SBA Communications (SBAC) 10-Q 7 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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		117,542,678
Trading Symbol	SBAC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 139,711	$ 146,109
Restricted cash	30,168	36,786
Accounts receivable, net	87,417	78,344
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	12,508	11,127
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	54,262	52,205
Total current assets	324,066	324,571
Property and equipment, net	2,777,339	2,792,076
Intangible assets, net	3,550,710	3,656,924
Other assets	648,355	587,374
Total assets	7,300,470	7,360,945
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	32,429	28,320
Accrued expenses	85,052	61,129
Current maturities of long-term debt	773,289	627,157
Deferred revenue	101,168	101,098
Accrued interest	19,668	44,503
Other current liabilities	11,109	11,240
Total current liabilities	1,022,715	873,447
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	8,185,512	8,148,426
Other long-term liabilities	350,041	334,993
Total long-term liabilities	8,535,553	8,483,419
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, 118,428 and 121,004 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	1,184	1,210
Additional paid-in capital	2,148,273	2,010,520
Accumulated deficit	(4,064,805)	(3,637,467)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(342,450)	(370,184)
Total shareholders' deficit	(2,257,798)	(1,995,921)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 7,300,470	$ 7,360,945

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	118,428,000	121,004,000
Common stock - Class A, shares outstanding	118,428,000	121,004,000

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues:
Site leasing		$ 408,538	$ 388,168	$ 1,209,089	$ 1,144,461
Site development		25,407	23,151	75,513	72,159
Total revenues		433,945	411,319	1,284,602	1,216,620
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion, and amortization shown below):
Cost of site leasing		90,351	86,354	269,070	255,609
Cost of site development		21,117	19,114	62,713	59,021
Selling, general, and administrative	[1],[2]	32,559	32,255	100,177	110,326
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		1,583	2,970	6,857	8,974
Asset impairment and decommission costs		9,417	2,305	25,908	23,180
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		161,907	160,111	480,457	479,635
Total operating expenses		316,934	303,109	945,182	936,745
Operating income		117,011	108,210	339,420	279,875
Other income (expense):
Interest income		2,505	3,101	8,648	7,704
Interest expense		(81,357)	(83,426)	(237,415)	(250,913)
Non-cash interest expense		(725)	(585)	(2,146)	(1,500)
Amortization of deferred financing fees		(4,957)	(5,445)	(16,603)	(16,035)
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net			(34,512)	(1,961)	(34,512)
Other income (expense), net		20,062	(1,139)	16,218	92,137
Total other expense		(64,472)	(122,006)	(233,259)	(203,119)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		52,539	(13,796)	106,161	76,756
Provision for income taxes		(3,378)	(1,574)	(10,167)	(5,780)
Net income (loss)		$ 49,161	$ (15,370)	$ 95,994	$ 70,976
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic		$ 0.41	$ (0.12)	$ 0.80	$ 0.57
Diluted		$ 0.41	$ (0.12)	$ 0.79	$ 0.56
Weighted average number of common shares
Basic		119,746	124,604	120,745	125,041
Diluted		121,026	124,604	121,727	125,761
[1]	Includes non-cash compensation of $9,213 and $7,970 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $28,069 and $24,440 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of Ope5

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Non-cash compensation expense				$ 28,894	$ 24,752
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]			1,498	20,516
Oi S.A. [Member]
Provision for doubtful accounts					16,498
Selling, General And Administrative [Member]
Non-cash compensation expense		$ 9,213	$ 7,970	$ 28,069	24,440
Selling, General And Administrative [Member] | Oi S.A. [Member]
Provision for doubtful accounts					$ 16,498
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 49,161	$ (15,370)	$ 95,994	$ 70,976
Foreign currency translation adjustments	36,472	(5,525)	27,734	131,659
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 85,633	$ (20,895)	$ 123,728	$ 202,635

Consolidated Statement Of Share

Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Deficit - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2017 - 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 [Member]	Total
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,210	$ 2,010,520	$ (3,637,467)	$ (370,184)	$ (1,995,921)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016	121,004
Net income			95,994		95,994
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans	$ 7	45,098			45,105
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares	711
Non-cash stock compensation		29,347			29,347
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions	$ 5	63,308			63,313
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions, Shares	488
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	$ (38)		(523,332)		(523,370)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, Shares	(3,775)
Foreign currency translation adjustments				27,734	27,734
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 1,184	$ 2,148,273	$ (4,064,805)	$ (342,450)	$ (2,257,798)
BALANCE, Shares at Sep. 30, 2017	118,428

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income		$ 95,994	$ 70,976
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization		480,457	479,635
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs		22,316	19,050
Non-cash compensation expense		28,894	24,752
Amortization of deferred financing fees		16,603	16,035
Gain on remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan		(11,649)	(88,964)
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]	1,498	20,516
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net		1,961	34,512
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations		(2,481)	(3,418)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net		(11,950)	(3,644)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(18,168)	(30,973)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		4,846	(4,263)
Accrued interest		(24,836)	(17,825)
Other liabilities		7,987	10,842
Net cash provided by operating activities		591,472	527,231
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions		(161,007)	(191,402)
Capital expenditures		(106,310)	(104,320)
Other investing activities		(23,598)	(4,491)
Net cash used in investing activities		(290,915)	(300,213)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility		415,000	290,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility		(375,000)	(140,000)
Repayment of Tower Securities		(610,000)	(550,000)
Proceeds from issuance of Tower Securities, net of fees		749,811	690,584
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, inclusive of fees		(523,370)	(202,349)
Proceeds from 2016 Senior Notes, net of fees			1,078,387
Payment for the redemption of 5.75% Senior Notes			(825,795)
Other financing activities		25,957	(7,293)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(317,602)	333,534
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		3,537	13,760
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH		(13,508)	574,312
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of period		185,970	146,619
End of period		172,462	720,931
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest		262,257	268,997
Income taxes		11,323	8,133
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Assets acquired through capital leases		$ 254	$ 1,386
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions		63,313
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Consolidated Statements Of Cas9

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 15, 2016
Provision for doubtful accounts	[1]	$ 1,498	$ 20,516
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument stated percentage		5.75%		5.75%	5.75%
Oi S.A. [Member]
Provision for doubtful accounts			$ 16,498
[1]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2016 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 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. 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. Intercompany Loans In accordance with ASC 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in O ther income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as settlement is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future. The Company recorded an $18.4 million gain and a $3.2 million loss on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and an $11.6 million gain and an $89.0 million gain on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , the outstanding balance under th e intercompany loan agreement with our Brazilian subsidiary was $433.3 million. Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard provides guidance to help entities determine whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 provides revised guidance to determine when an acquisition meets the definition of a business or should be accounted for as an asset acquisition, likely resulting in more acquisitions being accounted for as asset acquisitions as opposed to business combinations. The Company adopted this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2017. Under this update, substantially all of the Company’s acquisitions are expected to qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For asset acquisitions, external, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired, while internal costs related to the asset acquisition will continue to be expensed as incurred. Additionally, earnout liabilities will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 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 core principle of the standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted. This standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or 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 since the standard only affects the Company’s site development segment, which represents approximately 6% of the Company’s total revenues. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The accounting for lessors remains largely unchanged from existing guidance. This standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Early adoption is permitted; however, the Company does not currently plan to early adopt. The Company has established a cross functional project plan and is currently assessing the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for its ground leases. The Company does not expect adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated statement of operations, nor does it expect accounting for capital leases to change substantially . 

