SBA Communications (SBAC) 10-K 1 Mar 22 2021 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 18, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-16853
Entity Registrant Name	SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	FL
Entity Tax Identification Number	65-0716501
Entity Address, Address Line One	8051 Congress Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Boca Raton
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	33487
City Area Code	561
Local Phone Number	995-7670
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	SBAC
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 34.6
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		107,919,638
Documents Incorporated By Reference	Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement will be filed no later than 120 days after the close of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, are hereby incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0001034054
Auditor Firm ID	42
Auditor Name	Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Location	Boca Raton, Florida

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 367,278	$ 308,560
Restricted cash	65,561	31,671
Accounts receivable, net	101,950	74,088
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	48,844	34,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	30,813	23,875
Total current assets	614,446	472,990
Property and equipment, net	2,575,487	2,677,326
Intangible assets, net	2,803,247	3,156,150
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	2,268,470	2,369,358
Acquired and other right-of-use assets, net	964,405	4,202
Other assets	575,644	477,992
Total assets	9,801,699	9,158,018
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	34,066	109,969
Accrued expenses	68,070	63,031
Current maturities of long-term debt	24,000	24,000
Deferred revenue	184,380	113,117
Accrued interest	49,096	54,350
Current lease liabilities	238,497	236,037
Other current liabilities	18,222	14,297
Total current liabilities	616,331	614,801
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	12,278,694	11,071,796
Long-term lease liabilities	1,981,353	2,094,363
Other long-term liabilities	191,475	186,246
Total long-term liabilities	14,451,522	13,352,405
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	17,250	15,194
Shareholders' deficit:
Preferred stock - par value $0.01, 30,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock - Class A, par value $0.01, 400,000 shares authorized, 108,956 shares and 109,819 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	1,089	1,098
Additional paid-in capital	2,681,347	2,586,130
Accumulated deficit	(7,203,531)	(6,604,028)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(762,309)	(807,582)
Total shareholders' deficit	(5,283,404)	(4,824,382)
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' deficit	$ 9,801,699	$ 9,158,018

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
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 - 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	108,956,000	109,819,000
Common stock - Class A, shares outstanding	108,956,000	109,819,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Site leasing	$ 2,104,087	$ 1,954,472	$ 1,860,858
Site development	204,747	128,666	153,787
Total revenues	2,308,834	2,083,138	2,014,645
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, accretion, and amortization shown below):
Cost of site leasing	386,391	373,778	373,951
Cost of site development	159,093	102,750	119,080
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	220,029	194,267	192,717
Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses	27,621	16,582	15,228
Asset impairment and decommission costs	33,044	40,097	33,103
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	700,161	721,970	697,078
Total operating expenses	1,526,339	1,449,444	1,431,157
Operating income	782,495	633,694	583,488
Other income (expense):
Interest income	3,448	2,981	5,500
Interest expense	(352,919)	(367,874)	(390,036)
Non-cash interest expense	(47,085)	(24,870)	(3,193)
Amortization of deferred financing fees	(19,589)	(20,058)	(22,466)
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	(39,502)	(19,463)	(457)
Other (expense) income, net	(74,284)	(222,159)	14,053
Total other expense, net	(529,931)	(651,443)	(396,599)
Income (loss) before income taxes	252,564	(17,749)	186,889
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(14,940)	41,796	(39,605)
Net income	237,624	24,047	147,284
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests		57	(293)
Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	$ 237,624	$ 24,104	$ 146,991
Net income per common share attributable to SBA Communications Corporation:
Basic	$ 2.17	$ 0.22	$ 1.30
Diluted	$ 2.14	$ 0.21	$ 1.28
Weighted average number of common shares
Basic	109,328	111,532	112,809
Diluted	111,177	113,465	114,693

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 237,624	$ 24,047	$ 147,284
Adjustments related to interest rate swaps	93,087	(98,771)	(42,131)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(47,814)	(140,098)	(14,729)
Comprehensive income (loss)	282,897	(214,822)	90,424
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests		109	(753)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	$ 282,897	$ (214,713)	$ 89,671

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Class A Common Stock [Member]Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Class A Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance [Member]	Total
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 1,124		$ 2,270,326			$ (5,136,368)		$ (511,905)			$ (3,376,823)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2018		112,433
Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation							146,991					146,991
Common stock issued in connection with equity awards and stock purchase plans, offset by the impact of net share settlements		$ 13		116,189								116,202
Common stock issued in connection with equity awards and stock purchase plans, offset by the impact of net share settlements, Shares		1,347
Non-cash stock compensation				74,270								74,270
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions				1,680								1,680
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions, Shares		10
Adjustments related to interest rate swaps									(42,131)			(42,131)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock		$ (19)					(466,963)					(466,982)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, Shares		(2,015)
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to SBA Communications Corporation									(14,729)			(14,729)
Dividends and dividend equivalents on common stock							(83,387)					(83,387)
Adjustment to fair value related to noncontrolling interests				(1,130)								(1,130)
BALANCE (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2019					$ (20,968)					$ (20,968)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 1,118		$ 2,461,335			$ (5,560,695)		$ (568,765)			$ (3,667,007)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2019	111,775
Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation							24,104					24,104
Common stock issued in connection with equity awards and stock purchase plans, offset by the impact of net share settlements		$ 11		53,683								53,694
Common stock issued in connection with equity awards and stock purchase plans, offset by the impact of net share settlements, Shares		1,113
Non-cash stock compensation				70,363								70,363
Adjustments related to interest rate swaps									(98,771)			(98,771)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock		$ (31)					(859,304)					(859,335)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, Shares		(3,069)
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to SBA Communications Corporation									(140,046)			(140,046)
Dividends and dividend equivalents on common stock							(208,133)					(208,133)
Adjustment to fair value related to noncontrolling interests				749								749
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2020		$ 1,098		2,586,130			(6,604,028)		(807,582)			$ (4,824,382)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2020		109,819										109,819
Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation							237,624					$ 237,624
Common stock issued in connection with equity awards and stock purchase plans, offset by the impact of net share settlements		$ 10		14,744								14,754
Common stock issued in connection with equity awards and stock purchase plans, offset by the impact of net share settlements, Shares		1,017
Non-cash stock compensation				85,779								85,779
Adjustments related to interest rate swaps									93,087			93,087
Repurchase and retirement of common stock		$ (19)					(582,559)					(582,578)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, Shares		(1,880)
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to SBA Communications Corporation									(47,814)			(47,814)
Dividends and dividend equivalents on common stock							(254,568)					(254,568)
Adjustment to fair value related to noncontrolling interests				(2,806)								(2,806)
Contribution from joint venture partner for noncontrolling interest				(2,500)								(2,500)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2021		$ 1,089		$ 2,681,347			$ (7,203,531)		$ (762,309)			$ (5,283,404)
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2021		108,956										108,956

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 237,624	$ 24,047	$ 147,284
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	700,161	721,970	697,078
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs	31,790	39,501	32,241
Non-cash compensation expense	84,402	68,890	73,214
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of U.S. denominated intercompany loans	66,285	220,354	(13,134)
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	36,718	17,838	235
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(8,510)	(63,187)	15,935
Non-cash interest expense	47,085	24,870	3,193
Amortization of deferred financing fees	19,589	20,058	20,358
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations	9,881	2,979	(1,888)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net	(38,237)	38,195	(12,146)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(28,243)	2,614	878
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	114,321	109,935	93,665
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(473)	13,173	(5,951)
Long-term lease liabilities	(113,292)	(100,847)	(87,544)
Other liabilities	30,795	(14,357)	6,627
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,189,896	1,126,033	970,045
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions	(1,257,704)	(271,418)	(773,957)
Capital expenditures	(133,694)	(128,566)	(154,236)
Purchase of investments	(1,731,111)	(1,288,705)	(638,963)
Proceeds from sale of investments	1,730,477	1,239,206	625,807
Other investing activities	(31,228)	3,117	(5,809)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,423,260)	(446,366)	(947,158)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility	1,935,000	895,000	755,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility	(1,965,000)	(1,005,000)	(590,000)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of fees	1,485,373	1,479,484
Repayment of Senior Notes	(1,870,909)	(759,143)
Proceeds from issuance of Tower Securities, net of fees	2,924,005	1,335,895	1,152,458
Repayment of Tower Securities	(1,335,000)	(1,200,000)	(920,000)
Termination of interest rate swap		(176,200)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(582,578)	(859,335)	(466,982)
Payment of dividends on common stock	(253,580)	(207,689)	(83,387)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase/stock option plans	86,688	99,129	130,290
Payments related to taxes on net settlement of stock options and restricted stock units	(71,904)	(45,080)	(14,088)
Other financing activities	(12,831)	(26,078)	(25,605)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	339,264	(469,017)	(62,314)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(13,082)	(8,962)	2,247
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	92,818	201,688	(37,180)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Beginning of year	342,808	141,120	178,300
End of year	435,626	342,808	141,120
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	360,098	351,886	386,615
Income taxes	25,568	20,275	21,598
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	33,315	78,674	175,517
Operating lease modifications and reassessments	36,817	(10,550)	(52,383)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	$ 2,100	1,087	$ 3,499
Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions			1,680
Consolidation of an equity method investment			$ 71,990
Deferred payment on acquired assets		$ 77,124

