling, general, and administrative expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted In April 2015, the Financial Acco unting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest. The standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 effective January 1, 2016 and reclassified $90.2 million from deferred financing fees, net to long-term debt in the December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest - Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The standard indicates the SEC staff would not object to presenting debt issuance costs for a line of credit arrangement as an asset in the balance sheet. The Company adopted ASU 2015-15 effective January 1, 2016 and has elected to continue to present debt issuance costs for its Revolving Credit Facility as an asset on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 Business Combinations. The standard requires that the acquirer (1) recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, (2) record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date, and (3) to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The Company adopted ASU 2015-16 effective January 1, 2016. The financial statement impact of adopting this standard was not material for all periods presented. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which the Company adopted as of January 1, 2016. The standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for shared-based payment transactions including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, classification of awards as either equity or a liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The financial statement impact of adopting this standard was not material for all periods presented. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB released an updated standard regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The new standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted but not before the first quarter of 2017 . This standard 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 standard and does not expect a material financial statement impact upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The standard amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. This standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019. E arly adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis — The Company’s earnout liabilities related to acquisitions are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs and are recorded in Accrued expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in estimate are recorded in Acquisition related adjustments and expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company determines the fair value of acquisition-related earnouts (contingent consideration) and any subsequent changes in fair value using a discounted probability-weighted approach 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 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 contained in various acquisitions was $4.5 million and $7.2 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets was $7.3 million and $10.2 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The following summarizes the activity of the accrued earnouts:     For the six months ended June 30,  2016 2015   (in thousands)  Beginning balance $ 7,230 $ 15,086  Additions 459 2,664  Payments (1,910) (3,088)  Change in estimate (1,288) (2,201)  Foreign currency translation adjustments 5 (267)  Ending balance $ 4,496 $ 12,194  Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis — The Company’s long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. The Company considers many factors and makes certain assumptions when making this assessment, including but not limited to: general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. The fair value of the long-lived assets, intangibles, and asset retirement obligations is calculated using a discounted cash flow model. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company recognized impairment charge s of $14.7 million and $20.9 million, respectively, which include s $7.5 million of additional impairment charges for the three and six months period ended June 30, 2016 resulting from the Company’s analysis that the future cash flows would not recover the carrying value of the investment resulting from increased lease terminations, including iDen related terminations, the write off of $3.7 million and $7.9 million, respectively, in carrying value of decommissioned towers , $1.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of other third party decommission costs , and $2.3 million in write off and disposal costs related to the Company’s former corporate headquarters building for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 . During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company recognized impairment charges of $4.0 million and $10.8 million, respectively, which include s the write off of $2.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively, in carrying value of decommissioned towers , $1.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of other third party decommission costs , and $0.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in disposal costs related to the Company’s former corporate headquarters building. 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 $0.5 million in certificate of deposits as of December 31, 2015 , and $0.2 million in Treasury securities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . 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 June 30, 2016 , the carrying value and fair value of the held-to-maturity investments, including current portion, were $0.9 million. As of December 31, 2015 , the carrying value and fair value of the held-to-maturity investments, including current portion, were $0.8 million and $0.9 million , respectively. These amounts are recorded in Other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 137.5 to 200.0 basis points was set for the Revolving Credit Facility. Refer to Note 10 for the fair values, principal balances, and carrying values of the Company’s debt instruments.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	3. RESTRICTED CASH Restricted cash consists of the following:     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Included on Balance Sheet   (in thousands)  Securitization escrow accounts $ 25,212 $ 25,135 Restricted cash - current asset  Payment and performance bonds 237 218 Restricted cash - current asset  Surety bonds and workers compensation 3,231 3,227 Other assets - noncurrent  Total restricted cash $ 28,680 $ 28,580  Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities (see Note 10), 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, and (4) management fees. The restricted cash in the securitization escrow account in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Borrowers (as defined in Note 10) 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 relate d to the Company’s tower removal obligations. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company had $39.0 million and $38.6 million in surety , payment and performance bonds, respectively, for which it was only required to post $0.5 million and $0.7 million in collateral , respectively . The Company periodically evaluates the collateral posted for its bonds to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company had also pledged $2.5 million as collateral related to its workers compensation policy.

Other Assets

Other Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	4. OTHER ASSETS The Company’s other assets are comprised of the following:     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Long-term investments $ 8,055 $ 8,140  Prepaid land rent 179,791 158,176  Straight-line rent receivable 290,508 267,682  Deferred lease costs, net 30,719 30,577  Deferred financing fees, net 3,444 3,919  Other 38,434 32,760  Total other assets $ 550,951 $ 501,254

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	 5. ACQUISITIONS The following table summarizes all of the Company’s cash acquisition capital expenditures:      For the three months For the six months  ended June 30, ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   (in thousands)  Towers and related intangible assets $ 38,668 $ 220,739 $ 113,512 $ 263,369  Land buyouts and other assets (1) 18,204 49,064 35,192 59,713  Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 56,872 $ 269,803 $ 148,704 $ 323,082  (1) In addition, the Company paid $2.9 million and $5.2 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying the Company’s towers during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and paid $6.6 million and $8.7 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying the Company’s towers during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company acquired 159 completed towers and related assets and liabilities for $113.5 million in cash consisting of $31.3 million of property and equipment, $79.6 million of intangible assets, and $2.6 million of working capital adjustments. 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. Subsequent to June 30, 2016 , the Company acquired 12 completed towers and related assets and liabilities for $8.4 million in cash.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET The following table provides the gross and net carrying amounts for each major class of intangible assets:     As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015  Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book  amount amortization value amount amortization value   (in thousands)  Current contract intangibles $ 4,112,204 $ (1,270,749) $ 2,841,455 $ 3,904,864 $ (1,118,493) $ 2,786,371  Network location intangibles 1,497,913 (550,614) 947,299 1,446,293 (497,251) 949,042  Intangible assets, net $ 5,610,117 $ (1,821,363) $ 3,788,754 $ 5,351,157 $ (1,615,744) $ 3,735,413  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 $92.7 million and $90.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively , and $182.8 million and $182.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively .

Property And Equipment, Net

Property And Equipment, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net	 7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property and equipment, net (including assets held under capital leases) consists of the following:     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Towers and related components $ 4,486,598 $ 4,370,664  Construction-in-process 36,709 32,730  Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 49,099 48,018  Land, buildings, and improvements 553,078 524,847  Total property and equipment 5,125,484 4,976,259  Less: accumulated depreciation (2,320,124) (2,193,906)  Property and equipment, net $ 2,805,360 $ 2,782,353  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 $66.9 million and $71.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively , and $136.4 million and $152.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectivel y. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , non-cash capital expenditures that are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were $6.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively.