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 business combinat ions 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 s are recorded in Acquisition related adjustments and expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company determines the fair value of 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 prior to January 1 , 2017 (adoption of ASU 2017-01) was $2.8 million and $4.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets for these various acquisitions was $4.2 million and $5.8 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The maximum potential obligation related to the performance targets for acquisitions after January 1, 2017 was $7.9 million as of September 30, 2017 .  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. Asset impairment and decommission costs for all periods presented and the related impaired assets primarily relate to the Company’s site leasing operating segment. The following summarizes the activity of asset impairment and decommission costs (in thousands):     For the three months For the nine months  ended September 30, ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016   Asset impairment (1) $ 4,128 $ 6,673 $ 10,162 $ 14,138  Write-off of carrying value of decommissioned towers 4,496 3,587 12,143 11,449  Write-off and disposal of former corporate headquarters — — — 2,346  Gain on sale of fiber assets (2) — (8,965) — (8,965)  Other third party decommission costs 793 1,010 3,603 4,212  Total asset impairment and decommission costs $ 9,417 $ 2,305 $ 25,908 $ 23,180 (1) Represents impairment charges resulting from the Company’s regular analysis of whether the future cash flows from certain towers are adequate to recover the carrying value of the investment in those towers. (2) Related to the sale of fiber assets acquired in the 2012 Mobilitie transaction. 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 $0.2 million in Treasury securities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company’s estimate of the fair value of its held-to-maturity investments in treasury and corporate bonds, including current portion, are based primarily upon Level 1 reported market values. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying value and fair value of the held-to-maturity investments, including current portion, were $0.7 million. These amounts are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and 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 month ly or more frequently . 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	3. RESTRICTED CASH The cash, cash equivalents, and r estricted cash balances on the consolidated statement of cash flows consists of the following:     As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Included on Balance Sheet   (in thousands)  Cash and cash equivalents $ 139,711 $ 146,109  Securitization escrow accounts 29,929 36,607 Restricted cash - current asset  Payment and performance bonds 239 179 Restricted cash - current asset  Surety bonds and workers compensation 2,583 3,075 Other assets - noncurrent  Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 172,462 $ 185,970  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 fo r tower construction currently in process by the Company. Cash is pledged as collateral related to surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary course of business and primarily related to the Company’s tower removal obligations. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $39.1 million and $39.2 million in surety, payment and performance bonds, respectively, for which it was only required to post $0.5 million in collateral as of December 31, 2016 . As of September 30, 2017 , no collateral was required to be posted. The Company periodically evaluates the collateral posted for its bonds to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had also pledged $2.5 million as collateral related to its workers compensation policy.

Prepaid Expenses And Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets	4. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS The Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets are comprised of the following:     As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Prepaid land rent $ 30,932 $ 33,975  Other 23,330 18,230  Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 54,262 $ 52,205  

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	5. ACQUISITIONS The fo llowing table summarizes the Company’s cash acquisition capital expenditures:      For the three months For the nine months  ended September 30, ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016   (in thousands)  Towers and related intangible assets (1)(2) $ 66,338 $ 31,022 $ 124,476 $ 144,534  Land buyouts and other assets (3) 12,488 11,676 36,531 46,868  Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 78,826 $ 42,698 $ 161,007 $ 191,402  (1) The nine months ended September 30, 2017 excludes $63.3 million of acquisition costs funded through the issuance of 487,963 shares of Class A common stock. (2) The three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 exclude $21.0 million of acquisitions completed during the second quarter of 2017 which were not funded as of September 30, 2017. (3) In addition, the Company paid $2.4 million and $2.2 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying our towers during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and paid $10.6 million and $8.7 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying our towers during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets . For acquisitions which qualify as asset acquisitions, the aggregate purchase price is allocated on a relative fair value basis to towers and related intangible assets . The fair values of these net assets acquired are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on future expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by management at the time. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these fair values, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could be subject to a possible impairment of the intangible assets, or require acceleration of the amortization expense of intangible assets in subsequent periods. For business c ombinations, the estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition are subject to adjustment during the measurement period (up to one year from the particular acquisition date). During the measurement period, the Company will adjust assets and/or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have re sulted in a revised estimated value of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocations that are not yet finalized relate to the fair value of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration and any related tax impact. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company acquired 436 completed towers and related assets and liabilities consisting of $48.0 million of property and equipment, $160.0 million of intangible assets, and $0.2 million of working capital adjustments. Subsequent to September 30, 2017 , the Company acquired 35 towers and related assets for $24.4 million in cash.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET The following table provides the gross and net carrying amounts for each major class of intangible assets:     As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book  amount amortization value amount amortization value   (in thousands)  Current contract intangibles $ 4,284,068 $ (1,612,010) $ 2,672,058 $ 4,141,968 $ (1,401,025) $ 2,740,943  Network location intangibles 1,555,579 (676,927) 878,652 1,515,348 (599,367) 915,981  Intangible assets, net $ 5,839,647 $ (2,288,937) $ 3,550,710 $ 5,657,316 $ (2,000,392) $ 3,656,924  All intangible assets noted above are included in t he 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 $96.8 million and $93.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $286.8 million and $276.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively .

Property And Equipment, Net

Property And Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Towers and related components $ 4,691,935 $ 4,563,756  Construction-in-process 36,429 38,926  Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 51,713 50,671  Land, buildings, and improvements 617,032 578,680  Total property and equipment 5,397,109 5,232,033  Less: accumulated depreciation (2,619,770) (2,439,957)  Property and equipment, net $ 2,777,339 $ 2,792,076  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 $65.0 million and $66.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $193.2 million and $202.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , non-cash capital expenditures that are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were $7.5 million and $7.0 million, respectively .