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
General [Abstract]
General	1.GENERAL SBA Communications Corporation (the “Company” or “SBAC”) was incorporated in the State of Florida in March 1997. The Company is a holding company that holds all of the outstanding capital stock of SBA Telecommunications, LLC (“Telecommunications”). Telecommunications is a holding company that holds the outstanding capital stock of SBA Senior Finance, LLC (“SBA Senior Finance”), and other operating subsidiaries which are not a party to any loan agreement. SBA Senior Finance is a holding company that holds, directly or indirectly, the equity interest in certain subsidiaries that issued the Tower Securities (see Note 11) and certain subsidiaries that were not involved in the issuance of the Tower Securities. With respect to the subsidiaries involved in the issuance of the Tower Securities, SBA Senior Finance is the sole member of SBA Holdings, LLC and SBA Depositor, LLC. SBA Holdings, LLC is the sole member of SBA Guarantor, LLC. SBA Guarantor, LLC directly or indirectly holds all of the capital stock of the companies referred to as the “Borrowers” under the Tower Securities. With respect to subsidiaries not involved in the issuance of the Tower Securities, SBA Senior Finance holds all of the membership interests in SBA Senior Finance II, LLC (“SBA Senior Finance II”) and certain non-operating subsidiaries. SBA Senior Finance II holds, directly or indirectly, all the capital stock of certain international subsidiaries and certain other tower companies (known as “Tower Companies”). SBA Senior Finance II also holds, directly or indirectly, all the capital stock and/or membership interests of certain other subsidiaries involved in providing services, including SBA Network Services, LLC (“Network Services”) as well as SBA Network Management, Inc. (“Network Management”) which manages and administers the operations of the Borrowers.As of December 31, 2021, the Company owned and operated wireless towers in the United States and its territories. In addition, the Company owned towers in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South Africa, the Philippines and, effective January 4, 2022, Tanzania. Space on these towers is leased primarily to wireless service providers. As of December 31, 2021, the Company owned and operated 34,177 towers of which 17,356 are domestic and 16,821 are international, of which 9,955 are located in Brazil.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements is as follows:Principles of ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the Company and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The significant estimates made by management relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the costs and revenue relating to the Company’s construction contracts, stock-based compensation assumptions, valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, fair value of long-lived assets, the useful lives of towers and intangible assets, anticipated property tax assessments, fair value of investments and asset retirement obligations. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the information available. These estimates ultimately may differ from actual results and such differences could be material.Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks, money market funds, commercial paper, highly liquid short-term investments, and other marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.Restricted CashThe Company classifies all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. This includes cash held in escrow to fund certain reserve accounts relating to the Tower Securities as well as for payment and performance bonds and surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company in the ordinary course of business, as well as collateral associated with workers’ compensation plans (see Note 4).InvestmentsInvestment securities with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year at time of purchase are considered short-term investments and are classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s short-term investments primarily consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of less than a year. Investment securities with maturities of more than a year are considered long-term investments and are classified in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term investments consist of strategic investments in companies and are accounted for under the cost and equity method. Gross purchases and proceeds from sales of the Company’s investments are presented within Cash flows from investing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, no gain or loss was recorded related to the sale or maturity of investments.Property and EquipmentProperty and equipment are recorded at cost or at estimated fair value (in the case of acquired properties), adjusted for asset impairment and estimated asset retirement obligations. Costs for self-constructed towers include direct materials and labor, indirect costs and capitalized interest. Approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million of interest cost was capitalized in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.Depreciation on towers and related components is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, not to exceed the minimum lease term of the underlying ground lease. In making the determination of the period for which the Company is reasonably certain to remain on the site, the Company will assume optional renewals are reasonably certain of being exercised for the greater of: (1) a period sufficient to cover all tenants under their current committed term where the Company has provided rights to the tower not to exceed the contractual ground lease terms including renewals and (2) a period sufficient to recover the investment of significant leasehold improvements located on the site. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the minimum lease term of the lease. For all other property and equipment, depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the remaining estimated life of the leased property, whichever is shorter, and the related amortization is included in depreciation expense. Expenditures for maintenance and repair are expensed as incurred.Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows: Towers and related components3 - 15  yearsFurniture, equipment, and vehicles 2 - 7 yearsData Centers, buildings, and leasehold improvements10 - 30  years Betterments, improvements, and significant repairs, which increase the value or extend the life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life. There has been no material impact for changes in estimated useful lives for any years presented.Deferred Financing FeesFinancing fees related to the issuance of debt have been deferred and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the expected duration of the related indebtedness (see Note 11). For all of the Company’s debt, except for the Revolving Credit Facility where the debt issuance costs are being presented as an asset on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet, debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset.Intangible AssetsThe Company classifies as intangible assets the fair value of current leases in place at the acquisition date of towers and related assets (referred to as the “Current contract intangibles”), and the fair value of future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the acquired towers (referred to as the “Network location intangibles”). These intangibles are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years. For all intangible assets, amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as the benefit associated with these intangible assets is anticipated to be derived evenly over the life of the asset.Impairment of Long-Lived AssetsThe Company evaluates its individual long-lived and related assets with finite lives for indicators of impairment to determine when an impairment analysis should be performed. The Company evaluates its tower assets and Current contract intangibles at the tower level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exists. The Company evaluates its Network location intangibles for impairment at the tower leasing business level whenever indicators of impairment are present. The Company has established a policy to at least annually, or earlier if indicators of impairment arise, evaluate its tower assets and Current contract intangibles for impairment.The Company records an impairment charge when an investment in towers or related assets has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the then current carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible. If the future undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible, the Company calculates future discounted cash flows and compares those amounts to the carrying value. The Company records an impairment charge for any amounts lower than the carrying value. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. In addition, the Company makes certain assumptions in determining an asset’s fair value for the purpose of calculating the amount of an impairment charge.The Company recognized impairment charges of $33.0 million, $40.1 million, and $33.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Refer to Note 3 for further detail of these amounts.Fair Value MeasurementsThe Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value: Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.Revenue Recognition and Accounts ReceivableSite leasing revenuesRevenue from site leasing is recognized on a straight-line basis over the current term of the related lease agreements. Receivables recorded related to the straight-line impact of site leases are reflected in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues from site leasing represent 91% of the Company’s total revenues. For additional information on tenant leases, refer to the Leases section below. Site development revenuesSite development projects in which the Company performs consulting services include contracts on a fixed price basis that are billed at contractual rates. Revenue is recognized over time based on milestones achieved, which are determined based on costs incurred. Amounts billed in advance (collected or uncollected) are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.Revenue from construction projects is recognized over time, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. Refer to Note 5 for further detail of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.The site development segment represents approximately 9% of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company accounts for site development revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Payment terms do not result in any significant financing arrangements. Furthermore, these contracts do not typically include variable consideration; therefore, the transaction price that is recognized over time is generally the amount of the total contract.Accounts receivableThe accounts receivable balance was $102.0 million and $74.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $24.6 million and $14.3 million related to the site development segment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Refer to Note 15 for further detail of the site development segment.Credit LossesEffective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) prospectively. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment model with an expected credit loss impairment model for financial instruments, including trade receivables. The amendment requires entities to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due, which were not considered under the previous accounting guidance. The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 was not material individually or in the aggregate to the Company.The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions, and a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected considers aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. The Company’s monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers’ financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2018-19”) clarified that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. The Company is exposed to credit losses which are subject to this standard primarily through the site development business segment which provides consulting and construction related services.The following is a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for our site leasing and site development businesses: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Beginning balance $ 15,693 $ 21,202 $ 23,880Provision for doubtful accounts 440 620 155Write-offs (1,597) (23) (1,455)Recoveries (1) (1,947) (3,524) (2,296)Acquisitions — — 1,193Currency translation adjustment (454) (2,582) (275)Ending balance $ 12,135 $ 15,693 $ 21,202 (1)On June 20, 2016, Oi, S.A. (“Oi”), the Company’s largest customer in Brazil, filed a petition for judicial reorganization in Brazil. Since the filing, the Company has received all rental payments due in connection with obligations of Oi accruing post-petition. On January 8, 2018, Oi’s reorganization plan was approved by the Brazilian courts and Oi is expected to fully resolve all its pre-petition obligations in accordance with the terms of the plan, which includes a 10% reduction in the receivable and four annual installment payments. All of these payments have been received by the Company.Cost of RevenueCost of site leasing revenue includes ground lease rent, property taxes, amortization of deferred lease costs, maintenance and other tower operating expenses. Cost of site development revenue includes the cost of materials, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects are recognized as incurred.Income TaxesThe Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is "more-likely-than-not" that those assets will not be realized. The Company considers many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization, including the Company’s recent cumulative earnings by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that are available, the carryforward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes and other relevant factors.The Company began operating as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2016. As a REIT, the Company generally is not subject to corporate level federal income tax on taxable income it distributes to its stockholders as long as it meets the organizational and operational requirements under the REIT rules. However, certain subsidiaries have made an election with the IRS to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) in conjunction with the Company's REIT election. The TRS elections permit the Company to engage in certain business activities in which the REIT may not engage directly, so long as these activities are conducted in entities that elect to be treated as TRSs under the Code. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes on the income from these activities. Additionally, the Company has included in TRSs the Company’s tower operations in most foreign jurisdictions; however, the REIT holds selected tower assets in Puerto Rico and USVI. Those operations will continue to be subject to foreign taxes in the jurisdiction in which such assets and operations are located regardless of whether they are included in a TRS.The Company will continue to file separate federal tax returns for the REIT and TRS for the year ended December 31, 2021. The REIT had taxable income during the year ended December 31, 2021 and paid a dividend and utilized net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset its remaining 2021 distribution requirement. Some of the Company’s TRSs generated NOLs which will be carried forward to use in future years. A portion of the deferred tax asset generated by the NOLs are reserved by a valuation allowance.The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return if applicable. The Company has not identified any tax exposures that require a reserve. To the extent that the Company records unrecognized tax exposures, any related interest and penalties will be recognized as interest expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.Stock-Based CompensationThe Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), and purchases under the Company’s employee stock purchase plans. The Company records compensation expense, for stock options, RSUs, and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the vesting period; however, compensation expense related to certain PSUs are subject to adjustment on performance relative to the established targets. Compensation expense for stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation expense for RSUs and PSUs is based on the fair market value of the units awarded at the date of the grant.Asset Retirement ObligationsThe Company has entered into ground leases for the land underlying the majority of the Company’s towers. A majority of these leases require the Company to restore land interests to their original condition upon termination of the ground lease. In determining the measurement of the asset retirement obligations, the Company considered the nature and scope of the contractual restoration obligations contained in the Company’s ground leases, the historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current and future value and timing of estimated restoration costs and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations.The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets, and over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the tower. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the asset retirement obligation was $53.6 million and $30.9 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon settlement of the obligations, any difference between the cost to retire an asset and the recorded liability is recorded in Asset impairment and decommission costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Comprehensive Income (Loss)Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, and is comprised of net income (loss), other foreign currency adjustments, and adjustments related to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges.Foreign Currency TranslationAll assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the U.S. dollar as its functional currency are translated at period-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average exchange rates during the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit.For foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, 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. Remeasurement gains and losses are reported as other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Intercompany Loans Subject to RemeasurementIn accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as settlement is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future. The Company recorded a $44.3 million loss, a $145.6 million loss, and a $9.0 million gain, net of taxes, on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, due to changes in foreign exchange rates. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $149.9 million of the intercompany loans. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate amount outstanding under the intercompany loan agreements subject to remeasurement with the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $872.9 million and $909.8 million, respectively.AcquisitionsUnder ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, the Company’s acquisitions will generally qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For 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. External, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired. The Company will continue to expense internal acquisition costs as incurred. For business combinations, 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 resulted in a revised estimated value of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. As of December 31, 2021, there were no material acquisitions with purchase price allocations that were preliminary.In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company may agree to pay contingent consideration (or earnouts) in cash or stock if the communication sites or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets over a period of one year to three years after they have been acquired. Contingent consideration in connection with asset acquisitions will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired.LeasesThe Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”) using the modified retrospective adoption method with an effective date of January 1, 2019. This standard requires all lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The Company has elected not to separate nonlease components from the associated lease component for all underlying classes of assets.The components of the right-of-use lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in thousands): December 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Current operating lease liabilities $ 236,804 $ 234,605Current financing lease liabilities 1,693 1,432Current lease liabilities $ 238,497 $ 236,037 Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 1,979,239 $ 2,092,353Long-term financing lease liabilities 2,114 2,010Long-term lease liabilities $ 1,981,353 $ 2,094,363Operating LeasesGround leases. The Company enters into long-term lease contracts for land that underlies its tower structures. Ground lease agreements generally include renewal options which can be exercised exclusively at the Company’s election. In making the determination of the period for which the Company is reasonably certain to remain on the site, the Company will assume optional renewals are reasonably certain of being exercised for the greater of: (1) a period sufficient to cover all tenants under their current committed term where the Company has provided rights to the tower not to exceed the contractual ground lease terms including renewals, and (2) a period sufficient to recover the investment of significant leasehold improvements located on the site (generally 15 years).Substantially all leases provide for rent rate escalations. In the United States and our international markets, ground leases and other property interests provide for rent escalators which typically average 2-3% annually or, in certain international markets, adjust in accordance with an inflationary index. Increases or decreases in lease payments that result from subsequent changes in the index or rate are accounted for as variable lease payments.Office leases. The Company’s office leases consist of long-term leases for international, regional, and certain site development office locations. Office leases include a single lease component, lease of the office space and sometimes nonlease components such as common area maintenance expenses. The lease term for office leases are generally considered to be the contractually committed term.Finance LeasesVehicle leases. The Company leases vehicles that are used in its site development business. These leases are accounted for as financing leases and have lease terms that are contractually committed and do not include optional renewal terms.Acquired right-of-use assets. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E for $972.0 million. The Company accounted for the payment with respect to these sites as a right-of-use asset, which is recorded in Acquired and other right-of-use assets, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The payments associated with the right of use of these structures has been fully funded and will be recognized over 70 years (see Note 7). In addition, on January 4, 2022, the Company closed on 1,445 sites for $176.1 million under the previously announced deal with Airtel Tanzania. Of the 1,445 sites acquired, 482 towers will be initially recorded in Acquired and other right-of-use assets, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets until the full transfer of title for these towers is completed, which the Company anticipates to be in tranches through the end of the second quarter of 2023. During this period of time, the Company has all the economic rights and obligations related to these towers (see Note 7).Discount RateWhen available, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value. However, the Company’s ground leases generally do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments based on information available at lease commencement or upon a modification. The Company uses publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating its incremental borrowing rates.Lease CostVariable lease payments include escalations based on an inflationary index and are initially recognized using the prevailing index at the date of initial measurement or upon reassessment of the lease term. Subsequent changes in standard cost of living increases are recognized as variable lease costs. Variable lease payments also include contingent rent provisions.The components of lease cost, lease term, and discount rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Amortization of right-of-use assets (1) $ 13,483 $ 1,485Interest on finance lease liabilities 118 135Total finance lease cost 13,601 1,620Operating lease cost 260,690 260,619Variable lease cost 49,176 42,654Total lease cost $ 323,467 $ 304,893 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term as of 2021 and 2020:Operating leases 14.4 years 16.1 yearsFinance leases 68.9 years 2.7 years Weighted Average Discount Rate as of 2021 and 2020: Operating leases 5.6% 5.9%Finance leases 2.9% 3.4% For the year endedOther information: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:Cash flows from operating leases $ 242,567 $ 237,747Cash flows from finance leases $ 1,734 $ 1,485 (1)Amounts include amortization of acquired right-of-use assets.Tenant (Operating) LeasesThe Company enters into long-term lease contracts with wire

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	3.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTSItems Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis—The Company’s asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs and are recorded in Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the asset retirement obligations is calculated using a discounted cash flow model.Refer to Note 20 for discussion of the Company’s redeemable non-controlling interests.Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis— The Company’s long-lived and intangible assets 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 and intangible assets 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 year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Asset impairment (1) $ 24,813 $ 31,552 $ 18,794Write-off of carrying value of decommissioned towers 6,349 7,456 11,155Other (including third party decommission costs) 1,882 1,089 3,154Total asset impairment and decommission costs $ 33,044 $ 40,097 $ 33,103 (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.The Company’s long-term investments were $47.9 million and $57.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Some of these investments provide for the Company to increase their investment in the future through call options exercisable by the Company and put options exercisable by the investee. These put and call options are recorded at fair market value. The estimation of the fair value of the investment involves the use of Level 3 inputs. The Company evaluates these investments for indicators of impairment. The Company considers impairment indicators such as negative changes in industry and market conditions, financial performance, business prospects, and other relevant events and factors. If indicators exist and the fair value of the investment is below the carrying amount, the investment could be impaired. The Company did not recognize any impairment loss associated with its investments during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019.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 shorter maturity of these instruments. The Company’s estimate of its short-term investments is based primarily upon Level 1 reported market values. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of short-term investments. The Company purchased and sold $1.7 billion, $1.2 billion, and $0.6 billion of short-term investments for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.The Company determines fair value of its debt instruments utilizing various Level 2 sources including quoted prices and indicative quotes (non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility is considered to approximate the carrying value because the Company does not believe its credit risk has changed materially from the date the applicable Eurodollar Rate was set for the Revolving Credit Facility (112.5 to 150.0 basis points). Refer to Note 11 for the fair values, principal balances, and carrying values of the Company’s debt instruments.For discussion of the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities, refer to Note 2 and Note 21.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Res

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	4.CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASHThe cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consist of the following: As of As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Included on Balance Sheet (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 367,278  $ 308,560  $ 108,309  Securitization escrow accounts 64,764  31,507  30,046  Restricted cash - current assetPayment and performance bonds 797  164  197  Restricted cash - current assetSurety bonds and workers compensation 2,787  2,577  2,568  Other assets - noncurrentTotal cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 435,626  $ 342,808  $ 141,120  Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities (see Note 11), 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 11) monthly, provided that the Borrowers are in compliance with their debt service coverage ratio and that no event of default has occurred. All monies held by the indenture trustee are classified as restricted cash on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.Payment and performance bonds relate primarily to collateral requirements for tower construction currently in process by the Company. Cash is pledged as collateral related to surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary course of business and primarily related to the Company’s tower removal obligations. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $42.3 million and $41.8 million in surety, payment and performance bonds, respectively, for which 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 December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had also pledged $2.3 million as collateral related to its workers’ compensation policy.

Costs and Estimated Earnings on

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	5.COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTSThe Company’s costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are comprised of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 75,967 $ 54,949Estimated earnings 28,851 21,778Billings to date (61,628) (43,725) $ 43,190 $ 33,002 These amounts are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 48,844 $ 34,796Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (5,654) (1,794) $ 43,190 $ 33,002 At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the eight largest customers comprised 98.8% and 99.4%, respectively, of the costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets	6.PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS AND OTHER ASSETSThe Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets are comprised of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Prepaid real estate taxes $ 3,331 $ 3,153Prepaid taxes 11,096 8,121Other current assets 16,386 12,601Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 30,813 $ 23,875 ‎ The Company’s other assets are comprised of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Straight-line rent receivable $ 348,519 $ 321,816Interest rate swap asset (1) 60,324 12,123Loan receivables 37,376 5,931Deferred lease costs, net 6,345 4,788Deferred tax asset - long term 51,918 53,722Long-term investments 47,889 57,575Other 23,273 22,037Total other assets $ 575,644 $ 477,992 (1)Refer to Note 21 for more information on the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	7.ACQUISITIONS The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisition activity: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019Tower acquisitions (number of towers) 991 233 2,443 The following table summarizes the Company’s cash acquisition capital expenditures: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Acquisitions of towers and related intangible assets (1) (2) (3) $ 274,752 $ 181,473 $ 701,471Acquisition of right-of-use assets (4) 950,536 — —Land buyouts and other assets (5) 32,416 89,945 72,486Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 1,257,704 $ 271,418 $ 773,957 (1)The year ended December 31, 2021 includes $77.1 million of acquisitions completed during the fourth quarter of 2020 which were not funded until the first quarter of 2021.(2)The year ended December 31, 2019 excludes $1.7 million of acquisitions costs funded through the issuance of 10,000 shares of Class A common stock.(3)On August 30, 2019, the Company acquired an additional interest of a previously unconsolidated joint venture in South Africa which resulted in the consolidation of the entity, and the cash consideration is included herein. The year ended December 31, 2019 excludes $72.0 million associated with the consolidation of this entity. On December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the remaining interest from the minority interest holder in South Africa.(4)During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E for $972.0 million. The difference between the purchase price and the cash acquisition amount is due to working capital adjustments. The Company accounted for the payment with respect to these sites as a right-of-use asset, which is recorded in Acquired and other right of use assets, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The payments associated with the right of use of these structures has been fully funded and will be recognized over 70 years.(5)In addition, the Company paid $16.3 million, $12.3 million, and $15.2 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying the Company’s towers during the years ending December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.During the year ended December 31, 2021, in addition to the acquisition of right-of-use assets, the Company acquired 278 towers and related assets and liabilities consisting of $26.1 million of property and equipment, net, $135.8 million of intangible assets, net, $18.6 million of operating lease right-of-use assets, net, and $0.8 million of other net liabilities assumed. All acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2021 were accounted for as asset acquisitions.During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired 233 towers and related assets and liabilities consisting of $30.1 million of property and equipment, $218.1 million of intangible assets, and $66.8 million of other net liabilities assumed. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company acquired 2,443 towers and related assets and liabilities consisting of $90.8 million of property and equipment, $715.5 million of intangible assets, and $32.8 million of other net liabilities assumed.On January 4, 2022, the Company closed on 1,445 sites under the previously announced deal with Airtel Tanzania for $176.1 million. Legal title was fully transferred at closing for 963 of the towers. The remaining 482 towers are pending post-closing site level documentation and due diligence and will be initially accounted for as acquired right-of-use assets until the full transfer of title for these towers is completed, which the Company anticipates to be in tranches through the end of the second quarter of 2023. During this period of time, the Company has all the economic rights and obligations related to these towers. Additionally, subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company purchased or is under contract to purchase 371 communication sites for an aggregate consideration of $137.1 million in cash. The Company anticipates that these acquisitions will be consummated by the end of the third quarter of 2022.The maximum potential obligation related to contingent consideration for acquisitions were $11.6 million and $35.0 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. No such amounts have been recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	8.PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NETProperty and equipment, net consists of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Towers and related components (1) $ 5,323,803 $ 5,213,019Construction-in-process (1)(2) 47,565 38,065Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 59,939 54,610Land, buildings, and improvements 848,051 818,272Total property and equipment 6,279,358 6,123,966Less: accumulated depreciation (3,703,871) (3,446,640)Property and equipment, net $ 2,575,487 $ 2,677,326 (1)Includes amounts related to our data centers.(2)Construction-in-process represents costs incurred related to towers and other assets that are under development and will be used in the Company’s site leasing operations.Depreciation expense was $271.8 million, $287.0 million, and $281.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, unpaid capital expenditures that are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were $7.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	9.INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NETThe following table provides the gross and net carrying amounts for each major class of intangible assets: As of December 31, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book amount amortization value amount amortization value (in thousands)Current contract intangibles $ 4,890,427 $ (2,749,594) $ 2,140,833 $ 4,876,880 $ (2,471,438) $ 2,405,442Network location intangibles 1,783,640 (1,121,226) 662,414 1,770,944 (1,020,236) 750,708Intangible assets, net $ 6,674,067 $ (3,870,820) $ 2,803,247 $ 6,647,824 $ (3,491,674) $ 3,156,150 All intangible assets noted above are included in the Company’s site leasing segment. Amortization expense relating to the intangible assets above was $411.9 million, $434.4 million, and $415.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.‎ Estimated amortization expense on the Company’s intangibles assets is as follows: For the year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2022 $ 389,6632023 366,1312024 337,0602025 327,3522026 312,279