Costs And Estimated Earnings On

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	8. COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consist of the following:     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 43,004 $ 78,849  Estimated earnings 15,120 29,333  Billings to date (46,997) (95,055)  $ 11,127 $ 13,127  These amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions:     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 11,673 $ 16,934  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on  uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (546) (3,807)  $ 11,127 $ 13,127  Eight significant customers comprised 92.0% and 95.9% of the costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	 9. ACCRUED EXPENSES The Company’s accrued expenses are comprised of the following:     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Accrued earnouts $ 4,496 $ 7,230  Salaries and benefits 12,356 14,253  Real estate and property taxes 8,888 7,899  Other 33,377 34,373  Total accrued expenses $ 59,117 $ 63,755

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	10. DEBT The principal values, fair values, and carrying values of debt consist of the following (in thousands):     As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Maturity Date Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value  5.625% Senior Notes Oct. 1, 2019 $ 500,000 $ 516,250 $ 495,565 $ 500,000 $ 521,250 $ 494,955  5.750% Senior Notes July 15, 2020 800,000 824,000 792,095 800,000 832,000 791,243  2014 Senior Notes July 15, 2022 750,000 746,250 735,989 750,000 744,375 735,010  2010-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2017 550,000 551,078 548,923 550,000 558,223 548,268  2012-1C Tower Securities Dec. 11, 2017 610,000 612,025 605,681 610,000 611,879 604,229  2013-1C Tower Securities April 10, 2018 425,000 425,472 421,928 425,000 416,959 421,099  2013-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2023 575,000 579,014 567,029 575,000 565,541 566,523  2013-1D Tower Securities April 10, 2018 330,000 335,514 327,565 330,000 332,676 326,918  2014-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2019 920,000 936,266 910,896 920,000 910,368 909,595  2014-2C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2024 620,000 629,474 612,243 620,000 608,084 611,853  2015-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2020 500,000 510,350 490,238 500,000 489,680 489,496  Revolving Credit Facility Feb. 5, 2020 30,000 30,000 30,000 — — —  2014 Term Loan Mar. 24, 2021 1,470,000 1,457,137 1,458,392 1,477,500 1,447,950 1,464,774  2015 Term Loan June 10, 2022 495,000 488,194 486,259 497,500 486,306 488,107  Total debt $ 8,575,000 $ 8,641,024 $ 8,482,803 $ 8,555,000 $ 8,525,291 $ 8,452,070  Less: current maturities of long-term debt (568,924) (20,000)  Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 7,913,879 $ 8,432,070  The table below reflects cash and non-cash interest expense amounts recognized by debt instrument for the periods presented:      For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash  Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest   (in thousands)  5.625% Senior Notes $ 7,031 $ — $ 7,031 $ — $ 14,063 $ — $ 14,063 —  5.75% Senior Notes 11,500 — 11,500 — 23,000 — 23,000 —  2014 Senior Notes 9,141 171 9,141 163 18,281 340 18,281 323  2010-2C Tower Securities 7,058 — 7,058 — 14,115 — 14,115 —  2012-1C Tower Securities 4,533 — 4,532 — 9,067 — 9,063 —  2013 Tower Securities 10,804 — 10,804 — 21,609 — 21,609 —  2014 Tower Securities 12,785 — 12,785 — 25,569 — 25,569 —  2015-1C Tower Securities 3,985 — — — 7,969 — —  Revolving Credit Facility 744 — 1,765 — 1,578 — 3,337 —  2012 Term Loan — — 1,095 — — — 2,248 —  2014 Term Loan 12,107 126 12,230 122 24,245 251 24,356 242  2015 Term Loan 4,077 163 948 37 8,164 324 948 36  Capitalized interest and other (83) — 19 — (174) — (27) —  Total $ 83,682 $ 460 $ 78,908 $ 322 $ 167,486 $ 915 $ 156,562 $ 601  Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit Agreement The Revolving Credit Facility is governed by the Senior Credit Agreement. T he Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan under which up to $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, based upon specific financial ratios and subject to 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 three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company borrowed $70.0 million and $140.0 million, respectively, and repaid $60.0 million and $110.0 million, respectively, of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2016 , $30.0 million was outstanding u nder the Revolving Credit Facility. A s of June 30, 2016 , SBA Senior Finance II was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit Agreement. Subsequent to June 30, 2016 , the Company repaid the $30.0 million balance outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility. Term Loans under the Senior Credit Agreement 2012 Term Loan The 2012 Term Loan consist ed of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million that was to mature on May 9, 2017 . The 2012 Term Loan accrue d 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). The 2012 Term Loan was issued at par. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $2.7 million in relation to this transaction which we re being amortized through the maturity date. During 2015, the Company repaid the outstanding principal balance on the 2012 Term Loan. 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 mature s on March 24, 2021 . The 2014 Term Loan accrue s 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 June 30, 2016 , 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 are be ing made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $3.8 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 in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company repaid $3.8 million and $ 7.5 million of principal on the 2014 Term Loan. As of June 30, 2016 , the 2014 Term Loan had a principal balance of $1.47 billion. 2015 Term Loan The 2015 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million that matures on June 10, 2022 . The 2015 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 2015 Term Loan was issued at 99.0% of par value. As of June 30, 2016 , the 2015 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.25% per annum. Principal payments on the 2015 Term Loan commence d on September 30, 2015 and are being made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $1.3 million. SBA Senior Finance II has the ability to prepay any or all amounts under the 2015 Term Loan. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $5.1 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company repaid $1.3 million and $2.5 million of principal on the 2015 Term Loan. As of June 30, 2016 , the 2015 Term Loan had a principal balance of $495.0 million. Secured Tower Revenue Securities 2010 -2C Tower Securities On April 16, 2010, the Company, through a New York common law trust (the “Trust”), issued $550.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2010-2C (the “2010 -2C Tower Securities”). The 2010 -2C Tower Securities have an annual interest rate of 5.101% . The anticipated repayment date and the final maturity date for the 2010 -2C Tower Securities are April 11, 2017 and April 9, 2042 , respectively. The sole asset of the Trust consists of a non-recourse mortgage loan made in favor of those entities that are borrowers on the mortgage loan (the “Borrowers”). The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $8.1 million in relation to this transaction which we re being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2010 -2C Tower Securities. On July 15, 2016, the Company repaid the full $550.0 million outstanding o f the 2010 -2C Tower Securities using net proceeds from the 2016-1C Tower Securities (described below). 