Costs And Estimated Earnings On

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 31,845 $ 34,577  Estimated earnings 11,255 11,185  Billings to date (30,861) (36,027)  $ 12,239 $ 9,735  These amounts are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions:     As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 12,508 $ 11,127  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on  uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (269) (1,392)  $ 12,239 $ 9,735  Eight customers comprised 82.3% and 81.6% of the costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	9. 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 adjusted for 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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data):     For the three months For the nine months  ended September 30, ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Numerator:  Net income (loss) $ 49,161 $ (15,370) $ 95,994 $ 70,976  Denominator:  Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 119,746 124,604 120,745 125,041  Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares 1,280 — 982 720  Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 121,026 124,604 121,727 125,761  Net income (loss) per common share:  Basic $ 0.41 $ (0.12) $ 0.80 $ 0.57  Diluted $ 0.41 $ (0.12) $ 0.79 $ 0.56  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded an additional 11,674 and 1.8 million shares, respectively, issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options because the impact would be anti-dilutive.  For the three months ended September 30, 2016, all potential common stock equivalents, including 4.5 million shares of stock options outstanding and 0.3 million shares of restricted stock units outstanding, were excluded as the effect would be anti-dilutive.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded an additional 2.2 million shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options because the impact would be anti-dilutive.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  Maturity Date Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value  2014 Senior Notes July 15, 2022 $ 750,000 $ 772,500 $ 738,547 $ 750,000 $ 763,125 $ 736,992  2016 Senior Notes Sep. 1, 2024 1,100,000 1,134,375 1,080,674 1,100,000 1,083,500 1,078,954  2012-1C Tower Securities Dec. 11, 2017 — — — 610,000 610,165 607,157  2013-1C Tower Securities April 10, 2018 425,000 423,959 424,049 425,000 423,381 422,768  2013-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2023 575,000 586,103 568,339 575,000 563,322 567,545  2013-1D Tower Securities April 10, 2018 330,000 330,234 329,240 330,000 334,521 328,225  2014-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2019 920,000 921,168 914,244 920,000 922,199 912,219  2014-2C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2024 620,000 623,181 613,253 620,000 608,921 612,641  2015-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2020 500,000 501,790 492,920 500,000 495,145 491,289  2016-1C Tower Securities July 9, 2021 700,000 697,081 692,658 700,000 688,072 691,322  2017-1C Tower Securities April 11, 2022 760,000 759,248 750,645 — — —  Revolving Credit Facility Feb. 5, 2020 430,000 430,000 430,000 390,000 390,000 390,000  2014 Term Loan Mar. 24, 2021 1,451,250 1,454,878 1,442,529 1,462,500 1,467,984 1,452,039  2015 Term Loan June 10, 2022 488,750 489,361 481,703 492,500 494,347 484,432  Total debt $ 9,050,000 $ 9,123,878 $ 8,958,801 $ 8,875,000 $ 8,844,682 $ 8,775,583  Less: current maturities of long-term debt (773,289) (627,157)  Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 8,185,512 $ 8,148,426  The table below reflects cash and non-cash interest expense amounts recognized by debt instrument for the periods presented:      For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016  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 $ — $ — $ — $ 21,094 —  5.75% Senior Notes — — 5,494 — — — 28,494 —  2014 Senior Notes 9,141 182 9,141 173 27,422 540 27,422 513  2016 Senior Notes 13,406 240 6,852 117 40,219 711 6,852 117  2010-2C Tower Securities — — 1,098 — — — 15,213 —  2012-1C Tower Securities — — 4,529 — 5,331 — 13,596 —  2013 Tower Securities 10,804 — 10,804 — 32,413 — 32,413 —  2014 Tower Securities 12,785 — 12,785 — 38,354 — 38,354 —  2015-1C Tower Securities 3,985 — 3,985 — 11,954 — 11,954 —  2016-1C Tower Securities 5,090 — 4,808 — 15,271 — 4,808 —  2017-1C Tower Securities 6,096 — — — 11,098 — — —  Revolving Credit Facility 2,673 — 667 — 6,848 — 2,245 —  2014 Term Loan 12,964 133 12,209 129 36,291 391 36,453 380  2015 Term Loan 4,366 170 4,111 166 12,221 504 12,275 490  Other 47 — (88) — (7) — (260) —  Total $ 81,357 $ 725 $ 83,426 $ 585 $ 237,415 $ 2,146 $ 250,913 $ 1,500  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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company borrowed $315.0 million and $415.0 million, respectively, and repaid $35.0 million and $375.0 million, respectively, of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2017 , SBA Senior Finance II was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit Agreement. Subsequent to September 30, 2017 , the Company borrowed an additional $30.0 million and repaid $460.0 million of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of the date of this filing, no amount was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Term Loans under the Senior Credit Agreement Repricing Amendment to the Senior Credit Agreement On January 20, 2017, SBA Senior Finance II amended its Senior Credit Agreement, primarily to reduce the stated rate of interest applicable to its senior secured term loans. As amended, the senior secured term loans accrue interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 125 basis points (with a zero Base Rate floor) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 225 basis points (with a zero Eurodollar Rate floor). 2014 Term Loan The 2014 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion that matures on March 24, 2021 . Prior to the reduction in the term loan interest rates as discussed above, the 2014 Term Loan accrued interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election, at either the Base Rate plus 150 basis points (with a Base Rate floor of 1.75% ) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 250 basis points (with a Eurodollar Rate floor of 0.75% ). The 2014 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. As of September 30, 2017 , the 2014 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.49% per annum. Principal payments on the 2014 Term Loan commenced on September 30, 2014 and are being 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 $14.1 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the maturity date. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repaid $3.8 million and $ 11.3 million of principal on the 2014 Term Loan. As of September 30, 2017 , the 2014 Term Loan had a principal balance of $1,451.3 m illion. 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 . Prior to the reduction in the term loan interest rates as discussed above, the 2015 Term Loan accrued 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 September 30, 2017 , the 2015 Term Loan was accruing interest at 3.49% per annum. Principal payments on the 2015 Term Loan commenced 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 $5.5 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the maturity date. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repaid $1.3 million and $3.8 million of principal on the 2015 Term Loan. As of September 30, 2017 , the 2015 Term Loan had a principal balance of $488.8 million. Secured Tower Revenue Securities 2012-1C Tower Securities On August 9, 2012, the Company, through a New York common law trust (the “Trust”), issued $610.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2012-1C (the “2012-1C Tower Securities”), which had 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 was 2.933% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $14.9 million in relation to this transaction, which were being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2012-1C Tower Securities. On April 17, 2017, the Company repaid in full the 2012-1C Tower Securities with proceeds from the 2017-1C Tower Securities. In connection with the prepayment, the Company expensed $2.0 million of net deferred financing fees. 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”). 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. 2015-1C Tower Securities On October 14, 2015, the Company, through the Trust, issued $500.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2015-1C, which have an anticipated repayment date of October 8, 2020 and a final maturity date of October 10, 2045 (the “2015-1C 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 $11.2 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2015-1C Tower Securities. 2016-1C Tower Securities On July 7, 2016, the Company, through the Trust, issued $700.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2016-1C, which have an anticipated repayment date of July 9, 2021 and a final maturity date of July 10, 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 $9.5 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2016-1C Tower Securities. 2017-1C Tower Securities  On April 17, 2017, the Company, through the Trust, issued $760.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1C, which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the “2017-1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1C Tower Securities is 3.168% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to prepay the entire $610.0 million aggregate principal amount, as well as accrued and unpaid interest, of the 2012-1C Tower Securities and for general cor porate purposes. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $10.2 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2017-1C Tower Securities. In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased $40.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1R issued by the Trust, which have an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2022 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2047 (the “2017-1R Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2017-1R Tower Securities is 4.459% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2017-1R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation. In connection with the issuance of the 2017-1C Tower Securities, the non-recourse mortgage loan was increased by $800.0 million (or by a net of $190.0 million after giving effect to prepayment of the loan components relating to the 2012-1C Tower Securities). The new loan accrues interest at the same rate as the 2017-1C Tower Securities; however, it is subject to all other material terms of the existing mortgage loan, including collateral and interest rate after the anticipated repayment date. Debt Covenants As of September 30, 2017 , 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 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 Senior Notes On August 15, 2016, the Company issued $1.1 billion of unsecured senior notes due September 1, 2024 (the “2016 Senior Notes”). The 2016 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum and were issued at 99.178% of par value. Interest on the 2016 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on March 1, 2017. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $12.8 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the maturity date. Net proceeds from this offering and cash on hand were used to redeem $800.0 million, the aggregate principal amount outstanding, of Telecommunications’ 5.75% Senior Notes and $250.0 million of the Company’s 5.625% Senior Notes and pay the associated call premiums. 2017 S enior Notes On October 13, 2017, the Company issued $750.0 million of unsecur ed senior notes due October 1, 2022 (the “2017 Senior Notes”). The 2017 Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.0% per annum. Interest on the 2017 Senior Notes is due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2018. The Company incurred deferred financing fees of $8.2 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the maturity date. Net proceeds from this offering were used to re pay $460.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes .