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	10.ACCRUED EXPENSESThe Company’s accrued expenses are comprised of the following: As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Salaries and benefits $ 24,962 $ 20,958Real estate and property taxes 8,336 9,583Unpaid capital expenditures 7,295 6,073Other 27,477 26,417Total accrued expenses $ 68,070 $ 63,031

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	11.DEBTThe principal values, fair values, and carrying values of debt consist of the following (in thousands): As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Maturity Date Principal ‎Balance Fair Value Carrying ‎Value Principal ‎Balance Fair Value Carrying ‎ValueRevolving Credit Facility Jul. 7, 2026 $ 350,000  $ 350,000  $ 350,000  $ 380,000  $ 380,000  $ 380,000 2018 Term Loan Apr. 11, 2025 2,316,000  2,289,945  2,304,697  2,340,000  2,310,750  2,325,391 2013-2C Tower Securities (1) Apr. 11, 2023 — — — 575,000  599,662  572,063 2014-2C Tower Securities (1) Oct. 8, 2024 620,000  641,793  617,095  620,000  670,003  616,131 2017-1C Tower Securities (1) Apr. 11, 2022 — — — 760,000  774,410  757,165 2018-1C Tower Securities (1) Mar. 9, 2023 640,000  650,163  637,812  640,000  671,341  636,045 2019-1C Tower Securities (1) Jan. 12, 2025 1,165,000  1,174,728  1,157,446  1,165,000  1,218,613  1,155,106 2020-1C Tower Securities (1) Jan. 9, 2026 750,000  746,498  744,052  750,000  752,910  742,782 2020-2C Tower Securities (1) Jan. 11, 2028 600,000  605,268  594,774  600,000  597,840  594,081 2021-1C Tower Securities (1) Nov. 9, 2026 1,165,000  1,144,846  1,153,700  — — —2021-2C Tower Securities (1) Apr. 9, 2027 895,000  883,213  886,116  — — —2021-3C Tower Securities (1) Oct. 9, 2031 895,000  902,446  885,976  — — —2016 Senior Notes Sep. 1, 2024 — — — 1,100,000  1,127,500  1,088,924 2017 Senior Notes Oct. 1, 2022 — — — 750,000  757,500  746,642 2020 Senior Notes Feb. 15, 2027 1,500,000  1,550,790  1,484,178  1,500,000  1,567,500  1,481,466 2021 Senior Notes Feb. 1, 2029 1,500,000  1,446,975  1,486,848  — — —Total debt $ 12,396,000  $ 12,386,665  $ 12,302,694  $ 11,180,000  $ 11,428,029  $ 11,095,796 Less: current maturities of long-term debt (24,000) (24,000)Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 12,278,694  $ 11,071,796  (1)The maturity date represents the anticipated repayment date for each issuance. The Company’s future principal payment obligations over the next five years (based on the outstanding debt as of December 31, 2021 and assuming the Tower Securities are repaid at their respective anticipated repayment dates) are as follows: For the year ended December 31, (in thousands)2022 $ 24,0002023 664,0002024 644,0002025 3,409,0002026 2,265,000 The table below reflects cash and non-cash interest expense amounts recognized by debt instrument for the periods presented: For the year ended December 31, Interest 2021 2020 2019 Rates as of Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash December 31, 2021 Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest (in thousands)Revolving Credit Facility 1.516% $ 6,414  $ — $ 6,070  $ — $ 7,085  $ —2018 Term Loan (1) 1.872% 44,342  45,756  68,963  23,452  105,021  1,338 2013-2C Tower Securities 3.722% 17,027  — 21,584  — 21,584  —2014 Tower Securities (2) 3.869% 24,185  — 24,185  — 43,055  —2015-1C Tower Securities 3.156% — — 8,589  — 15,939  —2016-1C Tower Securities 2.877% — — 10,972  — 20,361  —2017-1C Tower Securities 3.168% 9,201  — 24,354  — 24,354  —2018-1C Tower Securities 3.448% 22,281  — 22,281  — 22,281  —2019-1C Tower Securities 2.836% 33,428  — 33,428  — 10,029  —2020-1C Tower Securities 1.884% 14,391  — 6,675  — — —2020-2C Tower Securities 2.328% 14,159  — 6,568  — — —2021-1C Tower Securities 1.631% 12,255  — — — — —2021-2C Tower Securities 1.840% 2,982  — — — — —2021-3C Tower Securities 2.593% 4,176  — — — — —2014 Senior Notes 4.875% — — 3,352  112  36,563  800 2016 Senior Notes 4.875% 44,092  990  53,625  1,109  53,625  1,055 2017 Senior Notes 4.000% 2,333  — 30,000  — 30,000  —2020 Senior Notes 3.875% 58,125  339  46,769  197  — —2021 Senior Notes 3.125% 43,229  — — — — —Capitalized interest and other 299  — 459  — 139  —Total $ 352,919  $ 47,085  $ 367,874  $ 24,870  $ 390,036  $ 3,193  (1)The 2018 Term Loan has a blended rate of 1.872% which includes the impact of the interest rate swap entered into on August 4, 2020 which swapped $1.95 billion of notional value accruing interest at one month LIBOR plus 175 basis points for a fixed rate of 1.874% per annum through the maturity date of the 2018 Term Loan. Excluding the impact of the interest rate swap, the 2018 Term Loan was accruing interest at 1.860% as of December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 21 for more information on the Company’s interest rate swap.(2)The 2014-1C Tower Securities, which was repaid September 13, 2019, accrued interest at 2.898%. The 2014-2C Tower Securities accrue interest at 3.869%.Terms of the Senior Credit AgreementOn July 7, 2021, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, SBA Senior Finance II LLC, amended its Revolving Credit Facility to (1) increase the total commitments under the Facility from $1.25 billion to $1.5 billion, (2) extend the maturity date of the Facility to July 7, 2026, (3) lower the applicable interest rate margins and commitment fees under the Facility, (4) provide mechanics relating to a transition away from LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate and the replacement of LIBOR by an alternative benchmark rate, (5) incorporate sustainability-linked targets which will adjust the Facility’s applicable interest and commitment fee rates upward or downward based on how the Company performs against those targets, and (6) amend certain other terms and conditions under the Senior Credit Agreement.The Senior Credit Agreement, as amended, requires SBA Senior Finance II to maintain specific financial ratios, including (1) a ratio of Consolidated Net Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA not to exceed 6.5 times for any fiscal quarter, (2) a ratio of Consolidated Net Debt (calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement) to Annualized Borrower EBITDA for the most recently ended fiscal quarter not to exceed 6.5 times for 30 consecutive days and (3) a ratio of Annualized Borrower EBITDA to Annualized Cash Interest Expense (calculated in accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.0 times for any fiscal quarter. The Senior Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of SBA Senior Finance II and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, grant certain liens, make certain investments, enter into sale leaseback transactions, merge or consolidate, make certain restricted payments, enter into transactions with affiliates, and engage in certain asset dispositions, including a sale of all or substantially all of their property. The Senior Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default. Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Term Loans and certain hedging transactions that may be entered into by SBA Senior Finance II or the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) with lenders or their affiliates are secured by a first lien on the membership interests of SBA Telecommunications, LLC, SBA Senior Finance, LLC and SBA Senior Finance II and on substantially all of the assets (other than leasehold, easement and fee interests in real property) of SBA Senior Finance II and the Subsidiary Guarantors.The Senior Credit Agreement, as amended, permits SBA Senior Finance II, without the consent of the other lenders, to request that one or more lenders provide SBA Senior Finance II with increases in the Revolving Credit Facility or additional term loans provided that after giving effect to the proposed increase in Revolving Credit Facility commitments or incremental term loans the ratio of Consolidated Net Debt to Annualized Borrower EBITDA would not exceed 6.5 times. SBA Senior Finance II’s ability to request such increases in the Revolving Credit Facility or additional term loans is subject to its compliance with customary conditions set forth in the Senior Credit Agreement including compliance, on a pro forma basis, with the financial covenants and ratios set forth therein and, with respect to any additional term loan, an increase in the margin on existing term loans to the extent required by the terms of the Senior Credit Agreement. Upon SBA Senior Finance II’s request, each lender may decide, in its sole discretion, whether to increase all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Facility commitment or whether to provide SBA Senior Finance II with additional term loans and, if so, upon what terms.Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit AgreementAs amended, the Revolving Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan under which up to $1.5 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 (1) the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin that ranges from 112.5 basis points to 150.0 basis points or (2) the Base Rate plus a margin that ranges from 12.5 basis points to 50.0 basis points, in each case based on the ratio of Consolidated Net 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 between 0.15% and 0.25% per annum on the amount of unused commitment. Borrowings 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 the period may not be reflective of the total amounts outstanding during such period.During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company borrowed $1.9 billion and repaid $2.0 billion of the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2021, the balance outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility was $350.0 million accruing interest at 1.516% per annum. In addition, SBA Senior Finance II was required to pay a commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the amount of the unused commitment. As of December 31, 2021, SBA Senior Finance II was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Senior Credit Agreement.Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company borrowed an additional $210.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility, and as of the date of this filing, $560.0 million was outstanding.Term Loan under the Senior Credit Agreement2018 Term LoanOn April 11, 2018, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, SBA Senior Finance II LLC, obtained a term loan (the “2018 Term Loan”) under the amended and restated Senior Credit Agreement. The 2018 Term Loan consists of a senior secured term loan with an initial aggregate principal amount of $2.4 billion that matures on April 11, 2025. The 2018 Term Loan accrues interest, at SBA Senior Finance II’s election at either the Base Rate plus 75 basis points (with a zero Base Rate floor) or the Eurodollar Rate plus 175 basis points (with a zero Eurodollar Rate floor). The 2018 Term Loan was issued at 99.75% of par value. As of December 31, 2021, the 2018 Term Loan was accruing interest at 1.860% per annum. Principal payments on the 2018 Term Loan are made in quarterly installments on the last day of each March, June, September, and December in an amount equal to $6.0 million. The Company incurred financing fees of approximately $16.8 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the maturity date.During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid an aggregate of $24.0 million of principal on the 2018 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2021, the 2018 Term Loan had a principal balance of $2.3 billion.On August 4, 2020, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, SBA Senior Finance II, entered into an interest rate swap for $1.95 billion of notional value accruing interest at one month LIBOR plus 175 basis points for a fixed rate of 1.874% per annum through the maturity date of the 2018 Term Loan.Secured Tower Revenue SecuritiesTower Revenue Securities TermsThe mortgage loan underlying the 2014-2C Tower Securities, 2018-1C Tower Securities, 2019-1C Tower Securities, 2020-1C Tower Securities, 2020-2C Tower Securities, 2021-1C Tower Securities, 2021-2C Tower Securities, and 2021-3C Tower Securities (together the “Tower Securities”) will be paid from the operating cash flows from the aggregate 9,902 tower sites owned by the Borrowers. The sole asset of the Trust consists of a non-recourse mortgage loan made in favor of those entities that are borrowers on the mortgage loan (the “Borrowers”). The mortgage loan is secured by (1) mortgages, deeds of trust, and deeds to secure debt on a substantial portion of the tower sites, (2) a security interest in the tower sites and substantially all of the Borrowers’ personal property and fixtures, (3) the Borrowers’ rights under certain tenant leases, and (4) all of the proceeds of the foregoing. For each calendar month, SBA Network Management, Inc., an indirect subsidiary (“Network Management”), is entitled to receive a management fee equal to 4.5% of the Borrowers’ operating revenues for the immediately preceding calendar month.The Borrowers may prepay any of the mortgage loan components, in whole or in part, with no prepayment consideration, (1) within twelve months (in the case of the component corresponding to the Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2018-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2019-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-1C, and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-2C) or eighteen months (in the case of the components corresponding to the Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-2C, and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-3C)) of the anticipated repayment date of such mortgage loan component, (2) with proceeds received as a result of any condemnation or casualty of any tower owned by the Borrowers or (3) during an amortization period. In all other circumstances, the Borrowers may prepay the mortgage loan, in whole or in part, upon payment of the applicable prepayment consideration. The prepayment consideration is determined based on the class of the Tower Securities to which the prepaid mortgage loan component corresponds and consists of an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the present value associated with the portion of the principal balance being prepaid, calculated in accordance with the formula set forth in the mortgage loan agreement, on the date of prepayment of all future installments of principal and interest required to be paid from the date of prepayment to and including the first due date within twelve months (in the case of the component corresponding to the Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2018-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2019-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-1C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-1C, and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-2C) or eighteen months (in the case of the components corresponding to the Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-2C, Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-2C, and Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-3C) of the anticipated repayment date of such mortgage loan component over (2) that portion of the principal balance of such class prepaid on the date of such prepayment.To the extent that the mortgage loan components corresponding to the Tower Securities are not fully repaid by their respective anticipated repayment dates, the interest rate of each such component will increase by the greater of (1) 5% and (2) the amount, if any, by which the sum of (x) the 10 year U.S. treasury rate plus (y) the credit-based spread for such component (as set forth in the mortgage loan agreement) plus (z) 5%, exceeds the original interest rate for such component.Pursuant to the terms of the Tower Securities, all rents and other sums due on any of the towers owned by the Borrowers are directly deposited by the lessees into a controlled deposit account and are held by the indenture trustee. The monies held by the indenture trustee after the release date are classified as short-term restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 4). However, if the Debt Service Coverage Ratio, defined as the net cash flow (as defined in the mortgage loan agreement) divided by the amount of interest on the mortgage loan, servicing fees and trustee fees that the Borrowers are required to pay over the succeeding twelve months, as of the end of any calendar quarter, falls to 1.30x or lower, then all cash flow in excess of amounts required to make debt service payments, to fund required reserves, to pay management fees and budgeted operating expenses and to make other payments required under the loan documents, referred to as “excess cash flow,” will be deposited into a reserve account instead of being released to the Borrowers. The funds in the reserve account will not be released to the Borrowers unless the Debt Service Coverage Ratio exceeds 1.30x for two consecutive calendar quarters. If the Debt Service Coverage Ratio falls below 1.15x as of the end of any calendar quarter, then an “amortization period” will commence and all funds on deposit in the reserve account will be applied to prepay the mortgage loan until such time that the Debt Service Coverage Ratio exceeds 1.15x for a calendar quarter. In addition, if any of the Tower Securities are not fully repaid by their respective anticipated repayment dates, the cash flow from the towers owned by the Borrowers will be trapped by the trustee for the Tower Securities and applied first to repay the interest, at the original interest rates, on the mortgage loan components underlying the Tower Securities, second to fund all reserve accounts and operating expenses associated with those towers, third to pay the management fees due to Network Management, fourth to repay principal of the Tower Securities and fifth to repay the additional interest discussed above. Furthermore, the advance rents reserve requirement states that the Borrowers are required to maintain an advance rents reserve at any time the monthly tenant Debt Service Coverage Ratio is equal to or less than 2:1 and for two calendar months after such coverage ratio again exceeds 2:1. The mortgage loan agreement, as amended, also includes covenants customary for mortgage loans subject to rated securitizations. Among other things, the Borrowers are prohibited from incurring other indebtedness for borrowed money or further encumbering their assets.2013-2C Tower SecuritiesOn April 18, 2013, the Company, through a New York common law trust (the “Trust”), issued $575.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2013-2C, which had an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2023 and a final maturity date of April 9, 2048 (the “2013-2C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate of the 2013-2C Tower Securities was 3.722% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred financing fees of $11.0 million in relation to this transaction, which were being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2013-2C Tower Securities.On October 14, 2021, the Company repaid the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2013-2C Tower Securities ($575.0 million) which had an anticipated repayment date of April 11, 2023 using proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, the Company expensed $2.0 million of deferred financing fees and accrued interest related to the repayment of the 2013-2C Tower Securities, which are reflected in loss from extinguishment of debt on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.2014 Tower SecuritiesOn October 15, 2014, the Company, through the Trust, issued $920.0 million of 2.898% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2014-1C, which had 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 Company incurred financing fees of $9.0 million in relation to the 2014-2C Tower Securities, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2014-2C Tower Securities.On September 13, 2019, the Company repaid the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2014-1C Tower Securities in connection with the issuance of the 2019-1C Tower Securities (as defined below). Additionally, the Company expensed $0.4 million of deferred financing fees and accrued interest related to the redemption of the 2014-1C Tower Securities, which are reflected in loss from extinguishment of debt on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.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 had 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 was 3.156% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred financing fees of $11.5 million in relation to this transaction, which were being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2015-1C Tower Securities.On July 14, 2020, the Company repaid the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2015-1C Tower Securities in connection with the issuance of the 2020 Tower Securities (as defined below). Additionally, the Company expensed $0.6 million of deferred financing fees and accrued interest related to the redemption of the 2015-1C Tower Securities, which are reflected in loss from extinguishment of debt on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.2016-1C Tower SecuritiesOn July 7, 2016, the Company, through the Trust, issued $700.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2016-1C, which had 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 was 2.877% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred financing fees of $9.5 million in relation to this transaction, which were being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2016-1C Tower Securities.On July 14, 2020, the Company repaid the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2016-1C Tower Securities in connection with the issuance of the 2020 Tower Securities (as defined below). Additionally, the Company expensed $2.0 million of deferred financing fees and accrued interest related to the redemption of the 2016-1C Tower Securities, which are reflected in loss from extinguishment of debt on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.2017-1C Tower SecuritiesOn April 17, 2017, the Company, through the Trust, issued $760.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1C, which had 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 was 3.168% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred financing fees of $10.2 million in relation to this transaction, which were 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, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased $40.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2017-1R issued by the Trust, which had 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 was 4.459% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2017-1R Tower Securities eliminated in consolidation. On May 14, 2021, the Company repaid the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2017-1C Tower Securities and the 2017-1R Tower Securities in connection with the issuance of the 2021-1C Tower Securities (as defined below). Additionally, the Company expensed $2.0 million of deferred financing fees related to the redemption of the 2017-1C Tower Securities, which are reflected in loss from extinguishment of debt on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.2018-1C Tower SecuritiesOn March 9, 2018, the Company, through the Trust, issued $640.0 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2018-1C, which have an anticipated repayment date of March 9, 2023 and a final maturity date of March 9, 2048 (the “2018-1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2018-1C Tower Securities is 3.448% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred financing fees of $8.6 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2018-1C Tower Securities.In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Exchange Act, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased $33.7 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2018-1R issued by the Trust. These securities have an anticipated repayment date of March 9, 2023 and a final maturity date of March 9, 2048 (the “2018-1R Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2018-1R Tower Securities is 4.949% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2018-1R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation.2019-1C Tower SecuritiesOn September 13, 2019, the Company, through the Trust, issued $1.165 billion of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2019-1C, which have an anticipated repayment date of January 12, 2025 and a final maturity date of January 12, 2050 (the “2019-1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2019-1C Tower Securities is 2.836% per annum, payable monthly. The Company incurred financing fees of $12.8 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2019-1C Tower Securities.In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Exchange Act, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased $61.4 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2019-1R issued by the Trust. These securities have an anticipated repayment date of January 12, 2025 and a final maturity date of January 12, 2050 (the “2019-1R Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2019-1R Tower Securities is 4.213% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2019-1R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation. 2020 Tower SecuritiesOn July 14, 2020, the Company, through the Trust, issued $750.0 million of 1.884% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of January 9, 2026 and a final maturity date of July 11, 2050 (the “2020-1C Tower Securities”) and $600.0 million of 2.328% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of January 11, 2028 and a final maturity date of July 9, 2052 (the “2020-2C Tower Securities”) (collectively the “2020 Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.35 billion of 2020 Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 2.081% and a weighted average life through the anticipated repayment date of 6.4 years. Net proceeds from this offering were used to repay the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2015-1C Tower Securities ($500.0 million) and the 2016-1C Tower Securities ($700.0 million). The remaining net proceeds of the 2020 Tower Securities were used for general corporate purposes. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $14.3 million in relation to this transaction which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2020 Tower Securities.In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Exchange Act, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased $71.1 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2020-1R issued by the Trust. These securities have an anticipated repayment date of January 11, 2028 and a final maturity date of July 9, 2052 (the “2020-2R Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2020-2R Tower Securities is 4.336% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2020-2R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation.2021-1C Tower SecuritiesOn May 14, 2021, the Company, through a New York common law trust (the “Trust”), issued $1.165 billion of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-1C which have an anticipated repayment date of November 9, 2026 and a final maturity date of May 9, 2051 (the “2021-1C Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2021-1C Tower Securities is 1.631% per annum, payable monthly. Net proceeds from this offering were used to repay the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2017-1C Tower Securities ($760.0 million) and the Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2017-1R ($40.0 million) and for general corporate purposes. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $12.7 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment date of the 2021-1C Tower Securities.In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased $61.4 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-1R issued by the Trust. These securities have an anticipated repayment date of November 9, 2026 and a final maturity date of May 9, 2051 (the “2021-1R Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2021-1R Tower Securities is 3.625% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2021-1R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation.2021-2C Tower Securities and 2021-3C Tower SecuritiesOn October 27, 2021, the Company, through the Trust, issued $895.0 million of 1.840% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-2C which have an anticipated repayment date of April 9, 2027 and a final maturity date of October 10, 2051 (the “2021-2C Tower Securities”) and $895.0 million of 2.593% Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-3C which have an anticipated repayment date of October 9, 2031 and a final maturity date of October 10, 2056 (the “2021-3C Tower Securities”). The aggregate $1.79 billion of 2021-2C Tower Securities and 2021-3C Tower Securities have a blended interest rate of 2.217% and a weighted average life through the anticipated repayment date of 7.8 years.Net proceeds from this offering were used to repay amounts outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility and remaining proceeds were used to redeem the entire aggregate principal amount of the 2016 Senior Notes ($1.1 billion) and to pay all premiums and costs associated with such redemption. The Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $18.3 million in relation to this transaction, which are being amortized through the anticipated repayment dates of the 2021-2C Tower Securities and 2021-3C Tower Securities.In addition, to satisfy certain risk retention requirements of Regulation RR promulgated under the Exchange Act, SBA Guarantor, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased $94.3 million of Secured Tower Revenue Securities Series 2021-3R issued by the Trust. These securities have an anticipated repayment date of October 9, 2031 and a final maturity date of October 10, 2056 (the “2021-3R Tower Securities”). The fixed interest rate on the 2021-3R Tower Securities is 4.090% per annum, payable monthly. Principal and interest payments made on the 2021-3R Tower Securities eliminate in consolidation.In connect