2012 -1C Tower Securities On August 9, 2012, the Company, through the Trust, issued $610.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2012-1C (the “2012 -1C Tower Securities”) which have an anticipated repayment date of December 11, 2017 and a final maturity date of December 9, 2042 . The fixed interest rate of the 2012 -1C 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 -1C 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 10, 2018 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2043 (the “2013-1C Tower Securities”) , $575.0 million of 3.722% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2023 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2048 (the “ 2013-2C Tower Securities”) , and $330.0 million of 3.598% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-1D which have an anticipated repayment date of April 10, 2018 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2043 (the 2013-1D Tower Securities) (collectively the “2013 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.33 billion of 2013 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.218% per annum, payable monthly. 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 of October 8, 2019 and a final maturity date of October 11, 2044 (the “2014-1C Tower Securities”) , and $620.0 million of 3.869% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2024 and a final maturity date of October 8, 2049 (the “2014-2C Tower Securities”) (collectively the “2014 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.54 billion of 2014 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 3.289% per annum, payable monthly . The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $22.5 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of each of the 2014 Tower Securities. 201 5-1C Tower Securities On October 1 4 , 201 5 , the Company, through the Trust, issued $500.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 201 5 -1C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2020 and a final maturity date of October 10, 2045 (the “201 5-1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate of the 2015-1C Tower Securities is 3.156% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $10.9 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 201 5-1C Tower Securities. 201 6-1C Tower Securities On July 7, 2016, the Company, through the Trust , issued $700.0 million of Secured Tower R evenue Securities Series 2016-1 C which have an anticipated repayment date of July 2021 and a final maturity date of July 2046 (the “2016 -1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate of the 2016-1C Tower Securities is 2.877% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the full $550.0 million outstanding on the 2010 -2C Tower Securities and for general corporate purposes. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $9.2 million to date in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2016-1C Tower Securities. Debt Covenants As of June 30, 2016 , the Borrowers met the debt service coverage ratio required by the mortgage loan agreement and were in compliance with all other covenants as set forth in the agreement. Senior Notes 5.75% Senior Notes On July 13, 2012, SBA Telecommunications, LLC (“Telecommunications”) issued $800.0 million of unsecured senior notes due July 15, 2020 (the “5.75% Senior Notes”). The 5.75% Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 5.75% and were issued at par. Interest on the 5.75% Senior Notes is due semi-annually on July 15 and January 15 of each year. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $14.0 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. SBA Communications Corporation (“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. SBAC 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 due October 1, 2019 (the “5.625% Senior Notes”). The 5.625% Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 5.625% per annum and were issued at par. Interest on the 5.625% Senior Notes is due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $8.6 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. 2014 Senior Notes On July 1, 2014, the Company issued $750.0 million of unsecured senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “ 2014 Senior Notes”). The 2014 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2014 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $11.6 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the maturity date. 2016 S enior Notes On August 1 , 2016, the Company priced an offering of $1.1 billion of senior notes due September 1, 2024 (the “ 2016 Senior Notes”). The Company expects the closing of the 2016 Senior Notes to occur on August 15, 2016. The 2016 Senior Notes will accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% and will be issued at a price of 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2016 Senior Notes will be due semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on March 1, 2017. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering and cash on hand to redeem $800.0 million, the aggregate principal amount outstanding, of Telecommunications’ 5.75% Senior Notes and $250.0 million of the Compan y’s 5.625% Senior Notes and pay the associated call premiums.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	11. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Common Stock equivalents The Company has potential common stock equivalents related to its outstanding stock options (see Note 12) and restricted stock units . These potential common stock equivalents were considered in the Company’s diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation (see Note 15). Stock Repurchases On June 4, 2015, the Company announced the authorization of a new $1.0 billion stock repurchase plan. This plan authorizes the Company to purchase from time to time the Company ’ s outstanding 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. Shares purchased will be retired. During the three months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of its Class A common stock for $100.0 million, at an average price per share of $97.80 . During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of its Class A common stock for $150.0 million, at an average price per share of $98.08 . As of the date of this filing, t he Company had $550.0 million of repurchase authorization remaining under its $1.0 billion stock repurchase program.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock Options The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company uses a combination of historical data and historical volatility to establish the expected volatility. Historical data is used to estimate the expected option life and the expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:     For the six months ended  June 30,  2016 2015   Risk free interest rate 1.18% - 1.43% 1.21% - 1.45%  Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%  Expected volatility 20.0% 20.0%  Expected lives 4.7 years 4.6 years  The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans for the six months ended June 30, 2016 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, 2015 3,794 $ 84.66  Granted 1,355 $ 96.62  Exercised (267) $ 41.64  Canceled (70) $ 105.26  Outstanding at June 30, 2016 4,812 $ 90.11 4.9 $ 102,578  Exercisable at June 30, 2016 1,970 $ 72.83 3.5 $ 73,384  Unvested at June 30, 2016 2,842 $ 102.09 5.8 $ 29,194  The weighted-average per share fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $19.19 . The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $14.9 million. Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2016 :     Weighted-  Average  Grant Date  Number of Fair Value per  Units Share  (in thousands)  Outstanding at December 31, 2015 277 $ 97.14  Granted 137 $ 96.74  Vested (114) $ 84.42  Forfeited/canceled (6) $ 103.41  Outstanding at June 30, 2016 294 $ 101.72