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	11. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Common Stock equivalents The Company has potential common stock equivalents (see Note 12) related to its outstanding stock options and restricted stock units . These potential common stock equivalents were considered in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation (see Note 9). Stock Repurchases On June 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan. This plan authorized the Company to purchase, from time to time, up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. On January 12, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase plan, replacing the plan authorized on June 4, 2015, which had a remaining authorization of $150.0 million. This plan authorizes the Company to purchase, from time to time, up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. Shares repurchased will be retired. The new plan has no time deadline and will continue until otherwise modified or terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors at any time in its sole discretion. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 2.7 million shares of its Class A common stock under this plan for $383.9 million, at an average price per share of $141.17 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 3.9 million shares of its Class A common stock under this plan for $538.9 million, at an average price per share of $139.16 . Shares repurchased were retired. Subsequent to September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased 0.8 million shares of its Class A common stock for $111.1 million, at an average price per share of $147.19 . Shares repurchased were retired. As of the date of this filing, the Company had $350.0 million of authorization remaining under the current stock repurchase plan. Registration of Additional Shares The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering 4.0 million shares of its Class A common stock in 2007. These shares may be issued in connection with acquisitions of wireless communication towers or antenna sites and related assets or companies that own wireless communication towers, antenna sites, or related assets. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not issue any shares of its Class A common stock pursuant to this registration statement in connection with acquisitions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company issued 487,963 shares of Class A common stock under this registration statement. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had approximately 1.2 million shares of Class A common stock remaining under this registration statement .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 , as well as to estimate the expected option life. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model:     For the nine months ended  September 30,  2017 2016   Risk free interest rate 1.70% - 1.97% 1.11% - 1.43%  Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%  Expected volatility 20% 20%  Expected lives 4.6 years 4.7 years  The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as follows (dolla rs 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, 2016 4,447 $ 93.09  Granted 1,171 $ 115.41  Exercised (615) $ 78.64  Canceled (62) $ 105.44  Outstanding at September 30, 2017 4,941 $ 100.03 4.6 $ 217,485  Exercisable at September 30, 2017 2,076 $ 87.74 3.3 $ 116,910  Unvested at September 30, 2017 2,865 $ 108.93 5.5 $ 100,575  The weighted-average per share fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $23.88 . The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $30.9 million. Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 :     Weighted-  Average  Grant Date  Number of Fair Value per  Shares Share  (in thousands)  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 291 $ 101.74  Granted 171 $ 116.52  Vested (122) $ 98.75  Forfeited/canceled (10) $ 109.83  Outstanding at September 30, 2017 330 $ 110.27

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. INC OME TAXES The primary reason for the difference in the Company’s effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate is a result of the Company’s REIT election and the Company having a full valuation allowance on the U.S. net deferred tax assets of the taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) . 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. The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2016. As a REIT, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on that portion of its net income that it distributes to its shareholders. As a REIT, the Company will continue to pay U.S. federal income tax on earnings, if any, from assets and operations held through its TRSs. These assets and operations currently consist primarily of the Company’s site development services and its international operations. The Company’s international operations would continue to be subject, as applicable, to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which those operations are located. The Company may also be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local and foreign income, property and other taxes on its assets and operations. The Company’s determination as to the timing and amount of future dividend distributions will be based on a number of factors, including REIT distribution requirements, its existing federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2016, the Company’s financial condition, earnings, debt covenants, and other possible uses of such funds. The Company may use these NOLs to offset its REIT taxable income, and thus any required distributions to shareholders may be reduced or eliminated until such time as the NOLs have been fully utilized .

Segment Data

Segment Data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 business 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 September 30, 2017 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 328,395 $ 80,143 $ 25,407 $ — $ 433,945  Cost of revenues (2) 65,226 25,125 21,117 — 111,468  Operating profit 263,169 55,018 4,290 — 322,477  Selling, general, and administrative 16,945 6,658 3,826 5,130 32,559  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 962 621 — — 1,583  Asset impairment and decommission costs 7,898 1,554 (35) — 9,417  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 125,142 34,548 605 1,612 161,907  Operating income (loss) 112,222 11,637 (106) (6,742) 117,011  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (64,472) (64,472)  Income before provision for income taxes 52,539  Cash capital expenditures (3) 57,352 57,507 372 724 115,955   For the three months ended September 30, 2016  Revenues $ 319,109 $ 69,059 $ 23,151 $ — $ 411,319  Cost of revenues (2) 65,353 21,001 19,114 — 105,468  Operating profit 253,756 48,058 4,037 — 305,851  Selling, general, and administrative 19,206 5,277 3,128 4,644 32,255  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 335 2,635 — — 2,970  Asset impairment and decommission costs 1,974 331 — — 2,305  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 126,059 31,453 997 1,602 160,111  Operating income (loss) 106,182 8,362 (88) (6,246) 108,210  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (122,006) (122,006)  Loss before provision for income taxes (13,796)  Cash capital expenditures (3) 52,589 23,057 320 704 76,670      Not  Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Identified by  Leasing Leasing Development Segment Total   For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 974,850 $ 234,239 $ 75,513 $ — $ 1,284,602  Cost of revenues (2) 195,903 73,167 62,713 — 331,783  Operating profit 778,947 161,072 12,800 — 952,819  Selling, general, and administrative 53,147 19,007 11,495 16,528 100,177  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 4,300 2,557 — — 6,857  Asset impairment and decommission costs 22,746 2,956 206 — 25,908  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 373,262 100,388 1,968 4,839 480,457  Operating income (loss) 325,492 36,164 (869) (21,367) 339,420  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (233,259) (233,259)  Income before provision for income taxes 106,161  Cash capital expenditures (3) 160,814 103,609 692 2,456 267,571   For the nine months ended September 30, 2016  Revenues $ 951,181 $ 193,280 $ 72,159 $ — $ 1,216,620  Cost of revenues (2) 196,027 59,582 59,021 — 314,630  Operating profit 755,154 133,698 13,138 — 901,990  Selling, general, and administrative (4) 55,141 30,727 9,960 14,498 110,326  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 3,533 5,441 — — 8,974  Asset impairment and decommission costs 19,359 1,476 — 2,345 23,180  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 384,208 88,111 2,661 4,655 479,635  Operating income (loss) 292,913 7,943 517 (21,498) 279,875  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (203,119) (203,119)  Income before provision for income taxes 76,756  Cash capital expenditures (3) 232,558 60,125 1,792 2,633 297,108       Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified  Leasing Leasing Development by Segment (1) Total   Assets (in thousands)  As of September 30, 2017 $ 5,247,946 $ 1,929,355 $ 44,976 $ 78,193 $ 7,300,470  As of December 31, 2016 $ 5,396,394 $ 1,839,703 $ 43,769 $ 81,079 $ 7,360,945  (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 nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation 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. 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.
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 O ther income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as settlement is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future. The Company recorded an $18.4 million gain and a $3.2 million loss on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and an $11.6 million gain and an $89.0 million gain on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , the outstanding balance under th e intercompany loan agreement with our Brazilian subsidiary was $433.3 million.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard provides guidance to help entities determine whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 provides revised guidance to determine when an acquisition meets the definition of a business or should be accounted for as an asset acquisition, likely resulting in more acquisitions being accounted for as asset acquisitions as opposed to business combinations. The Company adopted this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2017. Under this update, substantially all of the Company’s acquisitions are expected to qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For asset acquisitions, external, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired, while internal costs related to the asset acquisition will continue to be expensed as incurred. Additionally, earnout liabilities will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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 core principle of the standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted. This standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or 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 since the standard only affects the Company’s site development segment, which represents approximately 6% of the Company’s total revenues. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The accounting for lessors remains largely unchanged from existing guidance. This standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Early adoption is permitted; however, the Company does not currently plan to early adopt. The Company has established a cross functional project plan and is currently assessing the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for its ground leases. The Company does not expect adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated statement of operations, nor does it expect accounting for capital leases to change substantially .