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	12.SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYCommon Stock EquivalentsThe Company has outstanding stock options, time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) which were considered in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation (see Note 16).Registration of Additional SharesThe 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 years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not issue any shares of Class A common stock under this registration statement. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately 1.2 million shares of Class A common stock remaining under this registration statement. On February 26, 2021, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an automatic shelf registration statement for well-known seasoned issuers on Form S-3ASR, which enables the Company to issue shares of its Class A common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, or depositary shares as well as units that include any of these securities. The Company will file a prospectus supplement containing the amount and type of securities each time it issues securities using its automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not issue any securities under this automatic shelf registration statement.On August 6, 2020, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering 3.4 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, consisting of 3.0 million shares of Common Stock issuable under the 2020 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) and 400,000 shares of Common Stock subject to awards granted under the 2010 Performance and Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) that may become available for issuance or reissuance, as applicable, under the 2020 Plan if such awards are forfeited or are settled in cash or otherwise expire or terminate without the delivery of the shares (see Note 13). Stock RepurchasesThe Company’s Board of Directors authorizes the Company to purchase, from time to time, outstanding Class A common stock through open market repurchases in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, and/or in privately negotiated transactions at management’s discretion based on market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements, and other factors. Once authorized, the repurchase 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. Shares repurchased are retired. On October 28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new $1.0 billion stock repurchase plan, replacing the prior plan authorized on November 2, 2020, which had a remaining authorization of $125.1 million. As of the date of this filing, the Company had $586.4 million authorization remaining under the new plan.The following is a summary of the Company’s share repurchases: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Total number of shares purchased (in millions) (1) 1.9 3.1 2.0Average price paid per share (1) $ 309.79 $ 280.17 $ 231.87Total price paid (in millions) (1) $ 582.5 $ 856.0 $ 470.3Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company made the following share repurchases: Total number of shares purchased (in millions) (1) 1.0Average price paid per share (1) $ 334.40Total price paid (in millions) (1) $ 350.0(1)Amounts reflected are based on the trade date and differ from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows which reflects share repurchases based on the settlement date.DividendsAs a REIT, the Company is required to distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income after the utilization of any available NOLs (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain). As of December 31, 2021, $654.7 million of the federal NOLs are attributes of the REIT. 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 Company’s NOLs have been fully utilized. The amount of future distributions will be determined, from time to time, by the Board of Directors to balance the Company’s goal of increasing long-term shareholder value and retaining sufficient cash to implement the Company’s current capital allocation policy, which prioritizes investment in quality assets that meet the Company’s return criteria, and then stock repurchases when the Company believes its stock price is below its intrinsic value. The actual amount, timing and frequency of future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control.‎ As of December 31, 2021, the Company paid the following cash dividends: Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close Cash Paid Aggregate Amount Date Declared of Business on Per Share Paid Date Paid February 19, 2021 March 10, 2021 $0.58 $63.4 million March 26, 2021April 26, 2021 May 20, 2021 $0.58 $63.4 million June 15, 2021August 1, 2021 August 26, 2021 $0.58 $63.6 million September 23, 2021November 1, 2021 November 18, 2021 $0.58 $63.1 million December 16, 2021 Dividends paid in 2021 and 2020 were ordinary taxable dividends.Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company declared the following cash dividends: Payable to Shareholders Cash to of Record at the Close be Paid Date Declared of Business on Per Share Date to be Paid February 27, 2022 March 10, 2022 $0.71 March 25, 2022