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. INCOME TAXES The primary reason for the difference in the Company’s effective tax rate and the US statutory rate is a result of the Company having a full valuation allowance on its US net deferred tax assets. The Company has concluded that it is not more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized and has recorded a full valuation allowance. A foreign tax provision is recognized because certain international subsidiaries of the Company have profitable operations or are in a net deferred tax liability position.

Segment Data

Segment Data	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Data	14. SEGMENT DATA The Company operates principally in two business segments : site leasing and site development . The Company’s site leasing business includes two reportable segments , domestic site leasing and international site leasing. 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 include s results of the managed and sublease businesses. The site development segment includes the results of both consulting and construction related activities. The Company’s 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. 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.      Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified  Leasing Leasing Development by Segment Total   For the three months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 316,842 $ 65,001 $ 23,689 $ — $ 405,532  Cost of revenues (2) 66,199 20,294 20,074 — 106,567  Operating profit 250,643 44,707 3,615 — 298,965  Selling, general, and administrative (4) 17,936 21,065 3,295 5,368 47,664  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 1,355 1,466 — — 2,821  Asset impairment and decommission costs 11,363 983 — 2,345 14,691  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 126,756 29,781 639 2,547 159,723  Operating income (loss) 93,233 (8,588) (319) (10,260) 74,066  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (39,354) (39,354)  Income before provision for income taxes 34,712  Cash capital expenditures (3) 74,616 15,688 916 1,053 92,273   For the three months ended June 30, 2015  Revenues $ 307,361 $ 63,101 $ 40,242 $ — $ 410,704  Cost of revenues (2) 63,563 18,168 30,381 — 112,112  Operating profit 243,798 44,933 9,861 — 298,592  Selling, general, and administrative 16,814 4,064 2,614 4,770 28,262  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 6,566 (786) — — 5,780  Asset impairment and decommission costs 3,962 48 — — 4,010  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 129,679 31,044 759 895 162,377  Operating income (loss) 86,777 10,563 6,488 (5,665) 98,163  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (67,634) (67,634)  Income before provision for income taxes 30,529  Cash capital expenditures (3) 295,694 21,299 900 2,714 320,607       Not  Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Identified by  Leasing Leasing Development Segment Total   For the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 632,072 $ 124,221 $ 49,008 $ — $ 805,301  Cost of revenues (2) 130,674 38,581 39,907 — 209,162  Operating profit 501,398 85,640 9,101 — 596,139  Selling, general, and administrative (4) 35,935 25,450 6,832 9,854 78,071  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 3,197 2,806 — — 6,003  Asset impairment and decommission costs 17,384 1,145 — 2,345 20,874  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 258,149 56,658 1,664 3,053 319,524  Operating income (loss) 186,733 (419) 605 (15,252) 171,667  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (81,113) (81,113)  Income before provision for income taxes 90,554  Cash capital expenditures (3) 179,969 37,068 1,472 1,929 220,438   For the six months ended June 30, 2015  Revenues $ 613,311 $ 126,878 $ 80,609 $ — $ 820,798  Cost of revenues (2) 125,251 36,699 61,274 — 223,224  Operating profit 488,060 90,179 19,335 — 597,574  Selling, general, and administrative 34,468 7,957 4,736 10,984 58,145  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 7,042 77 — — 7,119  Asset impairment and decommission costs 10,556 276 — — 10,832  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 267,139 63,470 1,466 2,155 334,230  Operating income (loss) 168,855 18,399 13,133 (13,139) 187,248  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (232,786) (232,786)  Loss before provision for income taxes (45,538)  Cash capital expenditures (3) 387,096 43,074 2,731 10,549 443,450       Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified  Leasing Leasing Development by Segment (1) Total   (in thousands)  Assets  As of June 30, 2016 $ 5,509,053 $ 1,813,637 $ 38,569 $ 75,063 $ 7,436,322  As of December 31, 2015 $ 5,587,476 $ 1,564,496 $ 56,631 $ 104,377 $ 7,312,980  (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. (4) International site leasing i ncludes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 . 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	15. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share was computed by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings per share was calculated by dividing net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and any dilutive Common Stock equivalents, including unvested restricted stock and shares issuable upon exercise of stock options as determined under the “If-Converted” method and also Common Stock warrants as determined under the “Treasury Stock” method. The following table sets forth basic and diluted net income per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):     For the three months For the six months  ended June 30, ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Numerator:  Net income (loss) $ 32,711 $ 28,305 $ 86,348 $ (50,725)  Denominator:  Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 125,125 128,809 125,261 129,021  Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares 658 1,139 660 —  Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 125,783 129,948 125,921 129,021  Net income (loss) per common share:  Basic $ 0.26 $ 0.22 $ 0.69 $ (0.39)  Diluted $ 0.26 $ 0.22 $ 0.69 $ (0.39)  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded an a dditional 0.7 million shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options because the impact would be anti-dilutive.  For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded an a dditional 1.1 million shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options because the impact would be anti-dilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, all potential common stock equivalents, including 4.0 million shares of stock options outstanding and 0.3 million shares of restricted stock outstanding, were excluded as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the U.S. dollar as its functional currency are translated at period-end rates of exchange, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Unrealized remeasurement gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit. The functional currency for the Company’s Central American subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries which are not denominated in U.S. dollars are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are remeasured at monthly average rates prevailing during the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Intercompany Loans	Intercompany Loans In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recorded a $47.4 million gain and a $15.7 million gain on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and a $92.1 million gain and a $68.3 million loss on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. On July 11, 2016, SBA Torres Brasil, Limitada repaid $22.5 million of the outstanding balance on the intercompany loan with Brazil Shareholder I, LLC, leaving a current outstanding balance of $433.3 million.
Bad Debt Provision	Bad Debt Provision On June 20, 2016, Oi, S.A. (“Oi”), the Company’s largest customer in Brazil, filed a petition for judicial reorganization in Brazil. Prior to the filing of the reorganization petition, Oi was current in all payment obligations to the Company. These obligations related to periods ending on or before April 30, 2016. As a result of the relief provisions available in a judicial reorganization proceeding, obligations of Oi to the Company arising from the periods from May 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 remain unpaid. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the recoverability of amounts owed by Oi relating to services provided prior to the date of Oi’s petition, the Company has recorded a $16.5 million bad debt provision (the “Oi reserve”) which covers amounts owed or potentially owed by Oi as of the filing date. Under Brazilian law governing judicial reorganizations, the contracts governing post-petition obligations such as tower rents remain unchanged, and debtors do not have the ability to reject or terminate the contracts other than pursuant to their original terms. Since the filing, the Company has received all payments due in connection with obligations of Oi accruing post-petition. The Oi reserve has been recorded in Selling, general, and administrative expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted	New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted In April 2015, the Financial Acco unting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest. The standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 effective January 1, 2016 and reclassified $90.2 million from deferred financing fees, net to long-term debt in the December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest - Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The standard indicates the SEC staff would not object to presenting debt issuance costs for a line of credit arrangement as an asset in the balance sheet. The Company adopted ASU 2015-15 effective January 1, 2016 and has elected to continue to present debt issuance costs for its Revolving Credit Facility as an asset on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 Business Combinations. The standard requires that the acquirer (1) recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, (2) record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date, and (3) to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The Company adopted ASU 2015-16 effective January 1, 2016. The financial statement impact of adopting this standard was not material for all periods presented. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which the Company adopted as of January 1, 2016. The standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for shared-based payment transactions including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, classification of awards as either equity or a liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The financial statement impact of adopting this standard was not material for all periods presented.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB released an updated standard regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The new standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted but not before the first quarter of 2017 . This standard 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 standard and does not expect a material financial statement impact upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The standard amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. This standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019. E arly adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the standard including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Summary Of Accrued Earnout Activity	   For the six months ended June 30,  2016 2015   (in thousands)  Beginning balance $ 7,230 $ 15,086  Additions 459 2,664  Payments (1,910) (3,088)  Change in estimate (1,288) (2,201)  Foreign currency translation adjustments 5 (267)  Ending balance $ 4,496 $ 12,194 

Restricted Cash (Tables)

Restricted Cash (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Schedule Of Restricted Cash	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Included on Balance Sheet   (in thousands)  Securitization escrow accounts $ 25,212 $ 25,135 Restricted cash - current asset  Payment and performance bonds 237 218 Restricted cash - current asset  Surety bonds and workers compensation 3,231 3,227 Other assets - noncurrent  Total restricted cash $ 28,680 $ 28,580 

Other Assets (Tables)

Other Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Assets	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Long-term investments $ 8,055 $ 8,140  Prepaid land rent 179,791 158,176  Straight-line rent receivable 290,508 267,682  Deferred lease costs, net 30,719 30,577  Deferred financing fees, net 3,444 3,919  Other 38,434 32,760  Total other assets $ 550,951 $ 501,254 

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures	   For the three months For the six months  ended June 30, ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015   (in thousands)  Towers and related intangible assets $ 38,668 $ 220,739 $ 113,512 $ 263,369  Land buyouts and other assets (1) 18,204 49,064 35,192 59,713  Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 56,872 $ 269,803 $ 148,704 $ 323,082  (1) In addition, the Company paid $2.9 million and $5.2 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying the Company’s towers during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and paid $6.6 million and $8.7 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying the Company’s towers during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets	   As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015  Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book  amount amortization value amount amortization value   (in thousands)  Current contract intangibles $ 4,112,204 $ (1,270,749) $ 2,841,455 $ 3,904,864 $ (1,118,493) $ 2,786,371  Network location intangibles 1,497,913 (550,614) 947,299 1,446,293 (497,251) 949,042  Intangible assets, net $ 5,610,117 $ (1,821,363) $ 3,788,754 $ 5,351,157 $ (1,615,744) $ 3,735,413 

Property And Equipment, Net (Ta

Property And Equipment, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Towers and related components $ 4,486,598 $ 4,370,664  Construction-in-process 36,709 32,730  Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 49,099 48,018  Land, buildings, and improvements 553,078 524,847  Total property and equipment 5,125,484 4,976,259  Less: accumulated depreciation (2,320,124) (2,193,906)  Property and equipment, net $ 2,805,360 $ 2,782,353 

Costs And Estimated Earnings 32

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 43,004 $ 78,849  Estimated earnings 15,120 29,333  Billings to date (46,997) (95,055)  $ 11,127 $ 13,127 
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 11,673 $ 16,934  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on  uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (546) (3,807)  $ 11,127 $ 13,127 