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Summary Of Asset Impairment And Decommission Costs	   For the three months For the nine months  ended September 30, ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016   Asset impairment (1) $ 4,128 $ 6,673 $ 10,162 $ 14,138  Write-off of carrying value of decommissioned towers 4,496 3,587 12,143 11,449  Write-off and disposal of former corporate headquarters — — — 2,346  Gain on sale of fiber assets (2) — (8,965) — (8,965)  Other third party decommission costs 793 1,010 3,603 4,212  Total asset impairment and decommission costs $ 9,417 $ 2,305 $ 25,908 $ 23,180 (1) Represents impairment charges resulting from the Company’s regular analysis of whether the future cash flows from certain towers are adequate to recover the carrying value of the investment in those towers. (2) Related to the sale of fiber assets acquired in the 2012 Mobilitie transaction.

Restricted Cash (Tables)

Restricted Cash (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Restricted Cash	   As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Included on Balance Sheet   (in thousands)  Cash and cash equivalents $ 139,711 $ 146,109  Securitization escrow accounts 29,929 36,607 Restricted cash - current asset  Payment and performance bonds 239 179 Restricted cash - current asset  Surety bonds and workers compensation 2,583 3,075 Other assets - noncurrent  Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 172,462 $ 185,970 

Prepaid Expenses And Other Cu27

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Prepaid Expense And Other Current Assets	   As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Prepaid land rent $ 30,932 $ 33,975  Other 23,330 18,230  Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 54,262 $ 52,205 

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures	   For the three months For the nine months  ended September 30, ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016   (in thousands)  Towers and related intangible assets (1)(2) $ 66,338 $ 31,022 $ 124,476 $ 144,534  Land buyouts and other assets (3) 12,488 11,676 36,531 46,868  Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 78,826 $ 42,698 $ 161,007 $ 191,402  (1) The nine months ended September 30, 2017 excludes $63.3 million of acquisition costs funded through the issuance of 487,963 shares of Class A common stock. (2) The three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 exclude $21.0 million of acquisitions completed during the second quarter of 2017 which were not funded as of September 30, 2017. (3) In addition, the Company paid $2.4 million and $2.2 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying our towers during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and paid $10.6 million and $8.7 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying our towers during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets .

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets	   As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book  amount amortization value amount amortization value   (in thousands)  Current contract intangibles $ 4,284,068 $ (1,612,010) $ 2,672,058 $ 4,141,968 $ (1,401,025) $ 2,740,943  Network location intangibles 1,555,579 (676,927) 878,652 1,515,348 (599,367) 915,981  Intangible assets, net $ 5,839,647 $ (2,288,937) $ 3,550,710 $ 5,657,316 $ (2,000,392) $ 3,656,924 

Property And Equipment, Net (Ta

Property And Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)	   As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Towers and related components $ 4,691,935 $ 4,563,756  Construction-in-process 36,429 38,926  Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 51,713 50,671  Land, buildings, and improvements 617,032 578,680  Total property and equipment 5,397,109 5,232,033  Less: accumulated depreciation (2,619,770) (2,439,957)  Property and equipment, net $ 2,777,339 $ 2,792,076 

Costs And Estimated Earnings 31

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts	   As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 31,845 $ 34,577  Estimated earnings 11,255 11,185  Billings to date (30,861) (36,027)  $ 12,239 $ 9,735 
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets	   As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016   (in thousands)  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 12,508 $ 11,127  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on  uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (269) (1,392)  $ 12,239 $ 9,735 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Shares Of Common Stock Outstanding Used In Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	   For the three months For the nine months  ended September 30, ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Numerator:  Net income (loss) $ 49,161 $ (15,370) $ 95,994 $ 70,976  Denominator:  Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 119,746 124,604 120,745 125,041  Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares 1,280 — 982 720  Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 121,026 124,604 121,727 125,761  Net income (loss) per common share:  Basic $ 0.41 $ (0.12) $ 0.80 $ 0.57  Diluted $ 0.41 $ (0.12) $ 0.79 $ 0.56 

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule Of Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt	   As of As of  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  Maturity Date Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value Principal Balance Fair Value Carrying Value  2014 Senior Notes July 15, 2022 $ 750,000 $ 772,500 $ 738,547 $ 750,000 $ 763,125 $ 736,992  2016 Senior Notes Sep. 1, 2024 1,100,000 1,134,375 1,080,674 1,100,000 1,083,500 1,078,954  2012-1C Tower Securities Dec. 11, 2017 — — — 610,000 610,165 607,157  2013-1C Tower Securities April 10, 2018 425,000 423,959 424,049 425,000 423,381 422,768  2013-2C Tower Securities April 11, 2023 575,000 586,103 568,339 575,000 563,322 567,545  2013-1D Tower Securities April 10, 2018 330,000 330,234 329,240 330,000 334,521 328,225  2014-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2019 920,000 921,168 914,244 920,000 922,199 912,219  2014-2C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2024 620,000 623,181 613,253 620,000 608,921 612,641  2015-1C Tower Securities Oct. 8, 2020 500,000 501,790 492,920 500,000 495,145 491,289  2016-1C Tower Securities July 9, 2021 700,000 697,081 692,658 700,000 688,072 691,322  2017-1C Tower Securities April 11, 2022 760,000 759,248 750,645 — — —  Revolving Credit Facility Feb. 5, 2020 430,000 430,000 430,000 390,000 390,000 390,000  2014 Term Loan Mar. 24, 2021 1,451,250 1,454,878 1,442,529 1,462,500 1,467,984 1,452,039  2015 Term Loan June 10, 2022 488,750 489,361 481,703 492,500 494,347 484,432  Total debt $ 9,050,000 $ 9,123,878 $ 8,958,801 $ 8,875,000 $ 8,844,682 $ 8,775,583  Less: current maturities of long-term debt (773,289) (627,157)  Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 8,185,512 $ 8,148,426 
Schedule Of Cash And Non-Cash Interest Expense	   For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016  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 $ — $ — $ — $ 21,094 —  5.75% Senior Notes — — 5,494 — — — 28,494 —  2014 Senior Notes 9,141 182 9,141 173 27,422 540 27,422 513  2016 Senior Notes 13,406 240 6,852 117 40,219 711 6,852 117  2010-2C Tower Securities — — 1,098 — — — 15,213 —  2012-1C Tower Securities — — 4,529 — 5,331 — 13,596 —  2013 Tower Securities 10,804 — 10,804 — 32,413 — 32,413 —  2014 Tower Securities 12,785 — 12,785 — 38,354 — 38,354 —  2015-1C Tower Securities 3,985 — 3,985 — 11,954 — 11,954 —  2016-1C Tower Securities 5,090 — 4,808 — 15,271 — 4,808 —  2017-1C Tower Securities 6,096 — — — 11,098 — — —  Revolving Credit Facility 2,673 — 667 — 6,848 — 2,245 —  2014 Term Loan 12,964 133 12,209 129 36,291 391 36,453 380  2015 Term Loan 4,366 170 4,111 166 12,221 504 12,275 490  Other 47 — (88) — (7) — (260) —  Total $ 81,357 $ 725 $ 83,426 $ 585 $ 237,415 $ 2,146 $ 250,913 $ 1,500 