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	13.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATIONOn February 25, 2020, the Company’s 2010 Plan expired by its terms. On May 14, 2020, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2020 Plan which provides for the issuance of up to 3.0 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (of which approximately 2.8 million shares remain available for future issuance as of December 31, 2021), plus additional shares of Class A common stock (a) subject to awards granted under the 2010 Plan that may become available for issuance or reissuance, as applicable, under the 2020 Plan if such awards are forfeited or are settled in cash or otherwise expire or terminate without the delivery of the shares or (b) which become issuable under the 2020 Plan by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock.Commencing with the 2020 equity award, the Company modified the type of equity granted to certain employees to align long-term compensation with Company performance. Under the new structure, the Company continued to issue RSUs; however, RSUs will now vest ratably over three years rather than four years. The Company further replaced stock options with PSUs which will cliff vest at the end of three years. PSUs have performance metrics for which threshold, target, and maximum parameters are established at the time of the grant. The performance metrics are used to calculate the number of shares that will be issuable when the awards vest, which may range from zero to 200% of the target amounts. At the end of each three year performance period, the number of shares that vest will depend on the results achieved against the pre-established performance metrics. Furthermore, effective with the 2020 grant, RSUs and PSUs will accrue dividend equivalents prior to vesting, which will be paid out only in respect to shares that actually vest.Stock OptionsThe 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 year ended December 31, 2020 2019Risk free interest rate 1.66% 1.37% - 2.47%Dividend yield 1.3% 1.3%Expected volatility 20.4% 20.4%Expected lives 4.6 years 4.6 years There were no options granted during the year ended December 31, 2021.‎ The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 as follows (dollars and 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 ValueOutstanding at December 31, 2018 4,816 $114.48 Granted 1,068 $183.42 Exercised (1,315) $103.47 Forfeited/canceled (62) $140.85 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,507 $133.68 Granted 10 $240.99 Exercised (1,287) $110.59 Forfeited/canceled (28) $168.11 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 3,202 $143.01 Exercised (1,290) $120.90 Forfeited/canceled (13) $179.67 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 1,899 $157.76 3.3 $ 439,006Exercisable at December 31, 2021 1,166 $146.40 2.9 $ 282,999Unvested at December 31, 2021 733 $175.86 3.9 $ 156,007 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $41.09 and $33.99, respectively.The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $287.8 million, $235.0 million, and $132.8 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was approximately $80.3 million, $142.5 million, and $136.0 million, respectively. The tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises under all plans was $11.4 million, $16.9 million, and $10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options in the preceding table represents the total intrinsic value based on the Company’s closing stock price of $389.02 as of December 31, 2021. The amount represents the total intrinsic value that would have been received by the holders of the stock-based awards had these awards been exercised and sold as of that date.Additional information regarding options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2021 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average AverageRange Outstanding Contractual Life Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) $95.01 - $115.00 145 1.2 $97.90 144 $97.90$115.01 - $150.00 303 2.1 $116.20 303 $116.20$150.01 - $180.00 606 3.2 $156.54 389 $156.55$180.01 - $270.00 845 4.2 $183.77 330 $183.44 1,899 1,166 ‎ The following table summarizes the activity of options outstanding that had not yet vested: Weighted Average Number Fair Value of Shares Per Share (in thousands) Unvested as of December 31, 2020 1,502 $ 31.91Vested (756) $ 30.09Forfeited (13) $ 34.13Unvested as of December 31, 2021 733 $ 33.74 As of December 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options outstanding under the Plans is $5.3 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years.The total fair value of options vested during 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $22.7 million, $28.8 million, and $26.5 million, respectively.Restricted Stock Units and Performance-Based Restricted Stock UnitsThe following table summarizes the Company’s RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2021: RSUs PSUs (1) Weighted Average Weighted Average Number of Grant Date Fair Number of Grant Date Fair Shares Value per Share Shares Value per Share (in thousands) (in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2020 274 $ 206.48 148 $ 376.48Granted 107 $ 240.09 155 $ 236.72Vested (128) $ 187.32 — $ —Forfeited/canceled (10) $ 236.71 (5) $ 340.32Outstanding at December 31, 2021 243 $ 230.20 298 $ 304.46 (1)PSUs represent the target number of shares granted that are issuable at the end of the three year performance period. Fair value for a portion of the PSUs was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model.Employee Stock Purchase PlanIn 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2018 Purchase Plan”) which replaced the 2008 Purchase Plan and reserved 300,000 shares of Class A common stock for purchase. The 2018 Purchase Plan permits eligible employee participants to purchase Class A common stock at a price per share which is equal to 85% of the fair market value of Class A common stock on the last day of an offering period. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, 25,031 shares and 25,058 shares, respectively, of Class A common stock were issued under the 2018 Purchase Plan, which resulted in cash proceeds to the Company of approximately $6.4 million and $6.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2021, 209,731 shares remained available for issuance under the 2018 Purchase Plan.In addition, the Company recorded $1.1 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million of non-cash compensation expense relating to the shares issued under the 2018 Purchase Plan for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.‎ Non-Cash Compensation ExpenseThe table below reflects a breakout by category of the non-cash compensation expense amounts recognized on the Company’s Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Cost of revenues $ 2,483 $ 2,074 $ 2,034Selling, general and administrative 81,919 66,816 71,180Total cost of non-cash compensation included in income before provision for income taxes $ 84,402 $ 68,890 $ 73,214 During 2018, the Board of Directors adopted a retirement policy applicable to all employees receiving equity as part of their compensation plan. This policy was effective January 1, 2019. Historically, all unvested equity awards were forfeited upon termination of employment and any options that were vested but unexercised would be forfeited 90 days after the termination of employment. The new retirement policy allows employees that meet certain conditions to vest or continue vesting in outstanding equity awards following retirement and extends the time the employee has to exercise vested and outstanding awards. As a result of this policy, stock compensation expense related to the adoption of the policy resulted in an acceleration of unrecognized stock compensation expense of approximately $18.5 million in 2019.In addition, the Company capitalized $1.4 million, $1.5 million, and $1.1 million of non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, to fixed assets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14.INCOME TAXESAs discussed in Note 2, the Company began operating in compliance with REIT requirements for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2016. As a REIT, the Company must distribute at least 90 percent of its taxable income (including dividends paid to it by its TRSs) except to the extent offset by NOLs. In addition, the Company must meet a number of other organizational and operational requirements. It is management's intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain the Company's REIT status. Most states where the Company operates conform to the federal rules recognizing REITs. Certain subsidiaries have made an election with the Company to be treated as TRSs in conjunction with the Company's REIT election; the TRS elections permit the Company to engage in certain business activities in which the REIT may not engage directly. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes on the income from these activities. A provision for taxes of the TRSs and of foreign branches of the REIT is included in its consolidated financial statements.Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes by geographic area is as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Domestic $ 265,636 $ 151,421 $ 133,046Foreign (13,072) (169,170) 53,843Total $ 252,564 $ (17,749) $ 186,889 The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following components: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Current provision: State $ 543 $ 753 $ 5,520Foreign 22,907 20,638 18,150Total current 23,450 21,391 23,670 Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes: Federal 20 (7,552) (3,306)State (2,730) (4,684) 1,952Foreign (9,516) (59,956) 13,138Change in valuation allowance 3,716 9,005 4,151Total deferred (8,510) (63,187) 15,935Total provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 14,940 $ (41,796) $ 39,605A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes at the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate (21%) and the effective income tax rate is as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Statutory federal expense $ 53,039 $ (3,727) $ 39,247Rate and permanent differences on non-U.S. earnings (1) 9,586 (7,531) 15,937State and local tax expense (1,539) (3,707) 7,578REIT adjustment (56,457) (35,539) (28,975)Permanent differences 6,105 (736) 18Other 490 439 1,649Valuation allowance 3,716 9,005 4,151Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 14,940 $ (41,796) $ 39,605 (1)This item includes the effect of foreign exchange rate changes which were previously shown on a separate line. ‎ The components of the net noncurrent deferred income tax asset (liability) accounts are as follows: As of December 31, 2021 2020 (in thousands)Deferred tax assets: Net operating losses $ 56,445 $ 55,657Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences 11,601 9,813Accrued liabilities 8,890 6,561Non-cash compensation 11,637 20,128Operating lease liability 221,287 232,329Deferred revenue 4,646 2,846Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,512 3,017Currency translation 98,918 99,344Other 8,479 5,808Valuation allowance (66,134) (63,239)Total deferred tax assets, net (1) 357,281 372,264 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences (134,005) (145,328)Right-of-use asset (211,146) (223,366)Straight-line rents (19,054) (20,809)Deferred foreign withholding taxes (10,313) (9,796)Other (1,571) (1,532)Total deferred tax liabilities, net (1) $ (18,808) $ (28,567) (1)Of these amounts, $51,918 and $70,726 are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, $53,722 and $82,290 are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.A deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if based on the weight of all available evidence, including both positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the value of such assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets, including carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income of the same character during the carryback or carryforward period. All sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies, should be considered.The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets as management believes that it is not “more-likely-than-not” that the Company will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to recognize the assets. Valuation allowances of $66.1 million and $63.2 million were being carried to offset net deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The net change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was an increase of $2.9 million and an increase of $8.6 million, respectively.The Company has available at December 31, 2021, a federal NOL carry-forward of approximately $790.3 million. $748.8 million of these NOL carry-forwards will expire between 2025 and 2037, and $41.5 million have an indefinite carry-forward. As of December 31, 2021, $654.7 million of the federal NOLs are attributes of the REIT. 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. The Internal Revenue Code places limitations upon the future availability of NOLs based upon changes in the equity of the Company. If these occur, the ability of the Company to offset future income with existing NOLs may be limited. In addition, the Company has available at December 31, 2021, a foreign NOL carry-forward of $69.6 million and a net state operating tax loss carry-forward of approximately $441.6 million. These net operating tax loss carry-forwards began to expire in 2021.The tax losses generated in tax years 2003 through 2016 remain subject to audit adjustment, and tax years 2017 and forward are open to examination by the major jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company has removed the permanent reinvestment assertion as of December 31, 2021 for all foreign earnings of the Company’s foreign jurisdictions except Argentina. The Company has also removed its permanent reinvestment assertion on the investment in the Company’s Guatemala and El Salvador subsidiaries. The Company has recorded deferred foreign withholding taxes of $10.3 million at December 31, 2021. No additional income taxes have been provided for any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations except as noted in Guatemala and El Salvador. The deferred incomes taxes related to the Guatemala and El Salvador subsidiaries are immaterial and determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability for any additional outside basis differences in these entities that the investment is indefinitely reinvested is not practicable.On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation in the form of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or to provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense only. The Company has elected to account for GILTI in the year it is incurred. There is no income inclusion for GILTI for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Segment Data

Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Data [Abstract]
Segment Data	15.SEGMENT DATAThe 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 includes 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. The Company has applied the aggregation criteria to operations within the international site leasing segment on a basis that is consistent with management’s review of information and performance evaluations of the individual markets in this region.‎ 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 Leasing Leasing Development Other Total For the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands)Revenues $ 1,681,372  $ 422,715  $ 204,747  $ — $ 2,308,834 Cost of revenues (1) 258,612  127,779  159,093  — 545,484 Operating profit 1,422,760  294,936  45,654  — 1,763,350 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 115,458  37,768  20,636  46,167  220,029 Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses 14,452  13,169  — — 27,621 Asset impairment and decommission costs 20,135  12,763  — 146  33,044 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 514,234  177,059  2,295  6,573  700,161 Operating income (loss) 758,481  54,177  22,723  (52,886) 782,495 Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) (529,931) (529,931)Income before income taxes 252,564 Cash capital expenditures (2) 1,249,075  135,591  2,563  6,269  1,393,498 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Revenues $ 1,558,311  $ 396,161  $ 128,666  $ — $ 2,083,138 Cost of revenues (1) 256,673  117,105  102,750  — 476,528 Operating profit 1,301,638  279,056  25,916  — 1,606,610 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 102,889  34,905  17,663  38,810  194,267 Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses 10,331  6,251  — — 16,582 Asset impairment and decommission costs 28,887  11,210  — — 40,097 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 539,399  174,073  2,356  6,142  721,970 Operating (loss) income 620,132  52,617  5,897  (44,952) 633,694 Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) (651,443) (651,443)Loss before income taxes (17,749)Cash capital expenditures (2) 303,366  89,762  1,752  6,191  401,071 For the year ended December 31, 2019 Revenues $ 1,487,108  $ 373,750  $ 153,787  $ — $ 2,014,645 Cost of revenues (1) 258,413  115,538  119,080  — 493,031 Operating profit 1,228,695  258,212  34,707  — 1,521,614 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 99,707  32,411  21,525  39,074  192,717 Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses 7,933  7,295  — — 15,228 Asset impairment and decommission costs 24,202  8,899  2  — 33,103 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 527,718  161,183  2,341  5,836  697,078 Operating income (loss) 569,135  48,424  10,839  (44,910) 583,488 Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) (396,599) (396,599)Income before income taxes 186,889 Cash capital expenditures (2) 287,793  635,728  3,900  4,271  931,692  Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Leasing Leasing Development Other (3) Total Assets (in thousands)As of December 31, 2021 $ 6,628,156  $ 2,870,503  $ 87,410  $ 215,630  $ 9,801,699 As of December 31, 2020 $ 5,893,636  $ 2,955,563  $ 61,729  $ 247,090  $ 9,158,018  (1)Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.(2)Includes cash paid for capital expenditures, acquisitions, and right-of-use assets.(3)Assets in Other consist primarily of general corporate assets and short-term investments. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, site leasing revenue in Brazil was $233.5 million, $222.6 million, and $226.7 million, respectively. Other than Brazil, no foreign country represented a material amount of the Company’s total site leasing revenues in any of the periods presented. Total long-lived assets in Brazil were $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	16.EARNINGS PER SHAREBasic earnings per share was computed by dividing net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation 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 attributable to SBA Communications Corporation by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding adjusted for any dilutive Common Stock equivalents, including unvested RSUs, PSUs, and shares issuable upon exercise of stock options as determined under the “Treasury Stock” method.The following table sets forth basic and diluted net income per common share attributable to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands, except per share data): For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019Numerator: Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation $ 237,624 $ 24,104 $ 146,991Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 109,328 111,532 112,809Dilutive impact of stock options, RSUs, and PSUs 1,849 1,933 1,884Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 111,177 113,465 114,693Net income per common share attributable to SBA Communications Corporation: Basic $ 2.17 $ 0.22 $ 1.30Diluted $ 2.14 $ 0.21 $ 1.28For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded an immaterial number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options because the impact would be anti-dilutive.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	17.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESThe Company is obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for land, office space, equipment, and site leases. In addition, the Company is obligated under various non-cancelable financing leases for vehicles. The annual minimum lease payments, including fixed rate escalations as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in thousands): Finance Leases Operating Leases2022 $ 1,792 $ 244,4942023 1,356 245,9742024 614 246,4352025 216 246,2462026 — 245,191Thereafter — 2,261,587Total minimum lease payments 3,978 3,489,927Less: amount representing interest (171) (1,273,884)Present value of future payments 3,807 2,216,043Less: current obligations (1,693) (236,804)Long-term obligations $ 2,114 $ 1,979,239 Tenant (Operating) Leases The annual minimum tower lease income to be received for tower space rental under non-cancelable operating leases, including fixed rate escalations, as of December 31, 2021 is as follows: (in thousands)2022 $ 1,851,3262023 1,728,7492024 1,568,0902025 1,299,8022026 966,301Thereafter 2,392,701Total $ 9,806,969 LitigationThe Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs that may be incurred, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.Contingent Purchase ObligationsFrom time to time, the Company agrees to pay additional consideration (or earnouts) for acquisitions if the towers or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets in the one year to three years after they have been acquired. Please refer to Note 3.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Concentration of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	18.CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKThe Company’s credit risks consist primarily of accounts receivable with national, regional, and local wireless service providers and federal and state government agencies. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and provides allowances for doubtful accounts, as required, based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information. The Company generally does not require collateral.The following is a list of significant customers (representing at least 10% of revenue for any period reported) and the percentage of total revenue for the specified time periods derived from such customers: For the year ended December 31, Percentage of Total Revenues 2021 2020 2019 T-Mobile (1) 36.2% 34.5% 35.1%AT&T Wireless 22.2% 24.1% 23.8%Verizon Wireless 14.7% 14.1% 14.0%(1)Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint on April 1, 2020. The Company’s site leasing and site development segments derive revenue from these customers. Client percentages of total revenue in each of the segments are as follows: For the year ended December 31, Percentage of Domestic Site Leasing Revenue 2021 2020 2019 T-Mobile (1) 40.2% 40.5% 40.6%AT&T Wireless 30.5% 32.2% 32.1%Verizon Wireless 19.8% 18.5% 18.6% For the year ended December 31, Percentage of International Site Leasing Revenue 2021 2020 2019 Oi S.A. 28.3% 28.7% 31.3%Telefonica 16.3% 18.1% 26.9%Claro 13.7% 14.5% 11.6%(1)Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint on April 1, 2020. For the year ended December 31, Percentage of Site Development Revenue 2021 2020 2019 T-Mobile (1) 78.2% 66.8% 67.5%(1)Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint on April 1, 2020.Five customers comprised 65.5% and 63.8% of total gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Defined Contribution Plan

Defined Contribution Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan	19.DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANThe Company has a defined contribution profit sharing plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code that provides for voluntary employee contributions up to the limitations set forth in Section 402(g) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees have the opportunity to participate following completion of three months of employment and must be 21 years of age. Employer matching begins immediately upon the employee’s participation in the plan.The Company makes a discretionary matching contribution of 75% of an employee’s contributions up to a maximum of $4,000 annually. Company matching contributions were approximately $2.9 million, $2.7 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	20.REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTSAs a result of its acquisition of additional interests of a previously unconsolidated joint venture in South Africa which operated under the name Atlas Tower South Africa (“Atlas SA”), the Company has consolidated the results of the entity into its financial statements since August 2019. In connection with the acquisition of the additional interest in Atlas SA, the parties agreed to both a put option exercisable by the noncontrolling interest holder and a call option exercisable by the Company for the remaining minority interest based on a formulaic approach. On December 31, 2021, the Company remitted to the seller closing consideration for the remaining interest in the joint venture.In June 2021, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with a non-affiliated partner for the purpose of acquiring towers in Tanzania from Airtel Tanzania PLC which closed on January 4, 2022 (see Note 7). Effective June 2021, the Company consolidated the results of the joint venture into its financial statements. The agreement contains both a put option exercisable by the noncontrolling interest holder and a call option exercisable by the Company for the remaining minority interest based on a formulaic approach. As the put option is outside of the Company’s control, the estimated redemption value of the minority interest is presented as a redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of permanent equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2021, the fair market value of the noncontrolling interest was $17.3 million.The Company allocates income and losses to the noncontrolling interest holder based on the applicable membership interest percentage. At each reporting period, the redeemable noncontrolling interest is recognized at the greater of (1) the initial carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest as adjusted for accumulated income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest holder, or (2) the contractually-defined redemption value as of the balance sheet date. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest are charged against retained earnings (or additional paid-in capital if there are no retained earnings).The components of redeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2021 are as follows (in thousands): December 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Beginning balance $ 15,194 $ 16,052Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — (57)Foreign currency translation adjustments — (52)Purchase of noncontrolling interests (18,000) —Contribution from joint venture partner 17,250 —Adjustment to fair value 2,806 (749)Ending balance $ 17,250 $ 15,194

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	21.DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIESThe Company enters into interest rate swaps to hedge the future interest expense from variable rate debt and reduce the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. On August 4, 2020, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, SBA Senior Finance II, terminated its existing $1.95 billion cash flow hedge on a portion of its 2018 Term Loan in exchange for a payment of $176.2 million. On the same date, the Company entered into an interest rate swap for $1.95 billion of notional value accruing interest at one month LIBOR plus 175 basis points for a fixed rate of 1.874% per annum through the maturity date of the 2018 Term Loan. The Company designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge as it is expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in cash flows of the LIBOR based component interest payments of its 2018 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2021, the hedge remains highly effective; therefore, subsequent changes in the fair value are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the interest rate swap has a fair value of $60.3 million and 12.1 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.On August 4, 2020, the Company also terminated its existing interest rate swaps, which were previously de-designated as cash flow hedges. There was no cash transferred in connection with the termination of these swaps. The Company reclassifies the fair value of its interest rate swaps recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net on their de-designation date to non-cash interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over their respective remaining term end dates which range from 2023 to 2025.Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net includes an aggregate of $47.8 million and $140.9 million of accumulated derivative net losses as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk to the extent that a counterparty fails to meet the terms of a contract. The Company’s exposure is limited to the current value of the contract at the time the counterparty fails to perform.The cash flows associated with these activities are reported in Net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows with the exception of the termination of interest rate swaps which are recorded in Net cash used in financing activities.‎ The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Cash Flow Hedge - Interest Rate Swap Agreement (in thousands)Change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ 48,200  $ (128,086) $ 16,887 Amount recognized in Non-cash interest expense $ — $ (6,707) $ (878) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements Amount recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ — — (60,462)Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net into Non-cash interest expense $ 44,887  $ 29,315  $ 1,444

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	22.QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited) Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 2021 2021 2021 2021 (in thousands, except per share amounts)Revenues $ 595,262 $ 589,305 $ 575,528 $ 548,739Operating income 197,376 211,776 199,764 173,579Depreciation, accretion, and amortization (169,895) (170,916) (175,469) (183,881)Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation 48,902 47,798 152,669 (11,745) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.45 $ 0.44 $ 1.40 $ (0.11)Net income (loss) per common share - diluted 0.44 0.43 1.37 (0.11) Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 2020 2020 2020 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts)Revenues $ 535,905 $ 522,940 $ 507,226 $ 517,067Operating income 165,100 160,337 157,054 151,203Depreciation, accretion, and amortization (180,383) (180,302) (178,706) (182,579)Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation 105,781 22,568 22,813 (127,058) Net income per common share - basic $ 0.96 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ (1.14)Net income per common share - diluted 0.94 0.20 0.20 (1.14) Because net income (loss) per share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common shares outstanding during each quarter, the sum of the per share amounts for the four quarters may not equal the total loss per share amounts for the year.