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accrued Expenses	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   (in thousands)  Accrued earnouts $ 4,496 $ 7,230  Salaries and benefits 12,356 14,253  Real estate and property taxes 8,888 7,899  Other 33,377 34,373  Total accrued expenses $ 59,117 $ 63,755 

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt	   As of As of  June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Maturity Date Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value  5.625% Senior Notes Oct. 1, 2019 $ 500,000 $ 516,250 $ 495,565 $ 500,000 $ 521,250 $ 494,955  5.750% Senior Notes July 15, 2020 800,000 824,000 792,095 800,000 832,000 791,243  2014 Senior Notes July 15, 2022 750,000 746,250 735,989 750,000 744,375 735,010  2010-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2017 550,000 551,078 548,923 550,000 558,223 548,268  2012-1C Tower Securities Dec. 11, 2017 610,000 612,025 605,681 610,000 611,879 604,229  2013-1C Tower Securities April 10, 2018 425,000 425,472 421,928 425,000 416,959 421,099  2013-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2023 575,000 579,014 567,029 575,000 565,541 566,523  2013-1D Tower Securities April 10, 2018 330,000 335,514 327,565 330,000 332,676 326,918  2014-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2019 920,000 936,266 910,896 920,000 910,368 909,595  2014-2C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2024 620,000 629,474 612,243 620,000 608,084 611,853  2015-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2020 500,000 510,350 490,238 500,000 489,680 489,496  Revolving Credit Facility Feb. 5, 2020 30,000 30,000 30,000 — — —  2014 Term Loan Mar. 24, 2021 1,470,000 1,457,137 1,458,392 1,477,500 1,447,950 1,464,774  2015 Term Loan June 10, 2022 495,000 488,194 486,259 497,500 486,306 488,107  Total debt $ 8,575,000 $ 8,641,024 $ 8,482,803 $ 8,555,000 $ 8,525,291 $ 8,452,070  Less: current maturities of long-term debt (568,924) (20,000)  Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 7,913,879 $ 8,432,070 
Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense	   For the three months ended June 30, For the six months ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash  Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest   (in thousands)  5.625% Senior Notes $ 7,031 $ — $ 7,031 $ — $ 14,063 $ — $ 14,063 —  5.75% Senior Notes 11,500 — 11,500 — 23,000 — 23,000 —  2014 Senior Notes 9,141 171 9,141 163 18,281 340 18,281 323  2010-2C Tower Securities 7,058 — 7,058 — 14,115 — 14,115 —  2012-1C Tower Securities 4,533 — 4,532 — 9,067 — 9,063 —  2013 Tower Securities 10,804 — 10,804 — 21,609 — 21,609 —  2014 Tower Securities 12,785 — 12,785 — 25,569 — 25,569 —  2015-1C Tower Securities 3,985 — — — 7,969 — —  Revolving Credit Facility 744 — 1,765 — 1,578 — 3,337 —  2012 Term Loan — — 1,095 — — — 2,248 —  2014 Term Loan 12,107 126 12,230 122 24,245 251 24,356 242  2015 Term Loan 4,077 163 948 37 8,164 324 948 36  Capitalized interest and other (83) — 19 — (174) — (27) —  Total $ 83,682 $ 460 $ 78,908 $ 322 $ 167,486 $ 915 $ 156,562 $ 601 

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options	   For the six months ended  June 30,  2016 2015   Risk free interest rate 1.18% - 1.43% 1.21% - 1.45%  Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%  Expected volatility 20.0% 20.0%  Expected lives 4.7 years 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, 2015 3,794 $ 84.66  Granted 1,355 $ 96.62  Exercised (267) $ 41.64  Canceled (70) $ 105.26  Outstanding at June 30, 2016 4,812 $ 90.11 4.9 $ 102,578  Exercisable at June 30, 2016 1,970 $ 72.83 3.5 $ 73,384  Unvested at June 30, 2016 2,842 $ 102.09 5.8 $ 29,194 
Company's Restricted Stock Unit Activity	   Weighted-  Average  Grant Date  Number of Fair Value per  Units Share  (in thousands)  Outstanding at December 31, 2015 277 $ 97.14  Granted 137 $ 96.74  Vested (114) $ 84.42  Forfeited/canceled (6) $ 103.41  Outstanding at June 30, 2016 294 $ 101.72 

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information Disclosure	   Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified  Leasing Leasing Development by Segment Total   For the three months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 316,842 $ 65,001 $ 23,689 $ — $ 405,532  Cost of revenues (2) 66,199 20,294 20,074 — 106,567  Operating profit 250,643 44,707 3,615 — 298,965  Selling, general, and administrative (4) 17,936 21,065 3,295 5,368 47,664  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 1,355 1,466 — — 2,821  Asset impairment and decommission costs 11,363 983 — 2,345 14,691  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 126,756 29,781 639 2,547 159,723  Operating income (loss) 93,233 (8,588) (319) (10,260) 74,066  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (39,354) (39,354)  Income before provision for income taxes 34,712  Cash capital expenditures (3) 74,616 15,688 916 1,053 92,273   For the three months ended June 30, 2015  Revenues $ 307,361 $ 63,101 $ 40,242 $ — $ 410,704  Cost of revenues (2) 63,563 18,168 30,381 — 112,112  Operating profit 243,798 44,933 9,861 — 298,592  Selling, general, and administrative 16,814 4,064 2,614 4,770 28,262  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 6,566 (786) — — 5,780  Asset impairment and decommission costs 3,962 48 — — 4,010  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 129,679 31,044 759 895 162,377  Operating income (loss) 86,777 10,563 6,488 (5,665) 98,163  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (67,634) (67,634)  Income before provision for income taxes 30,529  Cash capital expenditures (3) 295,694 21,299 900 2,714 320,607       Not  Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Identified by  Leasing Leasing Development Segment Total   For the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 632,072 $ 124,221 $ 49,008 $ — $ 805,301  Cost of revenues (2) 130,674 38,581 39,907 — 209,162  Operating profit 501,398 85,640 9,101 — 596,139  Selling, general, and administrative (4) 35,935 25,450 6,832 9,854 78,071  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 3,197 2,806 — — 6,003  Asset impairment and decommission costs 17,384 1,145 — 2,345 20,874  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 258,149 56,658 1,664 3,053 319,524  Operating income (loss) 186,733 (419) 605 (15,252) 171,667  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (81,113) (81,113)  Income before provision for income taxes 90,554  Cash capital expenditures (3) 179,969 37,068 1,472 1,929 220,438   For the six months ended June 30, 2015  Revenues $ 613,311 $ 126,878 $ 80,609 $ — $ 820,798  Cost of revenues (2) 125,251 36,699 61,274 — 223,224  Operating profit 488,060 90,179 19,335 — 597,574  Selling, general, and administrative 34,468 7,957 4,736 10,984 58,145  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 7,042 77 — — 7,119  Asset impairment and decommission costs 10,556 276 — — 10,832  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 267,139 63,470 1,466 2,155 334,230  Operating income (loss) 168,855 18,399 13,133 (13,139) 187,248  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (232,786) (232,786)  Loss before provision for income taxes (45,538)  Cash capital expenditures (3) 387,096 43,074 2,731 10,549 443,450       Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified  Leasing Leasing Development by Segment (1) Total   (in thousands)  Assets  As of June 30, 2016 $ 5,509,053 $ 1,813,637 $ 38,569 $ 75,063 $ 7,436,322  As of December 31, 2015 $ 5,587,476 $ 1,564,496 $ 56,631 $ 104,377 $ 7,312,980  (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. (4) International site leasing i ncludes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 .