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options	   For the nine months ended  September 30,  2017 2016   Risk free interest rate 1.70% - 1.97% 1.11% - 1.43%  Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0%  Expected volatility 20% 20%  Expected lives 4.6 years 4.7 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, 2016 4,447 $ 93.09  Granted 1,171 $ 115.41  Exercised (615) $ 78.64  Canceled (62) $ 105.44  Outstanding at September 30, 2017 4,941 $ 100.03 4.6 $ 217,485  Exercisable at September 30, 2017 2,076 $ 87.74 3.3 $ 116,910  Unvested at September 30, 2017 2,865 $ 108.93 5.5 $ 100,575 
Company's Restricted Stock Unit Activity	   Weighted-  Average  Grant Date  Number of Fair Value per  Shares Share  (in thousands)  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 291 $ 101.74  Granted 171 $ 116.52  Vested (122) $ 98.75  Forfeited/canceled (10) $ 109.83  Outstanding at September 30, 2017 330 $ 110.27 

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 September 30, 2017 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 328,395 $ 80,143 $ 25,407 $ — $ 433,945  Cost of revenues (2) 65,226 25,125 21,117 — 111,468  Operating profit 263,169 55,018 4,290 — 322,477  Selling, general, and administrative 16,945 6,658 3,826 5,130 32,559  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 962 621 — — 1,583  Asset impairment and decommission costs 7,898 1,554 (35) — 9,417  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 125,142 34,548 605 1,612 161,907  Operating income (loss) 112,222 11,637 (106) (6,742) 117,011  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (64,472) (64,472)  Income before provision for income taxes 52,539  Cash capital expenditures (3) 57,352 57,507 372 724 115,955   For the three months ended September 30, 2016  Revenues $ 319,109 $ 69,059 $ 23,151 $ — $ 411,319  Cost of revenues (2) 65,353 21,001 19,114 — 105,468  Operating profit 253,756 48,058 4,037 — 305,851  Selling, general, and administrative 19,206 5,277 3,128 4,644 32,255  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 335 2,635 — — 2,970  Asset impairment and decommission costs 1,974 331 — — 2,305  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 126,059 31,453 997 1,602 160,111  Operating income (loss) 106,182 8,362 (88) (6,246) 108,210  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (122,006) (122,006)  Loss before provision for income taxes (13,796)  Cash capital expenditures (3) 52,589 23,057 320 704 76,670      Not  Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Identified by  Leasing Leasing Development Segment Total   For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands)  Revenues $ 974,850 $ 234,239 $ 75,513 $ — $ 1,284,602  Cost of revenues (2) 195,903 73,167 62,713 — 331,783  Operating profit 778,947 161,072 12,800 — 952,819  Selling, general, and administrative 53,147 19,007 11,495 16,528 100,177  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 4,300 2,557 — — 6,857  Asset impairment and decommission costs 22,746 2,956 206 — 25,908  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 373,262 100,388 1,968 4,839 480,457  Operating income (loss) 325,492 36,164 (869) (21,367) 339,420  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (233,259) (233,259)  Income before provision for income taxes 106,161  Cash capital expenditures (3) 160,814 103,609 692 2,456 267,571   For the nine months ended September 30, 2016  Revenues $ 951,181 $ 193,280 $ 72,159 $ — $ 1,216,620  Cost of revenues (2) 196,027 59,582 59,021 — 314,630  Operating profit 755,154 133,698 13,138 — 901,990  Selling, general, and administrative (4) 55,141 30,727 9,960 14,498 110,326  Acquisition related adjustments and expenses 3,533 5,441 — — 8,974  Asset impairment and decommission costs 19,359 1,476 — 2,345 23,180  Depreciation, amortization and accretion 384,208 88,111 2,661 4,655 479,635  Operating income (loss) 292,913 7,943 517 (21,498) 279,875  Other expense (principally interest expense  and other income (expense)) (203,119) (203,119)  Income before provision for income taxes 76,756  Cash capital expenditures (3) 232,558 60,125 1,792 2,633 297,108       Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Not Identified  Leasing Leasing Development by Segment (1) Total   Assets (in thousands)  As of September 30, 2017 $ 5,247,946 $ 1,929,355 $ 44,976 $ 78,193 $ 7,300,470  As of December 31, 2016 $ 5,396,394 $ 1,839,703 $ 43,769 $ 81,079 $ 7,360,945  (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 nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Basis of Presentation (Narrativ

Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan	$ 18,400	$ (3,200)	$ 11,649	$ 88,964
Debt instrument, carrying value	8,958,801		8,958,801		$ 8,775,583
Subsidiaries [Member] | Intercompany Loan with Brazil Shareholder I, LLC. [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Debt instrument, carrying value	$ 433,300		$ 433,300

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued earnouts	$ 2.8	$ 4.1
Performance targets, maximum potential obligation	7.9
Treasury securities	0.2	0.2
Held-to-maturity investments, carrying value	0.7	0.7
Held-to-maturity investments, fair value	0.7	0.7
Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Performance targets, maximum potential obligation	$ 4.2	$ 5.8
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.375%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.00%

Fair Value Measurements (Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Asset Impairment And Decommission Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Asset impairment	$ 4,128	$ 6,673	$ 10,162	$ 14,138
Total asset impairment and decommission costs	9,417	2,305	25,908	23,180
Former Corporate Headquarters Building [Member]
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles				2,346
Not Identified by Segment [Member]
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	793	1,010	3,603	4,212
Total asset impairment and decommission costs				2,345
Decommissioned Towers [Member]
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles	$ 4,496	3,587	$ 12,143	11,449
Tower Assets [Member]
Gain on sale of fiber assets		$ (8,965)		$ (8,965)

Restricted Cash (Narrative) (De

Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$ 39,100,000	$ 39,200,000
Collateral payment for performance bonds	0	500,000
Collateral related to workers compensation policy	$ 2,500,000	$ 2,500,000

Restricted Cash (Schedule Of Ca

Restricted Cash (Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Restricted Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 139,711	$ 146,109
Restricted cash - short term	30,168	36,786
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	172,462	185,970	$ 720,931	$ 146,619
Securitization Escrow Accounts [Member] | Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash - short term	29,929	36,607
Payment and Performance Bonds [Member] | Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash - short term	239	179
Surety Bonds and Workers Compensation [Member] | Other Assets - Noncurrent [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash - long term	$ 2,583	$ 3,075

Prepaid Expenses And Other Cu41

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets (Schedule Of Prepaid Expense And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid land rent	$ 30,932	$ 33,975
Other	23,330	18,230
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 54,262	$ 52,205

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)item
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers acquired | item		436
Property and equipment		$ 48
Intangible assets		160
Working capital adjustments		$ 0.2
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers acquired | item	35
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 24.4

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acqui

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Acquisition Capital Expenditures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Towers and related intangible assets	$ 66,338	$ 31,022	$ 124,476	$ 144,534
Land buyouts and other assets	12,488	11,676	36,531	46,868
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures	78,826	42,698	161,007	191,402
Acquisition costs paid through the issuance of common stock			$ 63,300
Common stock issued for acquisition costs			487,963
Unfunded towers and related intangible assets acquisitions	21,000		$ 21,000
Ground lease extensions	$ 2,400	$ 2,200	$ 10,600	$ 8,700

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrati

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets, useful life			15 years
Amortization expense	$ 96.8	$ 93.6	$ 286.8	$ 276.4

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross A

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross And Net Carrying Amounts For Each Major Class Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 5,839,647	$ 5,657,316
Accumulated amortization	(2,288,937)	(2,000,392)
Net book value	3,550,710	3,656,924
Current Contract Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,284,068	4,141,968
Accumulated amortization	(1,612,010)	(1,401,025)
Net book value	2,672,058	2,740,943
Network Location Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,555,579	1,515,348
Accumulated amortization	(676,927)	(599,367)
Net book value	$ 878,652	$ 915,981