Schedule III - Schedule of Real

Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation	Schedule III—Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Gross Accumulated Life on Which Cost Amount Depreciation/ Depreciation Capitalized Carried Amortization in Latest Initial Subsequent at Close at Close Income Cost to to of Current of Current Date of Date Statement is Description Encumbrances Company Acquisition Period Period Construction Acquired Computed (in thousands) 34,177 sites(1)$ 9,396,000 (2) (3) (3) $ 7,068,208 (4)(5) $ (3,644,238)(5)Various Various Up to 70 years(5)(1)No single site exceeds 5% of the aggregate gross amounts at which the assets were carried at the close of the period set forth in the table above.(2)As of December 31, 2021, certain assets secure debt of $9.4 billion.(3)The Company has omitted this information, as it would be impracticable to compile such information on a site-by-site basis.(4)Does not include those sites under construction.(5)Amounts include the acquisition of the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E. 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Gross amount at beginning$ 5,963,048  $ 5,833,338  $ 5,561,005 Additions during period: Acquisitions (1) 995,063  80,582  111,734 Construction and related costs on new builds 45,802  40,493  48,975 Augmentation and tower upgrades 32,953  36,211  63,998 Land buyouts and other assets 24,944  28,918  39,298 Tower maintenance 34,611  28,426  28,960 Other (2) 20,052  19,142  —Total additions 1,153,425  233,772  292,965 Deductions during period: Cost of real estate sold or disposed (192) — (856)Impairment (15,552) (17,064) (9,587)Other (3) (32,521) (86,998) (10,189)Total deductions (48,265) (104,062) (20,632)Balance at end$ 7,068,208  $ 5,963,048  $ 5,833,338  (1)Inclusive of changes between the final purchase price allocation and the preliminary purchase price allocations. In addition, amounts as of December 31, 2021 include the acquisition of the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E.(2)Represents changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligations.(3)Primarily represents cumulative translation adjustments related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Gross amount of accumulated depreciation at beginning$ (3,383,370) $ (3,133,061) $ (2,868,507)Additions during period: Depreciation (1) (273,655) (275,947) (269,606)Other (2) (91) (38) (83)Total additions (273,746) (275,985) (269,689)Deductions during period: Amount of accumulated depreciation for assets sold or disposed 3,638  4,244  2,887 Other (2) 9,240  21,432  2,248 Total deductions 12,878  25,676  5,135 Balance at end$ (3,644,238) $ (3,383,370) $ (3,133,061)(1)Amounts as of December 31, 2021 include accumulated depreciation related to the acquisition of the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E.(2)Primarily represents cumulative translation adjustments related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the Company and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The significant estimates made by management relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the costs and revenue relating to the Company’s construction contracts, stock-based compensation assumptions, valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, fair value of long-lived assets, the useful lives of towers and intangible assets, anticipated property tax assessments, fair value of investments and asset retirement obligations. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the information available. These estimates ultimately may differ from actual results and such differences could be material.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash in banks, money market funds, commercial paper, highly liquid short-term investments, and other marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted Cash	Restricted CashThe Company classifies all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. This includes cash held in escrow to fund certain reserve accounts relating to the Tower Securities as well as for payment and performance bonds and surety bonds issued for the benefit of the Company in the ordinary course of business, as well as collateral associated with workers’ compensation plans (see Note 4).
Investments	InvestmentsInvestment securities with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year at time of purchase are considered short-term investments and are classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s short-term investments primarily consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of less than a year. Investment securities with maturities of more than a year are considered long-term investments and are classified in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term investments consist of strategic investments in companies and are accounted for under the cost and equity method. Gross purchases and proceeds from sales of the Company’s investments are presented within Cash flows from investing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, no gain or loss was recorded related to the sale or maturity of investments.
Property and Equipment	Property and EquipmentProperty and equipment are recorded at cost or at estimated fair value (in the case of acquired properties), adjusted for asset impairment and estimated asset retirement obligations. Costs for self-constructed towers include direct materials and labor, indirect costs and capitalized interest. Approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million of interest cost was capitalized in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.Depreciation on towers and related components is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, not to exceed the minimum lease term of the underlying ground lease. In making the determination of the period for which the Company is reasonably certain to remain on the site, the Company will assume optional renewals are reasonably certain of being exercised for the greater of: (1) a period sufficient to cover all tenants under their current committed term where the Company has provided rights to the tower not to exceed the contractual ground lease terms including renewals and (2) a period sufficient to recover the investment of significant leasehold improvements located on the site. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the minimum lease term of the lease. For all other property and equipment, depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of its property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the useful lives of assets are reduced, depreciation may be accelerated in future years. Property and equipment under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the remaining estimated life of the leased property, whichever is shorter, and the related amortization is included in depreciation expense. Expenditures for maintenance and repair are expensed as incurred.Asset classes and related estimated useful lives are as follows: Towers and related components3 - 15  yearsFurniture, equipment, and vehicles 2 - 7 yearsData Centers, buildings, and leasehold improvements10 - 30  years Betterments, improvements, and significant repairs, which increase the value or extend the life of an asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the respective asset. Changes in an asset’s estimated useful life are accounted for prospectively, with the book value of the asset at the time of the change being depreciated over the revised remaining useful life. There has been no material impact for changes in estimated useful lives for any years presented.
Deferred Financing Fees	Deferred Financing FeesFinancing fees related to the issuance of debt have been deferred and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the expected duration of the related indebtedness (see Note 11). For all of the Company’s debt, except for the Revolving Credit Facility where the debt issuance costs are being presented as an asset on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet, debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset.
Intangible Assets	Intangible AssetsThe Company classifies as intangible assets the fair value of current leases in place at the acquisition date of towers and related assets (referred to as the “Current contract intangibles”), and the fair value of future tenant leases anticipated to be added to the acquired towers (referred to as the “Network location intangibles”). These intangibles are estimated to have a useful life consistent with the useful life of the related tower assets, which is typically 15 years. For all intangible assets, amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as the benefit associated with these intangible assets is anticipated to be derived evenly over the life of the asset.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived AssetsThe Company evaluates its individual long-lived and related assets with finite lives for indicators of impairment to determine when an impairment analysis should be performed. The Company evaluates its tower assets and Current contract intangibles at the tower level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exists. The Company evaluates its Network location intangibles for impairment at the tower leasing business level whenever indicators of impairment are present. The Company has established a policy to at least annually, or earlier if indicators of impairment arise, evaluate its tower assets and Current contract intangibles for impairment.The Company records an impairment charge when an investment in towers or related assets has been impaired, such that future undiscounted cash flows would not recover the then current carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible. If the future undiscounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the investment in the tower and related intangible, the Company calculates future discounted cash flows and compares those amounts to the carrying value. The Company records an impairment charge for any amounts lower than the carrying value. Estimates and assumptions inherent in the impairment evaluation include, but are not limited to, general market and economic conditions, historical operating results, geographic location, lease-up potential and expected timing of lease-up. In addition, the Company makes certain assumptions in determining an asset’s fair value for the purpose of calculating the amount of an impairment charge.The Company recognized impairment charges of $33.0 million, $40.1 million, and $33.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Refer to Note 3 for further detail of these amounts.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value MeasurementsThe Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value: Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable	Revenue Recognition and Accounts ReceivableSite leasing revenuesRevenue from site leasing is recognized on a straight-line basis over the current term of the related lease agreements. Receivables recorded related to the straight-line impact of site leases are reflected in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rental amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues from site leasing represent 91% of the Company’s total revenues. For additional information on tenant leases, refer to the Leases section below. Site development revenuesSite development projects in which the Company performs consulting services include contracts on a fixed price basis that are billed at contractual rates. Revenue is recognized over time based on milestones achieved, which are determined based on costs incurred. Amounts billed in advance (collected or uncollected) are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.Revenue from construction projects is recognized over time, determined by the percentage of cost incurred to date compared to management’s estimated total cost for each contract. This method is used because management considers total cost to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. These amounts are based on estimates, and the uncertainty inherent in the estimates initially is reduced as work on the contracts nears completion. Refer to Note 5 for further detail of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable.The site development segment represents approximately 9% of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company accounts for site development revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Payment terms do not result in any significant financing arrangements. Furthermore, these contracts do not typically include variable consideration; therefore, the transaction price that is recognized over time is generally the amount of the total contract.Accounts receivableThe accounts receivable balance was $102.0 million and $74.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $24.6 million and $14.3 million related to the site development segment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Refer to Note 15 for further detail of the site development segment.
Credit Losses	Credit LossesEffective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) prospectively. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment model with an expected credit loss impairment model for financial instruments, including trade receivables. The amendment requires entities to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due, which were not considered under the previous accounting guidance. The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 was not material individually or in the aggregate to the Company.The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions, and a review of the current status of customers’ trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected considers aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. The Company’s monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers’ financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2018-19”) clarified that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. The Company is exposed to credit losses which are subject to this standard primarily through the site development business segment which provides consulting and construction related services.The following is a rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for our site leasing and site development businesses: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Beginning balance $ 15,693 $ 21,202 $ 23,880Provision for doubtful accounts 440 620 155Write-offs (1,597) (23) (1,455)Recoveries (1) (1,947) (3,524) (2,296)Acquisitions — — 1,193Currency translation adjustment (454) (2,582) (275)Ending balance $ 12,135 $ 15,693 $ 21,202 (1)On June 20, 2016, Oi, S.A. (“Oi”), the Company’s largest customer in Brazil, filed a petition for judicial reorganization in Brazil. Since the filing, the Company has received all rental payments due in connection with obligations of Oi accruing post-petition. On January 8, 2018, Oi’s reorganization plan was approved by the Brazilian courts and Oi is expected to fully resolve all its pre-petition obligations in accordance with the terms of the plan, which includes a 10% reduction in the receivable and four annual installment payments. All of these payments have been received by the Company.
Cost of Revenue	Cost of RevenueCost of site leasing revenue includes ground lease rent, property taxes, amortization of deferred lease costs, maintenance and other tower operating expenses. Cost of site development revenue includes the cost of materials, salaries and labor costs, including payroll taxes, subcontract labor, vehicle expense and other costs directly and indirectly related to the projects. All costs related to site development projects are recognized as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income TaxesThe Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is "more-likely-than-not" that those assets will not be realized. The Company considers many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization, including the Company’s recent cumulative earnings by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that are available, the carryforward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes and other relevant factors.The Company began operating as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2016. As a REIT, the Company generally is not subject to corporate level federal income tax on taxable income it distributes to its stockholders as long as it meets the organizational and operational requirements under the REIT rules. However, certain subsidiaries have made an election with the IRS to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) in conjunction with the Company's REIT election. The TRS elections permit the Company to engage in certain business activities in which the REIT may not engage directly, so long as these activities are conducted in entities that elect to be treated as TRSs under the Code. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes on the income from these activities. Additionally, the Company has included in TRSs the Company’s tower operations in most foreign jurisdictions; however, the REIT holds selected tower assets in Puerto Rico and USVI. Those operations will continue to be subject to foreign taxes in the jurisdiction in which such assets and operations are located regardless of whether they are included in a TRS.The Company will continue to file separate federal tax returns for the REIT and TRS for the year ended December 31, 2021. The REIT had taxable income during the year ended December 31, 2021 and paid a dividend and utilized net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset its remaining 2021 distribution requirement. Some of the Company’s TRSs generated NOLs which will be carried forward to use in future years. A portion of the deferred tax asset generated by the NOLs are reserved by a valuation allowance.The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return if applicable. The Company has not identified any tax exposures that require a reserve. To the extent that the Company records unrecognized tax exposures, any related interest and penalties will be recognized as interest expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based CompensationThe Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), and purchases under the Company’s employee stock purchase plans. The Company records compensation expense, for stock options, RSUs, and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the vesting period; however, compensation expense related to certain PSUs are subject to adjustment on performance relative to the established targets. Compensation expense for stock options is based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation expense for RSUs and PSUs is based on the fair market value of the units awarded at the date of the grant.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement ObligationsThe Company has entered into ground leases for the land underlying the majority of the Company’s towers. A majority of these leases require the Company to restore land interests to their original condition upon termination of the ground lease. In determining the measurement of the asset retirement obligations, the Company considered the nature and scope of the contractual restoration obligations contained in the Company’s ground leases, the historical retirement experience as an indicator of future restoration probabilities, intent in renewing existing ground leases through lease termination dates, current and future value and timing of estimated restoration costs and the credit adjusted risk-free rate used to discount future obligations.The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of a fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related tower fixed assets, and over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the tower. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the asset retirement obligation was $53.6 million and $30.9 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon settlement of the obligations, any difference between the cost to retire an asset and the recorded liability is recorded in Asset impairment and decommission costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss)Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, and is comprised of net income (loss), other foreign currency adjustments, and adjustments related to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency TranslationAll assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that do not utilize the U.S. dollar as its functional currency are translated at period-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average exchange rates during the year. Unrealized translation gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments through Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Deficit.For foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, 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. Remeasurement gains and losses are reported as other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Intercompany Loans Subject to Remeasurement	Intercompany Loans Subject to RemeasurementIn accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 830, the Company remeasures foreign denominated intercompany loans with the corresponding change in the balance being recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as settlement is anticipated or planned in the foreseeable future. The Company recorded a $44.3 million loss, a $145.6 million loss, and a $9.0 million gain, net of taxes, on the remeasurement of intercompany loans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, due to changes in foreign exchange rates. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $149.9 million of the intercompany loans. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate amount outstanding under the intercompany loan agreements subject to remeasurement with the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $872.9 million and $909.8 million, respectively.
Acquisitions	AcquisitionsUnder ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, the Company’s acquisitions will generally qualify for asset acquisition treatment under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, rather than business combination treatment under ASC 805 Business Combinations. For 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. External, direct transaction costs will be capitalized as a component of the cost of the asset acquired. The Company will continue to expense internal acquisition costs as incurred. For business combinations, 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 resulted in a revised estimated value of those assets and/or liabilities as of that date. As of December 31, 2021, there were no material acquisitions with purchase price allocations that were preliminary.In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company may agree to pay contingent consideration (or earnouts) in cash or stock if the communication sites or businesses that are acquired meet or exceed certain performance targets over a period of one year to three years after they have been acquired. Contingent consideration in connection with asset acquisitions will be recognized at the time when the contingency is resolved or becomes payable and will increase the cost basis of the assets acquired.
Leases	LeasesThe Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”) using the modified retrospective adoption method with an effective date of January 1, 2019. This standard requires all lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The Company has elected not to separate nonlease components from the associated lease component for all underlying classes of assets.The components of the right-of-use lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in thousands): December 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Current operating lease liabilities $ 236,804 $ 234,605Current financing lease liabilities 1,693 1,432Current lease liabilities $ 238,497 $ 236,037 Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 1,979,239 $ 2,092,353Long-term financing lease liabilities 2,114 2,010Long-term lease liabilities $ 1,981,353 $ 2,094,363Operating LeasesGround leases. The Company enters into long-term lease contracts for land that underlies its tower structures. Ground lease agreements generally include renewal options which can be exercised exclusively at the Company’s election. In making the determination of the period for which the Company is reasonably certain to remain on the site, the Company will assume optional renewals are reasonably certain of being exercised for the greater of: (1) a period sufficient to cover all tenants under their current committed term where the Company has provided rights to the tower not to exceed the contractual ground lease terms including renewals, and (2) a period sufficient to recover the investment of significant leasehold improvements located on the site (generally 15 years).Substantially all leases provide for rent rate escalations. In the United States and our international markets, ground leases and other property interests provide for rent escalators which typically average 2-3% annually or, in certain international markets, adjust in accordance with an inflationary index. Increases or decreases in lease payments that result from subsequent changes in the index or rate are accounted for as variable lease payments.Office leases. The Company’s office leases consist of long-term leases for international, regional, and certain site development office locations. Office leases include a single lease component, lease of the office space and sometimes nonlease components such as common area maintenance expenses. The lease term for office leases are generally considered to be the contractually committed term.Finance LeasesVehicle leases. The Company leases vehicles that are used in its site development business. These leases are accounted for as financing leases and have lease terms that are contractually committed and do not include optional renewal terms.Acquired right-of-use assets. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E for $972.0 million. The Company accounted for the payment with respect to these sites as a right-of-use asset, which is recorded in Acquired and other right-of-use assets, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The payments associated with the right of use of these structures has been fully funded and will be recognized over 70 years (see Note 7). In addition, on January 4, 2022, the Company closed on 1,445 sites for $176.1 million under the previously announced deal with Airtel Tanzania. Of the 1,445 sites acquired, 482 towers will be initially recorded in Acquired and other right-of-use assets, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets until the full transfer of title for these towers is completed, which the Company anticipates to be in tranches through the end of the second quarter of 2023. During this period of time, the Company has all the economic rights and obligations related to these towers (see Note 7).Discount RateWhen available, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value. However, the Company’s ground leases generally do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments based on information available at lease commencement or upon a modification. The Company uses publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating its incremental borrowing rates.Lease CostVariable lease payments include escalations based on an inflationary index and are initially recognized using the prevailing index at the date of initial measurement or upon reassessment of the lease term. Subsequent changes in standard cost of living increases are recognized as variable lease costs. Variable lease payments also include contingent rent provisions.The components of lease cost, lease term, and discount rate as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Amortization of right-of-use assets (1) $ 13,483 $ 1,485Interest on finance lease liabilities 118 135Total finance lease cost 13,601 1,620Operating lease cost 260,690 260,619Variable lease cost 49,176 42,654Total lease cost $ 323,467 $ 304,893 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term as of 2021 and 2020:Operating leases 14.4 years 16.1 yearsFinance leases 68.9 years 2.7 years Weighted Average Discount Rate as of 2021 and 2020: Operating leases 5.6% 5.9%Finance leases 2.9% 3.4% For the year endedOther information: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:Cash flows from operating leases $ 242,567 $ 237,747Cash flows from finance leases $ 1,734 $ 1,485 (1)Amounts include amortization of acquired right-of-use assets.Tenant (Operating) LeasesThe Company enters into long-term lease contracts with wireless service providers to lease antenna space on towers that it owns or operates. Each tenant lease relates to the lease or use of space at an individual site. Tenant leases are generally for an initial term of five years to 10 years with multiple renewal periods at the option of the tenant. Tenant leases typically contain specific rent escalators, which can be fixed or escalate in accordance with an inflationary index, including the renewal option periods.Tenant lease agreements generally include renewal options which can be exercised exclusively at the tenant’s election. The only common exception is if the Company no longer has a right to the ground underlying the site, the lease agreements permit the Company to terminate the lease. Despite high frequency of renewal of options to extend the lease by its tenants, the Company has concluded that the exercise of a renewal option by a tenant is not reasonably certain of occurrence; therefore, only the current committed term is included in the determination of the lease term.Certain tenant leases provide for a reimbursement of costs incurred by the Company. The Company pays these costs directly and is not relieved of the primary obligation for the expenses. These reimbursements are recorded as revenue on the Statements of Operations.Deferred Lease CostsASU 2016-02, defines initial direct costs as incremental costs that would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. These costs, including commissions paid related to the origination of specific tenant leases, are deferred and amortized over the remaining lease term. Initial direct costs were approximately $2.9 million, $1.2 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense related to deferred initial direct costs was $1.4 million, $1.3 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, unamortized deferred initial direct costs were $6.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively, and are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Reference Rate Reform	Reference Rate ReformASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform, provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. An entity may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (“IBA”) ceased the publication of USD LIBOR for the 1 week and 2 month tenors on December 31, 2021 and will cease all other tenors on June 30, 2023. On July 7, 2021, the Company amended its Credit Facility to provide mechanics relating to a transition away from LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate and the replacement of LIBOR by an alternative benchmark rate. Refer to Note 11 for further discussion of the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has not modified any other contracts as a result of reference rate reform and is evaluating the impact this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Derivatives and Hedging ActivitiesThe Company enters into interest rate swaps to hedge the future interest expense from variable rate debt and reduce the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. At inception, the Company evaluates the interest rate swaps to determine whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In accordance with ASU 2017-12 (ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging), hedge accounting should be provided only if the derivative hedging instrument is expected to be, and actually is, effective at offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. The effective portion of the gain or loss is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss from the interest rate swap is recognized in earnings immediately. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates whether the cash flow hedge remains highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Asset Classes and Related Estimated Useful Lives	Towers and related components3 - 15  yearsFurniture, equipment, and vehicles 2 - 7 yearsData Centers, buildings, and leasehold improvements10 - 30  years
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Beginning balance $ 15,693 $ 21,202 $ 23,880Provision for doubtful accounts 440 620 155Write-offs (1,597) (23) (1,455)Recoveries (1) (1,947) (3,524) (2,296)Acquisitions — — 1,193Currency translation adjustment (454) (2,582) (275)Ending balance $ 12,135 $ 15,693 $ 21,202 (1)On June 20, 2016, Oi, S.A. (“Oi”), the Company’s largest customer in Brazil, filed a petition for judicial reorganization in Brazil. Since the filing, the Company has received all rental payments due in connection with obligations of Oi accruing post-petition. On January 8, 2018, Oi’s reorganization plan was approved by the Brazilian courts and Oi is expected to fully resolve all its pre-petition obligations in accordance with the terms of the plan, which includes a 10% reduction in the receivable and four annual installment payments. All of these payments have been received by the Company.
Schedule of Right-of-use Assets and Liabilities	December 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Current operating lease liabilities $ 236,804 $ 234,605Current financing lease liabilities 1,693 1,432Current lease liabilities $ 238,497 $ 236,037 Long-term operating lease liabilities $ 1,979,239 $ 2,092,353Long-term financing lease liabilities 2,114 2,010Long-term lease liabilities $ 1,981,353 $ 2,094,363
Components of Lease Cost, Lease Term, and Discount Rate	For the year ended December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Amortization of right-of-use assets (1) $ 13,483 $ 1,485Interest on finance lease liabilities 118 135Total finance lease cost 13,601 1,620Operating lease cost 260,690 260,619Variable lease cost 49,176 42,654Total lease cost $ 323,467 $ 304,893 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term as of 2021 and 2020:Operating leases 14.4 years 16.1 yearsFinance leases 68.9 years 2.7 years Weighted Average Discount Rate as of 2021 and 2020: Operating leases 5.6% 5.9%Finance leases 2.9% 3.4% For the year endedOther information: December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:Cash flows from operating leases $ 242,567 $ 237,747Cash flows from finance leases $ 1,734 $ 1,485 (1)Amounts include amortization of acquired right-of-use assets.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Summary of Asset Impairment and Decommission Costs	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Asset impairment (1) $ 24,813 $ 31,552 $ 18,794Write-off of carrying value of decommissioned towers 6,349 7,456 11,155Other (including third party decommission costs) 1,882 1,089 3,154Total asset impairment and decommission costs $ 33,044 $ 40,097 $ 33,103 (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.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R_2