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	   For the three months For the six months  ended June 30, ended June 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Numerator:  Net income (loss) $ 32,711 $ 28,305 $ 86,348 $ (50,725)  Denominator:  Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 125,125 128,809 125,261 129,021  Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares 658 1,139 660 —  Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 125,783 129,948 125,921 129,021  Net income (loss) per common share:  Basic $ 0.26 $ 0.22 $ 0.69 $ (0.39)  Diluted $ 0.26 $ 0.22 $ 0.69 $ (0.39) 

Basis of Presentation (Narrativ

Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jul. 11, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan			$ 47,400	$ 15,700	$ 92,132	$ (68,292)
Debt instrument, carrying value			8,482,803		8,482,803		$ 8,452,070
Reclassified amount from deferred financing fees							$ 90,200
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]				17,504	$ 215
SBA Torres Brasil, Limitada [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Intercompany Loan with Brazil Shareholder I, LLC. [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Repayment of debt		$ 22,500
Debt instrument, carrying value		$ 433,300
Oi S.A. [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Provision for doubtful accounts			$ 16,498		$ 16,498
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve recorded during the second quarter of 2016.

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued earnouts	$ 4,496	$ 12,194	$ 4,496	$ 12,194	$ 7,230	$ 15,086
Performance targets, maximum potential obligation	7,300		7,300		10,200
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets	14,700	4,000	20,900	10,800
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets, additions	7,500		7,500
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	3,700	2,800	7,900	6,700
Write-offs and disposal costs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	2,300		2,300
Disposal costs		100		1,200
Certificate of deposits					500
Treasury securities	200		200		200
Held-to-maturity investments, carrying value	900		900		800
Held-to-maturity investments, fair value	900		900		$ 900
Not Identified by Segment [Member]
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	$ 1,100		$ 3,100
Site Leasing Revenue [Member]
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles		$ 1,100		$ 2,900
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.375%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			2.00%

Fair Value Measurements (Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Accrued Earnout Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 7,230	$ 15,086
Additions	459	2,664
Payments	(1,910)	(3,088)
Change in estimate	(1,288)	(2,201)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5	(267)
Ending balance	$ 4,496	$ 12,194

Restricted Cash (Narrative) (De

Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$ 39	$ 38.6
Collateral payment for performance bonds	0.5	0.7
Collateral related to workers compensation policy	$ 2.5	$ 2.5

Restricted Cash (Schedule Of Re

Restricted Cash (Schedule Of Restricted Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	$ 28,680	$ 28,580
Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member] | Securitization Escrow Accounts [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	25,212	25,135
Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member] | Payment and Performance Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	237	218
Other Assets - Noncurrent [Member] | Surety Bonds and Workers Compensation [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Total restricted cash	$ 3,231	$ 3,227

Other Assets (Details)

Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Long-term investments	$ 8,055	$ 8,140
Prepaid land rent	179,791	158,176
Straight-line rent receivable	290,508	267,682
Deferred lease costs, net	30,719	30,577
Deferred financing fees, net	3,444	3,919
Other	38,434	32,760
Total other assets	$ 550,951	$ 501,254

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2016USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)item
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers acquired | item		159
Cash paid for acquisition		$ 113.5
Property and equipment		31.3
Intangible assets		79.6
Working capital adjustments		$ 2.6
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers acquired | item	12
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 8.4

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acqui

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Towers and related intangible assets	$ 38,668	$ 220,739	$ 113,512	$ 263,369
Land buyouts and other assets	18,204	49,064	35,192	59,713
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures	56,872	269,803	148,704	323,082
Ground lease extensions	$ 2,900	$ 5,200	$ 6,600	$ 8,700

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrati

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets, useful life			15 years
Amortization expense	$ 92.7	$ 90.7	$ 182.8	$ 182.1

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross A

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 5,610,117	$ 5,351,157
Accumulated amortization	(1,821,363)	(1,615,744)
Net book value	3,788,754	3,735,413
Current Contract Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,112,204	3,904,864
Accumulated amortization	(1,270,749)	(1,118,493)
Net book value	2,841,455	2,786,371
Network Location Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,497,913	1,446,293
Accumulated amortization	(550,614)	(497,251)
Net book value	$ 947,299	$ 949,042

Property And Equipment, Net (Na

Property And Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 66.9	$ 71.6	$ 136.4	$ 152
Non-cash capital expenditures			$ 6.6		$ 9.5

Property And Equipment, Net (Pr

Property And Equipment, Net (Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 5,125,484	$ 4,976,259
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,320,124)	(2,193,906)
Property and equipment, net	2,805,360	2,782,353
Towers And Related Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	4,486,598	4,370,664
Construction-In-Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	36,709	32,730
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	49,099	48,018
Land, Buildings, and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 553,078	$ 524,847

Costs And Estimated Earnings 50

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Narrative) (Details) - customer	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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 on uncompleted contracts, percentage comprised by significant customers	92.00%	95.90%
Number of significant customers	8	8

Costs And Estimated Earnings 51

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 43,004	$ 78,849
Estimated earnings	15,120	29,333
Billings to date	(46,997)	(95,055)
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 11,127	$ 13,127

Costs And Estimated Earnings 52

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$ 11,673	$ 16,934
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities)	(546)	(3,807)
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 11,127	$ 13,127

Accrued Expenses (Details)

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued earnouts	$ 4,496	$ 7,230
Salaries and benefits	12,356	14,253
Real estate and property taxes	8,888	7,899
Other	33,377	34,373
Total accrued expenses	$ 59,117	$ 63,755

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility Under The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility			$ 110,000	$ 535,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Line of credit facility, commitment fee			0.25%
Revolving credit facility, maturity date			Feb. 5, 2020
Borrowings on the revolving credit facility		70,000	$ 140,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility		60,000	110,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding		$ 30,000	$ 30,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility	$ 30,000
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.375%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			0.375%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [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 ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of term loans			$ 10,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Deferred financing fees, expensed	$ 5,325,000	$ 4,626,000	10,590,000	$ 9,170,000
Debt instrument, principal balance	8,575,000,000		8,575,000,000		$ 8,555,000,000
2012 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			May 9, 2017
Deferred financing fees	2,700,000		$ 2,700,000
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 1,500,000,000		$ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			Mar. 24, 2021
Term Loan, percentage of par value	99.75%		99.75%
Coupon rate of notes	3.25%		3.25%
Deferred financing fees	$ 12,900,000		$ 12,900,000
Quarterly payments			3,800,000
Repayment of term loans	3,800,000		7,500,000
Debt instrument, principal balance	1,470,000,000		1,470,000,000		1,477,500,000
2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			Jun. 10, 2022
Term Loan, percentage of par value	99.00%		99.00%
Coupon rate of notes	3.25%		3.25%
Quarterly payments			$ 1,300,000
Repayment of term loans	$ 1,300,000		2,500,000
Deferred financing fees, expensed			5,100,000
Debt instrument, principal balance	$ 495,000,000		$ 495,000,000		$ 497,500,000
Base Rate [Member] | 2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.50%
Base rate floor			1.75%
Base Rate [Member] | 2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.50%
Base rate floor			1.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | 2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			2.50%
Eurodollar rate floor			0.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | 2015 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 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.00%
Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | 2012 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | 2012 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.50%
Maximum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | 2012 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			2.50%