Property And Equipment, Net (Na

Property And Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 65	$ 66.4	$ 193.2	$ 202.8
Non-cash capital expenditures			$ 7.5		$ 7

Property And Equipment, Net (Pr

Property And Equipment, Net (Property And Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 5,397,109	$ 5,232,033
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,619,770)	(2,439,957)
Property and equipment, net	2,777,339	2,792,076
Towers And Related Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	4,691,935	4,563,756
Construction-In-Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	36,429	38,926
Furniture, Equipment And Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	51,713	50,671
Land, Buildings, and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 617,032	$ 578,680

Costs And Estimated Earnings 48

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Narrative) (Details) - customer	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	82.30%	81.60%
Number of significant customers	8	8

Costs And Estimated Earnings 49

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Summary Of Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 31,845	$ 34,577
Estimated earnings	11,255	11,185
Billings to date	(30,861)	(36,027)
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 12,239	$ 9,735

Costs And Estimated Earnings 50

Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts (Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Costs And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$ 12,508	$ 11,127
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities)	(269)	(1,392)
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 12,239	$ 9,735

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from earnings per share calculation	11,674	4,500,000	1,800,000	2,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from earnings per share calculation		300,000

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 49,161	$ (15,370)	$ 95,994	$ 70,976
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	119,746	124,604	120,745	125,041
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares	1,280		982	720
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	121,026	124,604	121,727	125,761
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$ 0.41	$ (0.12)	$ 0.80	$ 0.57
Diluted	$ 0.41	$ (0.12)	$ 0.79	$ 0.56

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility Under The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 13, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility			$ 35,000	$ 375,000	$ 140,000
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			$ 315,000	$ 415,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility				$ 375,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings on the revolving credit facility		$ 30,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility	$ 460,000	460,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding		$ 0
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 ($)	Jan. 20, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal balance		$ 9,050,000,000	$ 9,050,000,000	$ 8,875,000,000
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		3.49%	3.49%
Deferred financing fees		$ 14,100,000	$ 14,100,000
Quarterly payments			3,800,000
Repayment of term loans		3,800,000	11,300,000
Debt instrument, principal balance		1,451,250,000	1,451,250,000	1,462,500,000
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		3.49%	3.49%
Deferred financing fees		$ 5,500,000	$ 5,500,000
Quarterly payments			1,300,000
Repayment of term loans		1,300,000	3,800,000
Debt instrument, principal balance		$ 488,750,000	$ 488,750,000	$ 492,500,000
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%
Base Rate [Member] | Term Loan under the Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.25%
Base rate floor	0.00%
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%
Eurodollar [Member] | Term Loan under the Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	2.25%
Eurodollar rate floor	0.00%

Debt (Secured Tower Revenue Sec

Debt (Secured Tower Revenue Securities) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2017	Jul. 07, 2016	Oct. 14, 2015	Oct. 15, 2014	Apr. 18, 2013	Aug. 09, 2012	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt							$ 8,958,801,000	$ 8,775,583,000
2010-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt		$ 550,000,000
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	$ 2,000,000					$ 14,900,000
Repayments of long-term debt	610,000,000
Long-term debt								607,157,000
2013 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees					$ 25,500,000
Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate					3.218%
Long-term 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
Long-term debt							$ 424,049,000	422,768,000
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
Long-term debt							$ 568,339,000	567,545,000
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
Long-term debt							$ 329,240,000	328,225,000
2014 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees				$ 22,500,000
Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate				3.289%
Long-term 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
Long-term debt							$ 914,244,000	912,219,000
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
Long-term debt							$ 613,253,000	612,641,000
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			$ 11,200,000
Long-term debt							$ 492,920,000	491,289,000
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. 9, 2021
Debt instrument, maturity date		Jul. 10, 2046					Jul. 9, 2021
Deferred financing fees		$ 9,500,000
Long-term debt							$ 692,658,000	$ 691,322,000
2017-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 760,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.168%
Repayment date of debt instrument	Apr. 11, 2022
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 9, 2047						Apr. 11, 2022
Deferred financing fees	$ 10,200,000
Long-term debt							$ 750,645,000
2017-1R Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 40,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.459%
Repayment date of debt instrument	Apr. 11, 2022
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 9, 2047
2017 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 800,000,000
Debt instrument, unused amount	$ 190,000,000

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative)

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 13, 2017	Aug. 15, 2016	Jul. 01, 2014	Oct. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility					$ 35,000	$ 375,000	$ 140,000
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		5.75%			5.75%	5.75%		5.75%
Repayments of unsecured debt		$ 800,000
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		5.625%			5.625%	5.625%
Repayments of unsecured debt		$ 250,000
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%
Interest payable dates						January 15 and July 15
Deferred financing fees			$ 11,600
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes		$ 1,100,000
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
Deferred financing fees		$ 12,800
2017 Senior Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes	$ 750,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 1, 2022
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.00%
Interest payable dates	April 1 and October 1
Deferred financing fees	$ 8,200
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date						Feb. 5, 2020
Repayments of revolving credit facility						$ 375,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility	$ 460,000			$ 460,000

Debt (Schedule Of Carrying And

Debt (Schedule Of Carrying And Principal Values Of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2017	Jul. 07, 2016	Oct. 14, 2015	Oct. 15, 2014	Apr. 18, 2013	Aug. 09, 2012	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 9,050,000,000	$ 8,875,000,000
Fair Value							9,123,878,000	8,844,682,000
Carrying Value							8,958,801,000	8,775,583,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt							(773,289,000)	(627,157,000)
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities							8,185,512,000	8,148,426,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							430,000,000	390,000,000
Fair Value							430,000,000	390,000,000
Carrying Value							$ 430,000,000	390,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date							Feb. 5, 2020
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 750,000,000	750,000,000
Fair Value							772,500,000	763,125,000
Carrying Value							$ 738,547,000	736,992,000
Debt instrument, maturity date							Jul. 15, 2022
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 1,100,000,000	1,100,000,000
Fair Value							1,134,375,000	1,083,500,000
Carrying Value							$ 1,080,674,000	1,078,954,000
Debt instrument, maturity date							Sep. 1, 2024
2012-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance								610,000,000
Fair Value								610,165,000
Carrying Value								607,157,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						Dec. 9, 2042	Dec. 11, 2017
2013-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 425,000,000	425,000,000
Fair Value							423,959,000	423,381,000
Carrying Value							$ 424,049,000	422,768,000
Debt instrument, maturity date					Apr. 9, 2043		Apr. 10, 2018
2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 575,000,000	575,000,000
Fair Value							586,103,000	563,322,000
Carrying Value							$ 568,339,000	567,545,000
Debt instrument, maturity date					Apr. 9, 2048		Apr. 11, 2023
2013-1D Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 330,000,000	330,000,000
Fair Value							330,234,000	334,521,000
Carrying Value							$ 329,240,000	328,225,000
Debt instrument, maturity date					Apr. 9, 2043		Apr. 10, 2018
2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 920,000,000	920,000,000
Fair Value							921,168,000	922,199,000
Carrying Value							$ 914,244,000	912,219,000
Debt instrument, maturity date				Oct. 11, 2044			Oct. 8, 2019
2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 620,000,000	620,000,000
Fair Value							623,181,000	608,921,000
Carrying Value							$ 613,253,000	612,641,000
Debt instrument, maturity date				Oct. 8, 2049			Oct. 8, 2024
2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 500,000,000	500,000,000
Fair Value							501,790,000	495,145,000
Carrying Value							$ 492,920,000	491,289,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			Oct. 10, 2045				Oct. 8, 2020
2016-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 700,000,000	700,000,000
Fair Value							697,081,000	688,072,000
Carrying Value							$ 692,658,000	691,322,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Jul. 10, 2046					Jul. 9, 2021
2017-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 760,000,000
Fair Value							759,248,000
Carrying Value							$ 750,645,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 9, 2047						Apr. 11, 2022
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 1,451,250,000	1,462,500,000
Fair Value							1,454,878,000	1,467,984,000
Carrying Value							$ 1,442,529,000	1,452,039,000
Debt instrument, maturity date							Mar. 24, 2021
2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance							$ 488,750,000	492,500,000
Fair Value							489,361,000	494,347,000
Carrying Value							$ 481,703,000	$ 484,432,000
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 15, 2016	Jul. 07, 2016	Oct. 14, 2015	Jul. 01, 2014	Aug. 09, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 81,357	$ 83,426	$ 237,415	$ 250,913
Non-cash Interest	725	585	2,146	1,500
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 2,673	667	$ 6,848	2,245
5.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest		7,031		21,094
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.625%		5.625%				5.625%
5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest		5,494		28,494
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	5.75%		5.75%			5.75%	5.75%
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 9,141	9,141	$ 27,422	27,422
Non-cash Interest	182	173	540	513
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage										4.875%
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	13,406	6,852	40,219	6,852
Non-cash Interest	240	117	711	117
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage							4.875%
2010-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest		1,098		15,213
2012-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest		4,529	5,331	13,596
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage											2.933%
2013 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	10,804	10,804	32,413	32,413
2014 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	12,785	12,785	38,354	38,354
2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	3,985	3,985	11,954	11,954
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage									3.156%
2016-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	5,090	4,808	15,271	4,808
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage								2.877%
2017-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	6,096		11,098
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					3.168%
2014 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	12,964	12,209	36,291	36,453
Non-cash Interest	133	129	391	380
2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	4,366	4,111	12,221	12,275
Non-cash Interest	170	166	504	490
Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 47	$ (88)	$ (7)	$ (260)