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	As of As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Included on Balance Sheet (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 367,278  $ 308,560  $ 108,309  Securitization escrow accounts 64,764  31,507  30,046  Restricted cash - current assetPayment and performance bonds 797  164  197  Restricted cash - current assetSurety bonds and workers compensation 2,787  2,577  2,568  Other assets - noncurrentTotal cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 435,626  $ 342,808  $ 141,120

Costs and Estimated Earnings _2

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Summary of Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts $ 75,967 $ 54,949Estimated earnings 28,851 21,778Billings to date (61,628) (43,725) $ 43,190 $ 33,002
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts $ 48,844 $ 34,796Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities) (5,654) (1,794) $ 43,190 $ 33,002

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expense and Other Current Assets	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Prepaid real estate taxes $ 3,331 $ 3,153Prepaid taxes 11,096 8,121Other current assets 16,386 12,601Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 30,813 $ 23,875
Schedule of Other Assets	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Straight-line rent receivable $ 348,519 $ 321,816Interest rate swap asset (1) 60,324 12,123Loan receivables 37,376 5,931Deferred lease costs, net 6,345 4,788Deferred tax asset - long term 51,918 53,722Long-term investments 47,889 57,575Other 23,273 22,037Total other assets $ 575,644 $ 477,992 (1)Refer to Note 21 for more information on the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquisition Activity	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019Tower acquisitions (number of towers) 991 233 2,443
Schedule of Acquisition Capital Expenditures	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Acquisitions of towers and related intangible assets (1) (2) (3) $ 274,752 $ 181,473 $ 701,471Acquisition of right-of-use assets (4) 950,536 — —Land buyouts and other assets (5) 32,416 89,945 72,486Total cash acquisition capital expenditures $ 1,257,704 $ 271,418 $ 773,957 (1)The year ended December 31, 2021 includes $77.1 million of acquisitions completed during the fourth quarter of 2020 which were not funded until the first quarter of 2021.(2)The year ended December 31, 2019 excludes $1.7 million of acquisitions costs funded through the issuance of 10,000 shares of Class A common stock.(3)On August 30, 2019, the Company acquired an additional interest of a previously unconsolidated joint venture in South Africa which resulted in the consolidation of the entity, and the cash consideration is included herein. The year ended December 31, 2019 excludes $72.0 million associated with the consolidation of this entity. On December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the remaining interest from the minority interest holder in South Africa.(4)During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired the exclusive right to lease and operate 713 utility transmission structures, which included existing wireless tenant licenses from PG&E for $972.0 million. The difference between the purchase price and the cash acquisition amount is due to working capital adjustments. The Company accounted for the payment with respect to these sites as a right-of-use asset, which is recorded in Acquired and other right of use assets, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The payments associated with the right of use of these structures has been fully funded and will be recognized over 70 years.(5)In addition, the Company paid $16.3 million, $12.3 million, and $15.2 million for ground lease extensions and term easements on land underlying the Company’s towers during the years ending December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The Company recorded these amounts in prepaid rent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.During the year ended December 31, 2021, in addition to the

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Towers and related components (1) $ 5,323,803 $ 5,213,019Construction-in-process (1)(2) 47,565 38,065Furniture, equipment, and vehicles 59,939 54,610Land, buildings, and improvements 848,051 818,272Total property and equipment 6,279,358 6,123,966Less: accumulated depreciation (3,703,871) (3,446,640)Property and equipment, net $ 2,575,487 $ 2,677,326 (1)Includes amounts related to our data centers.(2)Construction-in-process represents costs incurred related to towers and other assets that are under development and will be used in the Company’s site leasing operations.

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross and Net Carrying Amounts for each Major Class of Intangible Assets	As of December 31, 2021 As of December 31, 2020 Gross carrying Accumulated Net book Gross carrying Accumulated Net book amount amortization value amount amortization value (in thousands)Current contract intangibles $ 4,890,427 $ (2,749,594) $ 2,140,833 $ 4,876,880 $ (2,471,438) $ 2,405,442Network location intangibles 1,783,640 (1,121,226) 662,414 1,770,944 (1,020,236) 750,708Intangible assets, net $ 6,674,067 $ (3,870,820) $ 2,803,247 $ 6,647,824 $ (3,491,674) $ 3,156,150
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	For the year ended December 31, (in thousands) 2022 $ 389,6632023 366,1312024 337,0602025 327,3522026 312,279

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 (in thousands)Salaries and benefits $ 24,962 $ 20,958Real estate and property taxes 8,336 9,583Unpaid capital expenditures 7,295 6,073Other 27,477 26,417Total accrued expenses $ 68,070 $ 63,031

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Principal Values, Fair Values, and Carrying Values of Debt	As of As of December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Maturity Date Principal ‎Balance Fair Value Carrying ‎Value Principal ‎Balance Fair Value Carrying ‎ValueRevolving Credit Facility Jul. 7, 2026 $ 350,000  $ 350,000  $ 350,000  $ 380,000  $ 380,000  $ 380,000 2018 Term Loan Apr. 11, 2025 2,316,000  2,289,945  2,304,697  2,340,000  2,310,750  2,325,391 2013-2C Tower Securities (1) Apr. 11, 2023 — — — 575,000  599,662  572,063 2014-2C Tower Securities (1) Oct. 8, 2024 620,000  641,793  617,095  620,000  670,003  616,131 2017-1C Tower Securities (1) Apr. 11, 2022 — — — 760,000  774,410  757,165 2018-1C Tower Securities (1) Mar. 9, 2023 640,000  650,163  637,812  640,000  671,341  636,045 2019-1C Tower Securities (1) Jan. 12, 2025 1,165,000  1,174,728  1,157,446  1,165,000  1,218,613  1,155,106 2020-1C Tower Securities (1) Jan. 9, 2026 750,000  746,498  744,052  750,000  752,910  742,782 2020-2C Tower Securities (1) Jan. 11, 2028 600,000  605,268  594,774  600,000  597,840  594,081 2021-1C Tower Securities (1) Nov. 9, 2026 1,165,000  1,144,846  1,153,700  — — —2021-2C Tower Securities (1) Apr. 9, 2027 895,000  883,213  886,116  — — —2021-3C Tower Securities (1) Oct. 9, 2031 895,000  902,446  885,976  — — —2016 Senior Notes Sep. 1, 2024 — — — 1,100,000  1,127,500  1,088,924 2017 Senior Notes Oct. 1, 2022 — — — 750,000  757,500  746,642 2020 Senior Notes Feb. 15, 2027 1,500,000  1,550,790  1,484,178  1,500,000  1,567,500  1,481,466 2021 Senior Notes Feb. 1, 2029 1,500,000  1,446,975  1,486,848  — — —Total debt $ 12,396,000  $ 12,386,665  $ 12,302,694  $ 11,180,000  $ 11,428,029  $ 11,095,796 Less: current maturities of long-term debt (24,000) (24,000)Total long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 12,278,694  $ 11,071,796  (1)The maturity date represents the anticipated repayment date for each issuance.
Schedule of Future Principal Payment Obligations	For the year ended December 31, (in thousands)2022 $ 24,0002023 664,0002024 644,0002025 3,409,0002026 2,265,000
Schedule of Cash and Non-Cash Interest Expense	For the year ended December 31, Interest 2021 2020 2019 Rates as of Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash Cash Non-cash December 31, 2021 Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest Interest (in thousands)Revolving Credit Facility 1.516% $ 6,414  $ — $ 6,070  $ — $ 7,085  $ —2018 Term Loan (1) 1.872% 44,342  45,756  68,963  23,452  105,021  1,338 2013-2C Tower Securities 3.722% 17,027  — 21,584  — 21,584  —2014 Tower Securities (2) 3.869% 24,185  — 24,185  — 43,055  —2015-1C Tower Securities 3.156% — — 8,589  — 15,939  —2016-1C Tower Securities 2.877% — — 10,972  — 20,361  —2017-1C Tower Securities 3.168% 9,201  — 24,354  — 24,354  —2018-1C Tower Securities 3.448% 22,281  — 22,281  — 22,281  —2019-1C Tower Securities 2.836% 33,428  — 33,428  — 10,029  —2020-1C Tower Securities 1.884% 14,391  — 6,675  — — —2020-2C Tower Securities 2.328% 14,159  — 6,568  — — —2021-1C Tower Securities 1.631% 12,255  — — — — —2021-2C Tower Securities 1.840% 2,982  — — — — —2021-3C Tower Securities 2.593% 4,176  — — — — —2014 Senior Notes 4.875% — — 3,352  112  36,563  800 2016 Senior Notes 4.875% 44,092  990  53,625  1,109  53,625  1,055 2017 Senior Notes 4.000% 2,333  — 30,000  — 30,000  —2020 Senior Notes 3.875% 58,125  339  46,769  197  — —2021 Senior Notes 3.125% 43,229  — — — — —Capitalized interest and other 299  — 459  — 139  —Total $ 352,919  $ 47,085  $ 367,874  $ 24,870  $ 390,036  $ 3,193  (1)The 2018 Term Loan has a blended rate of 1.872% which includes the impact of the interest rate swap entered into on August 4, 2020 which swapped $1.95 billion of notional value accruing interest at one month LIBOR plus 175 basis points for a fixed rate of 1.874% per annum through the maturity date of the 2018 Term Loan. Excluding the impact of the interest rate swap, the 2018 Term Loan was accruing interest at 1.860% as of December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 21 for more information on the Company’s interest rate swap.(2)The 2014-1C Tower Securities, which was repaid September 13, 2019, accrued interest at 2.898%. The 2014-2C Tower Securities accrue interest at 3.869%.