Debt (Secured Tower Revenue Sec

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

Jul. 15, 2016

Jul. 07, 2016

Oct. 14, 2015

Oct. 15, 2014

Apr. 18, 2013

Aug. 09, 2012

Apr. 16, 2010

Aug. 08, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Deferred financing fees, expensed

$ 5,325,000

$ 4,626,000

$ 10,590,000

$ 9,170,000

Aggregate debt

8,482,803,000

$ 8,482,803,000

$ 8,452,070,000

2010-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 550,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

5.101%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Apr. 11, 2017

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 9, 2042

Apr. 11, 2017

Deferred financing fees

$ 8,100,000

Aggregate debt

548,923,000

$ 548,923,000

548,268,000

2012-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 610,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.933%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Dec. 11, 2017

Debt instrument, maturity date

Dec. 9, 2042

Dec. 11, 2017

Deferred financing fees, expensed

$ 14,900,000

Aggregate debt

605,681,000

$ 605,681,000

604,229,000

2013 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Deferred financing fees, expensed

$ 25,500,000

Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate

3.218%

Aggregate debt

$ 1,330,000,000

2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 425,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.24%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Apr. 10, 2018

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 9, 2043

Apr. 10, 2018

Aggregate debt

421,928,000

$ 421,928,000

421,099,000

2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 575,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.722%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Apr. 11, 2023

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 9, 2048

Apr. 11, 2023

Aggregate debt

567,029,000

$ 567,029,000

566,523,000

2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 330,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.598%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Apr. 10, 2018

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 9, 2043

Apr. 10, 2018

Aggregate debt

327,565,000

$ 327,565,000

326,918,000

2014 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Deferred financing fees, expensed

$ 22,500,000

Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate

3.289%

Aggregate debt

$ 1,540,000,000

2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 920,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.898%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Oct. 8, 2019

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 11, 2044

Oct. 8, 2019

Aggregate debt

910,896,000

$ 910,896,000

909,595,000

2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 620,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.869%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Oct. 8, 2024

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 8, 2049

Oct. 8, 2024

Aggregate debt

612,243,000

$ 612,243,000

611,853,000

2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 500,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.156%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Oct. 8, 2020

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 10, 2045

Oct. 8, 2020

Deferred financing fees, expensed

$ 10,900,000

Aggregate debt

$ 490,238,000

$ 490,238,000

$ 489,496,000

2016-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Deferred financing fees, expensed

$ 9,200,000

Subsequent Event [Member] | 2010 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 550,000,000

Subsequent Event [Member] | 2016-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, face amount

$ 700,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.877%

Repayment date of debt instrument

Jul. 1, 2021

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jul. 1, 2046

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative)

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 15, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016	Jul. 01, 2014	Sep. 28, 2012	Jul. 13, 2012	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees, expensed						$ 5,325	$ 4,626	$ 10,590	$ 9,170
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes					$ 800,000
Debt instrument, maturity date								Jul. 15, 2020
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					5.75%	5.75%		5.75%
Deferred financing fees, expensed					$ 14,000
Interest payable dates								July 15 and January 15
5.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Telecommunications [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership interest						100.00%		100.00%
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes				$ 500,000
Debt instrument, maturity date								Oct. 1, 2019
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				5.625%		5.625%		5.625%
Deferred financing fees, expensed				$ 8,600
Interest payable dates								April 1 and October 1
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes			$ 750,000
Debt instrument, maturity date								Jul. 15, 2022
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			4.875%
Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes			99.178%
Deferred financing fees, expensed			$ 11,600
Interest payable dates								January 15 and July 15
2016 Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes		$ 1,100
Debt instrument, maturity date		Sep. 1, 2024
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		4.875%
Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes		99.178%
Interest payable dates		March 1 and September 1
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | 5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.75%
Repayments of unsecured debt	$ 800,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | 5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.625%
Repayments of unsecured debt	$ 250,000

Debt (Carrying And Principal Va

Debt (Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2015	Oct. 15, 2014	Apr. 18, 2013	Aug. 09, 2012	Apr. 16, 2010	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 01, 2014	Sep. 28, 2012	Jul. 13, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 8,575,000,000	$ 8,555,000,000
Fair Value						8,641,024,000	8,525,291,000
Carrying Value						8,482,803,000	8,452,070,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt						(568,924,000)	(20,000,000)
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities						7,913,879,000	8,432,070,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						30,000,000
Fair Value						30,000,000
Carrying Value						$ 30,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Feb. 5, 2020
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 500,000,000	500,000,000
Fair Value						516,250,000	521,250,000
Carrying Value						$ 495,565,000	494,955,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Oct. 1, 2019
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						5.625%			5.625%
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 800,000,000	800,000,000
Fair Value						824,000,000	832,000,000
Carrying Value						$ 792,095,000	791,243,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Jul. 15, 2020
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						5.75%				5.75%
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 750,000,000	750,000,000
Fair Value						746,250,000	744,375,000
Carrying Value						$ 735,989,000	735,010,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Jul. 15, 2022
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage								4.875%
2010-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 550,000,000	550,000,000
Fair Value						551,078,000	558,223,000
Carrying Value						$ 548,923,000	548,268,000
Debt instrument, maturity date					Apr. 9, 2042	Apr. 11, 2017
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					5.101%
2012-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 610,000,000	610,000,000
Fair Value						612,025,000	611,879,000
Carrying Value						$ 605,681,000	604,229,000
Debt instrument, maturity date				Dec. 9, 2042		Dec. 11, 2017
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				2.933%
2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 425,000,000	425,000,000
Fair Value						425,472,000	416,959,000
Carrying Value						$ 421,928,000	421,099,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			Apr. 9, 2043			Apr. 10, 2018
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			2.24%
2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 575,000,000	575,000,000
Fair Value						579,014,000	565,541,000
Carrying Value						$ 567,029,000	566,523,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			Apr. 9, 2048			Apr. 11, 2023
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			3.722%
2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 330,000,000	330,000,000
Fair Value						335,514,000	332,676,000
Carrying Value						$ 327,565,000	326,918,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			Apr. 9, 2043			Apr. 10, 2018
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			3.598%
2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 920,000,000	920,000,000
Fair Value						936,266,000	910,368,000
Carrying Value						$ 910,896,000	909,595,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Oct. 11, 2044				Oct. 8, 2019
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		2.898%
2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 620,000,000	620,000,000
Fair Value						629,474,000	608,084,000
Carrying Value						$ 612,243,000	611,853,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Oct. 8, 2049				Oct. 8, 2024
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		3.869%
2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 500,000,000	500,000,000
Fair Value						510,350,000	489,680,000
Carrying Value						$ 490,238,000	489,496,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 10, 2045					Oct. 8, 2020
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.156%
2012 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date						May 9, 2017
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 1,470,000,000	1,477,500,000
Fair Value						1,457,137,000	1,447,950,000
Carrying Value						$ 1,458,392,000	1,464,774,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Mar. 24, 2021
2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance						$ 495,000,000	497,500,000
Fair Value						488,194,000	486,306,000
Carrying Value						$ 486,259,000	$ 488,107,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Jun. 10, 2022