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 12, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2007
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization	$ 350,000,000
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased, shares		2,700,000	3,900,000
Stock repurchased, value		$ 383,900,000	$ 538,900,000
Weighted average price per share		$ 141.17	$ 139.16
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased, shares	800,000
Stock repurchased, value	$ 111,100,000
Weighted average price per share	$ 147.19
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized		$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Previous Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized						$ 1,000,000,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization				$ 150,000,000
2007 [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares registered							4,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		487,963	487,963		0
Shares reclassified as authorized and unissued			1,200,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | $ / shares	$ 23.88
Total intrinsic value for options exercised | $	$ 30.9

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used To Estimate Fair Value Of Stock Options) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Risk free interest rate, Minimum	1.70%	1.11%
Risk free interest rate, Maximum	1.97%	1.43%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	20.00%	20.00%
Expected lives	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 8 months 12 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance | shares	4,447
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	1,171
Number of Shares, Exercised | shares	(615)
Number of Shares, Canceled | shares	(62)
Number of Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance | shares	4,941
Number of Shares Exercisable, Ending Balance | shares	2,076
Number of Shares Unvested, Ending Balance | shares	2,865
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 93.09
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted | $ / shares	115.41
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised | $ / shares	78.64
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Canceled | $ / shares	105.44
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending Balance | $ / shares	100.03
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable, Ending Balance | $ / shares	87.74
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Unvested, Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 108.93
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Outstanding at September 30, 2017	4 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Exercisable at September 30, 2017	3 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Unvested at September 30, 2017	5 years 6 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at September 30, 2017 | $	$ 217,485
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at September 30, 2017 | $	116,910
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Unvested at September 30, 2017 | $	$ 100,575

Stock-Based Compensation (Restr

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares, Outstanding, at December 31, 2016 | shares	291
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	171
Number of Shares, Vested | shares	(122)
Number of Shares, Forfeited/canceled | shares	(10)
Number of Shares, Outstanding, at September 30, 2017 | shares	330
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding, at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 101.74
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted | $ / shares	116.52
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested | $ / shares	98.75
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited/canceled | $ / shares	109.83
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding, at September 30, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 110.27

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Foreign net operating loss carry-forward	$ 1.1

Segment Data (Narrative) (Detai

Segment Data (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017segment
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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 433,945	$ 411,319	$ 1,284,602	$ 1,216,620
Cost of revenues		111,468	105,468	331,783	314,630
Operating profit		322,477	305,851	952,819	901,990
Selling, general, and administrative	[1],[2]	32,559	32,255	100,177	110,326
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		1,583	2,970	6,857	8,974
Asset impairment and decommission costs		9,417	2,305	25,908	23,180
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		161,907	160,111	480,457	479,635
Operating income		117,011	108,210	339,420	279,875
Other expense (principally interest expense and other income (expense))		(64,472)	(122,006)	(233,259)	(203,119)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		52,539	(13,796)	106,161	76,756
Cash capital expenditures		115,955	76,670	267,571	297,108
Assets		7,300,470		7,300,470		$ 7,360,945
Provision for doubtful accounts	[3]			1,498	20,516
Domestic Site Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		328,395	319,109	974,850	951,181
Cost of revenues		65,226	65,353	195,903	196,027
Operating profit		263,169	253,756	778,947	755,154
Selling, general, and administrative		16,945	19,206	53,147	55,141
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		962	335	4,300	3,533
Asset impairment and decommission costs		7,898	1,974	22,746	19,359
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		125,142	126,059	373,262	384,208
Operating income		112,222	106,182	325,492	292,913
Cash capital expenditures		57,352	52,589	160,814	232,558
Assets		5,247,946		5,247,946		5,396,394
International Site Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		80,143	69,059	234,239	193,280
Cost of revenues		25,125	21,001	73,167	59,582
Operating profit		55,018	48,058	161,072	133,698
Selling, general, and administrative		6,658	5,277	19,007	30,727
Acquisition related adjustments and expenses		621	2,635	2,557	5,441
Asset impairment and decommission costs		1,554	331	2,956	1,476
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		34,548	31,453	100,388	88,111
Operating income		11,637	8,362	36,164	7,943
Cash capital expenditures		57,507	23,057	103,609	60,125
Assets		1,929,355		1,929,355		1,839,703
Site Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		25,407	23,151	75,513	72,159
Cost of revenues		21,117	19,114	62,713	59,021
Operating profit		4,290	4,037	12,800	13,138
Selling, general, and administrative		3,826	3,128	11,495	9,960
Asset impairment and decommission costs		(35)		206
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		605	997	1,968	2,661
Operating income		(106)	(88)	(869)	517
Cash capital expenditures		372	320	692	1,792
Assets		44,976		44,976		43,769
Not Identified by Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general, and administrative		5,130	4,644	16,528	14,498
Asset impairment and decommission costs					2,345
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		1,612	1,602	4,839	4,655
Operating income		(6,742)	(6,246)	(21,367)	(21,498)
Other expense (principally interest expense and other income (expense))		(64,472)	(122,006)	(233,259)	(203,119)
Cash capital expenditures		724	$ 704	2,456	2,633
Assets		$ 78,193		$ 78,193		$ 81,079
Oi S.A. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for doubtful accounts					16,498
Selling, General And Administrative [Member] | Oi S.A. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Provision for doubtful accounts					$ 16,498
[1]	Includes non-cash compensation of $9,213 and $7,970 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $28,069 and $24,440 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
[3]	Includes the impact of the $16,498 Oi reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.