Debt (Schedule Of Cash And Non-

Debt (Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Oct. 14, 2015	Jul. 01, 2014	Sep. 28, 2012	Aug. 09, 2012	Jul. 13, 2012	Apr. 16, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 83,682	$ 78,908	$ 167,486	$ 156,562
Non-cash Interest	460	322	915	601
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	744	1,765	1,578	3,337
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 7,031	7,031	$ 14,063	14,063
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.625%		5.625%				5.625%
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 11,500	11,500	$ 23,000	23,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.75%		5.75%						5.75%
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 9,141	9,141	$ 18,281	18,281
Non-cash Interest	171	163	340	323
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						4.875%
2010-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	7,058	7,058	14,115	14,115
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage										5.101%
2012-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	4,533	4,532	9,067	9,063
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage								2.933%
2013 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	10,804	10,804	21,609	21,609
2014 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	12,785	12,785	25,569	25,569
2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	3,985		7,969
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					3.156%
2012 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest		1,095		2,248
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	12,107	12,230	24,245	24,356
Non-cash Interest	126	122	251	242
2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	4,077	948	8,164	948
Non-cash Interest	163	37	324	36
Capitalized Interest And Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ (83)	$ 19	$ (174)	$ (27)

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Class A Common Stock [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 04, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased, shares	1	1.5
Stock repurchased, value	$ 100	$ 150
Weighted average price per share	$ 97.80	$ 98.08
Current Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization	$ 550	$ 550
New Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized			$ 1,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / shares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | $ / shares	$ 19.19
Total intrinsic value for options exercised | $	$ 14.9

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Risk free interest rate, Minimum	1.18%	1.21%
Risk free interest rate, Maximum	1.43%	1.45%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	20.00%	20.00%
Expected lives	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 7 months 6 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Compa

Stock-Based Compensation (Company's Activities With Respect To Its Stock Options) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance | shares	3,794
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	1,355
Number of Shares, Exercised | shares	(267)
Number of Shares, Canceled | shares	(70)
Number of Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance | shares	4,812
Number of Shares Exercisable, Ending Balance | shares	1,970
Number of Shares Unvested, Ending Balance | shares	2,842
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 84.66
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted | $ / shares	96.62
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised | $ / shares	41.64
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Canceled | $ / shares	105.26
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending Balance | $ / shares	90.11
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable, Ending Balance | $ / shares	72.83
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Unvested, Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 102.09
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Outstanding at June 30, 2016	4 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Exercisable at June 30, 2016	3 years 6 months
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Unvested at June 30, 2016	5 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at June 30, 2016 | $	$ 102,578
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at June 30, 2016 | $	73,384
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Unvested at June 30, 2016 | $	$ 29,194

Stock-Based Compensation (Restr

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Units Outstanding, at December 31, 2015 | shares	277
Number of Units, Granted | shares	137
Number of Units, Vested | shares	(114)
Number of Units, Forfeited/Canceled | shares	(6)
Number of Units Outstanding, at June 30, 2016 | shares	294
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Outstanding, at December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 97.14
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted | $ / shares	96.74
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested | $ / shares	84.42
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited/Canceled | $ / shares	103.41
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Outstanding, atJune 30, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 101.72

Segment Data (Narrative) (Detai

Segment Data (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016segment
Segment Data [Abstract]
Number of business segments	2

Segment Data (Segment Reporting

Segment Data (Segment Reporting Information Disclosure) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 405,532	$ 410,704	$ 805,301	$ 820,798
Cost of revenues		106,567	112,112	209,162	223,224
Operating profit		298,965	298,592	596,139	597,574
Selling, general, and administrative	[1],[2]	47,664	28,262	78,071	58,145
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		2,821	5,780	6,003	7,119
Asset impairment and decommission costs		14,691	4,010	20,874	10,832
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		159,723	162,377	319,524	334,230
Operating income		74,066	98,163	171,667	187,248
Other expense (principally interest expense and other income (expense))		(39,354)	(67,634)	(81,113)	(232,786)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		34,712	30,529	90,554	(45,538)
Cash capital expenditures		92,273	320,607	220,438	443,450
Assets		7,436,322		7,436,322		$ 7,312,980
Provision for doubtful accounts	[3]			17,504	215
Domestic Site Leasing Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		316,842	307,361	632,072	613,311
Cost of revenues		66,199	63,563	130,674	125,251
Operating profit		250,643	243,798	501,398	488,060
Selling, general, and administrative		17,936	16,814	35,935	34,468
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		1,355	6,566	3,197	7,042
Asset impairment and decommission costs		11,363	3,962	17,384	10,556
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		126,756	129,679	258,149	267,139
Operating income		93,233	86,777	186,733	168,855
Cash capital expenditures		74,616	295,694	179,969	387,096
Assets		5,509,053		5,509,053		5,587,476
International Site Leasing Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		65,001	63,101	124,221	126,878
Cost of revenues		20,294	18,168	38,581	36,699
Operating profit		44,707	44,933	85,640	90,179
Selling, general, and administrative		21,065	4,064	25,450	7,957
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		1,466	(786)	2,806	77
Asset impairment and decommission costs		983	48	1,145	276
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		29,781	31,044	56,658	63,470
Operating income		(8,588)	10,563	(419)	18,399
Cash capital expenditures		15,688	21,299	37,068	43,074
Assets		1,813,637		1,813,637		1,564,496
Site Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		23,689	40,242	49,008	80,609
Cost of revenues		20,074	30,381	39,907	61,274
Operating profit		3,615	9,861	9,101	19,335
Selling, general, and administrative		3,295	2,614	6,832	4,736
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		639	759	1,664	1,466
Operating income		(319)	6,488	605	13,133
Cash capital expenditures		916	900	1,472	2,731
Assets		38,569		38,569		56,631
Not Identified by Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general, and administrative		5,368	4,770	9,854	10,984
Asset impairment and decommission costs		2,345		2,345
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		2,547	895	3,053	2,155
Operating income		(10,260)	(5,665)	(15,252)	(13,139)
Other expense (principally interest expense and other income (expense))		(39,354)	(67,634)	(81,113)	(232,786)
Cash capital expenditures		1,053	$ 2,714	1,929	$ 10,549
Assets		75,063		75,063		$ 104,377
Oi S.A. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for doubtful accounts		$ 16,498		$ 16,498
[1]	Includes non-cash compensation of $8,785 and $8,089 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $16,471 and $14,972 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
[2]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.
[3]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve recorded during the second quarter of 2016.

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from earnings per share calculation	0.7	1.1	0.7	4
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from earnings per share calculation				0.3

Earnings Per Share (Weighted-Av

Earnings Per Share (Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding Used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 32,711	$ 28,305	$ 86,348	$ (50,725)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	125,125	128,809	125,261	129,021
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares	658	1,139	660
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	125,783	129,948	125,921	129,021
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.69	$ (0.39)
Diluted	$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.69	$ (0.39)