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Share Repurchases	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Total number of shares purchased (in millions) (1) 1.9 3.1 2.0Average price paid per share (1) $ 309.79 $ 280.17 $ 231.87Total price paid (in millions) (1) $ 582.5 $ 856.0 $ 470.3Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company made the following share repurchases: Total number of shares purchased (in millions) (1) 1.0Average price paid per share (1) $ 334.40Total price paid (in millions) (1) $ 350.0(1)Amounts reflected are based on the trade date and differ from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows which reflects share repurchases based on the settlement date.
Schedule of Dividends Paid and Dividends Declared	‎ As of December 31, 2021, the Company paid the following cash dividends: Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close Cash Paid Aggregate Amount Date Declared of Business on Per Share Paid Date Paid February 19, 2021 March 10, 2021 $0.58 $63.4 million March 26, 2021April 26, 2021 May 20, 2021 $0.58 $63.4 million June 15, 2021August 1, 2021 August 26, 2021 $0.58 $63.6 million September 23, 2021November 1, 2021 November 18, 2021 $0.58 $63.1 million December 16, 2021 Dividends paid in 2021 and 2020 were ordinary taxable dividends.Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company declared the following cash dividends: Payable to Shareholders Cash to of Record at the Close be Paid Date Declared of Business on Per Share Date to be Paid February 27, 2022 March 10, 2022 $0.71 March 25, 2022

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options	For the year ended December 31, 2020 2019Risk free interest rate 1.66% 1.37% - 2.47%Dividend yield 1.3% 1.3%Expected volatility 20.4% 20.4%Expected lives 4.6 years 4.6 years
Summary of Stock Option Activity	Weighted Weighted Average Average Remaining Number Exercise Price Contractual Aggregate of Shares Per Share Life (in years) Intrinsic ValueOutstanding at December 31, 2018 4,816 $114.48 Granted 1,068 $183.42 Exercised (1,315) $103.47 Forfeited/canceled (62) $140.85 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,507 $133.68 Granted 10 $240.99 Exercised (1,287) $110.59 Forfeited/canceled (28) $168.11 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 3,202 $143.01 Exercised (1,290) $120.90 Forfeited/canceled (13) $179.67 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 1,899 $157.76 3.3 $ 439,006Exercisable at December 31, 2021 1,166 $146.40 2.9 $ 282,999Unvested at December 31, 2021 733 $175.86 3.9 $ 156,007
Additional Information Regarding Options Outstanding And Exercisable	Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average AverageRange Outstanding Contractual Life Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price (in thousands) (in years) (in thousands) $95.01 - $115.00 145 1.2 $97.90 144 $97.90$115.01 - $150.00 303 2.1 $116.20 303 $116.20$150.01 - $180.00 606 3.2 $156.54 389 $156.55$180.01 - $270.00 845 4.2 $183.77 330 $183.44 1,899 1,166
Summary of Activity of Options Outstanding not yet Vested	Weighted Average Number Fair Value of Shares Per Share (in thousands) Unvested as of December 31, 2020 1,502 $ 31.91Vested (756) $ 30.09Forfeited (13) $ 34.13Unvested as of December 31, 2021 733 $ 33.74
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Activity	RSUs PSUs (1) Weighted Average Weighted Average Number of Grant Date Fair Number of Grant Date Fair Shares Value per Share Shares Value per Share (in thousands) (in thousands) Outstanding at December 31, 2020 274 $ 206.48 148 $ 376.48Granted 107 $ 240.09 155 $ 236.72Vested (128) $ 187.32 — $ —Forfeited/canceled (10) $ 236.71 (5) $ 340.32Outstanding at December 31, 2021 243 $ 230.20 298 $ 304.46 (1)PSUs represent the target number of shares granted that are issuable at the end of the three year performance period. Fair value for a portion of the PSUs was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
Schedule of Non-Cash Compensation Expense	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Cost of revenues $ 2,483 $ 2,074 $ 2,034Selling, general and administrative 81,919 66,816 71,180Total cost of non-cash compensation included in income before provision for income taxes $ 84,402 $ 68,890 $ 73,214

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income (Loss) before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Domestic $ 265,636 $ 151,421 $ 133,046Foreign (13,072) (169,170) 53,843Total $ 252,564 $ (17,749) $ 186,889
Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	ts of the following components: For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Current provision: State $ 543 $ 753 $ 5,520Foreign 22,907 20,638 18,150Total current 23,450 21,391 23,670 Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes: Federal 20 (7,552) (3,306)State (2,730) (4,684) 1,952Foreign (9,516) (59,956) 13,138Change in valuation allowance 3,716 9,005 4,151Total deferred (8,510) (63,187) 15,935Total provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 14,940 $ (41,796) $ 39,605
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 (in thousands)Statutory federal expense $ 53,039 $ (3,727) $ 39,247Rate and permanent differences on non-U.S. earnings (1) 9,586 (7,531) 15,937State and local tax expense (1,539) (3,707) 7,578REIT adjustment (56,457) (35,539) (28,975)Permanent differences 6,105 (736) 18Other 490 439 1,649Valuation allowance 3,716 9,005 4,151Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 14,940 $ (41,796) $ 39,605 (1)This item includes the effect of foreign exchange rate changes which were previously shown on a separate line.
Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Asset and Liability	As of December 31, 2021 2020 (in thousands)Deferred tax assets: Net operating losses $ 56,445 $ 55,657Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences 11,601 9,813Accrued liabilities 8,890 6,561Non-cash compensation 11,637 20,128Operating lease liability 221,287 232,329Deferred revenue 4,646 2,846Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,512 3,017Currency translation 98,918 99,344Other 8,479 5,808Valuation allowance (66,134) (63,239)Total deferred tax assets, net (1) 357,281 372,264 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, equipment, and intangible basis differences (134,005) (145,328)Right-of-use asset (211,146) (223,366)Straight-line rents (19,054) (20,809)Deferred foreign withholding taxes (10,313) (9,796)Other (1,571) (1,532)Total deferred tax liabilities, net (1) $ (18,808) $ (28,567) (1)Of these amounts, $51,918 and $70,726 are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, $53,722 and $82,290 are included in Other assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Leasing Leasing Development Other Total For the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands)Revenues $ 1,681,372  $ 422,715  $ 204,747  $ — $ 2,308,834 Cost of revenues (1) 258,612  127,779  159,093  — 545,484 Operating profit 1,422,760  294,936  45,654  — 1,763,350 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 115,458  37,768  20,636  46,167  220,029 Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses 14,452  13,169  — — 27,621 Asset impairment and decommission costs 20,135  12,763  — 146  33,044 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 514,234  177,059  2,295  6,573  700,161 Operating income (loss) 758,481  54,177  22,723  (52,886) 782,495 Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) (529,931) (529,931)Income before income taxes 252,564 Cash capital expenditures (2) 1,249,075  135,591  2,563  6,269  1,393,498 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Revenues $ 1,558,311  $ 396,161  $ 128,666  $ — $ 2,083,138 Cost of revenues (1) 256,673  117,105  102,750  — 476,528 Operating profit 1,301,638  279,056  25,916  — 1,606,610 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 102,889  34,905  17,663  38,810  194,267 Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses 10,331  6,251  — — 16,582 Asset impairment and decommission costs 28,887  11,210  — — 40,097 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 539,399  174,073  2,356  6,142  721,970 Operating (loss) income 620,132  52,617  5,897  (44,952) 633,694 Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) (651,443) (651,443)Loss before income taxes (17,749)Cash capital expenditures (2) 303,366  89,762  1,752  6,191  401,071 For the year ended December 31, 2019 Revenues $ 1,487,108  $ 373,750  $ 153,787  $ — $ 2,014,645 Cost of revenues (1) 258,413  115,538  119,080  — 493,031 Operating profit 1,228,695  258,212  34,707  — 1,521,614 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 99,707  32,411  21,525  39,074  192,717 Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses 7,933  7,295  — — 15,228 Asset impairment and decommission costs 24,202  8,899  2  — 33,103 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 527,718  161,183  2,341  5,836  697,078 Operating income (loss) 569,135  48,424  10,839  (44,910) 583,488 Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) (396,599) (396,599)Income before income taxes 186,889 Cash capital expenditures (2) 287,793  635,728  3,900  4,271  931,692  Domestic Site Int'l Site Site Leasing Leasing Development Other (3) Total Assets (in thousands)As of December 31, 2021 $ 6,628,156  $ 2,870,503  $ 87,410  $ 215,630  $ 9,801,699 As of December 31, 2020 $ 5,893,636  $ 2,955,563  $ 61,729  $ 247,090  $ 9,158,018  (1)Excludes depreciation, amortization, and accretion.(2)Includes cash paid for capital expenditures, acquisitions, and right-of-use assets.(3)Assets in Other consist primarily of general corporate assets and short-term investments.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding used in Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019Numerator: Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation $ 237,624 $ 24,104 $ 146,991Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 109,328 111,532 112,809Dilutive impact of stock options, RSUs, and PSUs 1,849 1,933 1,884Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 111,177 113,465 114,693Net income per common share attributable to SBA Communications Corporation: Basic $ 2.17 $ 0.22 $ 1.30Diluted $ 2.14 $ 0.21 $ 1.28

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Annual Minimum Lease Payments	Finance Leases Operating Leases2022 $ 1,792 $ 244,4942023 1,356 245,9742024 614 246,4352025 216 246,2462026 — 245,191Thereafter — 2,261,587Total minimum lease payments 3,978 3,489,927Less: amount representing interest (171) (1,273,884)Present value of future payments 3,807 2,216,043Less: current obligations (1,693) (236,804)Long-term obligations $ 2,114 $ 1,979,239
Annual Minimum Lease Income	(in thousands)2022 $ 1,851,3262023 1,728,7492024 1,568,0902025 1,299,8022026 966,301Thereafter 2,392,701Total $ 9,806,969

Concentration of Credit Risk (T

Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Concentration of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Customers and Percentage of Total Revenue for Specified Time Periods Derived from such Customers	The following is a list of significant customers (representing at least 10% of revenue for any period reported) and the percentage of total revenue for the specified time periods derived from such customers: For the year ended December 31, Percentage of Total Revenues 2021 2020 2019 T-Mobile (1) 36.2% 34.5% 35.1%AT&T Wireless 22.2% 24.1% 23.8%Verizon Wireless 14.7% 14.1% 14.0%(1)Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint on April 1, 2020. The Company’s site leasing and site development segments derive revenue from these customers. Client percentages of total revenue in each of the segments are as follows: For the year ended December 31, Percentage of Domestic Site Leasing Revenue 2021 2020 2019 T-Mobile (1) 40.2% 40.5% 40.6%AT&T Wireless 30.5% 32.2% 32.1%Verizon Wireless 19.8% 18.5% 18.6% For the year ended December 31, Percentage of International Site Leasing Revenue 2021 2020 2019 Oi S.A. 28.3% 28.7% 31.3%Telefonica 16.3% 18.1% 26.9%Claro 13.7% 14.5% 11.6%(1)Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint on April 1, 2020. For the year ended December 31, Percentage of Site Development Revenue 2021 2020 2019 T-Mobile (1) 78.2% 66.8% 67.5%(1)Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint on April 1, 2020.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Components of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	December 31, December 31, 2021 2020 Beginning balance $ 15,194 $ 16,052Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — (57)Foreign currency translation adjustments — (52)Purchase of noncontrolling interests (18,000) —Contribution from joint venture partner 17,250 —Adjustment to fair value 2,806 (749)Ending balance $ 17,250 $ 15,194

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations	For the year ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Cash Flow Hedge - Interest Rate Swap Agreement (in thousands)Change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ 48,200  $ (128,086) $ 16,887 Amount recognized in Non-cash interest expense $ — $ (6,707) $ (878) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements Amount recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ — — (60,462)Amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net into Non-cash interest expense $ 44,887  $ 29,315  $ 1,444

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 2021 2021 2021 2021 (in thousands, except per share amounts)Revenues $ 595,262 $ 589,305 $ 575,528 $ 548,739Operating income 197,376 211,776 199,764 173,579Depreciation, accretion, and amortization (169,895) (170,916) (175,469) (183,881)Net income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corporation 48,902 47,798 152,669 (11,745) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.45 $ 0.44 $ 1.40 $ (0.11)Net income (loss) per common share - diluted 0.44 0.43 1.37 (0.11) Quarter Ended December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, 2020 2020 2020 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts)Revenues $ 535,905 $ 522,940 $ 507,226 $ 517,067Operating income 165,100 160,337 157,054 151,203Depreciation, accretion, and amortization (180,383) (180,302) (178,706) (182,579)Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation 105,781 22,568 22,813 (127,058) Net income per common share - basic $ 0.96 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ (1.14)Net income per common share - diluted 0.94 0.20 0.20 (1.14)

General (Narrative) (Details)

General (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021item
Company owned tower sites	34,177
Domestic [Member]
Company owned tower sites	17,356
International [Member]
Company owned tower sites	16,821
Brazil [Member]
Company owned tower sites	9,955

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 04, 2022USD ($)item	Mar. 01, 2022USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of investments			$ 0	$ 0
Interest cost capitalized			$ 500,000	600,000	$ 700,000
Intangible assets, useful life			15 years
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets			$ 33,000,000	40,100,000	33,100,000
Asset retirement obligation			53,600,000	30,900,000
Accounts receivable, net			101,950,000	74,088,000
Unamortized deferred lease costs			2,900,000	1,200,000	1,800,000
Amortization expense			1,400,000	1,300,000	1,400,000
Deferred lease costs			6,300,000	4,800,000
Loss on remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated intercompany loan			(44,300,000)	(145,600,000)	$ 9,000,000
Payments on intercompany loans			149,900,000
Intercompany foreign currency outstanding balance			$ 872,900,000	909,800,000
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, useful life			1 year
Fixed rent escalation			2.00%
Operating lease term			5 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Business acquisitions period after closing date to determine additional adjustments			1 year
Acquired intangible assets, useful life			3 years
Fixed rent escalation			3.00%
Operating lease term			10 years
Site Development Revenue [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net			$ 24,600,000	$ 14,300,000
Segment Concentration Risk [Member] | Domestic Site Leasing [Member] | Revenue [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			91.00%
Segment Concentration Risk [Member] | Site Development Revenue [Member] | Revenue [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			9.00%
Exclusive Right to Lease and Operate Utility Transmission Structures [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of utility transmission structures acquired | item			713
Consideration transferred			$ 972,000,000
Finance lease term			70 years
Subsequent Event [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Consideration transferred		$ 137,100,000
Number of communication sites acquired | item		371
Subsequent Event [Member] | Airtel Tanzania [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 176,100,000
Number of communication sites acquired | item	1,445
Subsequent Event [Member] | Airtel Tanzania [Member] | Initially Recorded in Acquired and Other Right-of-use Assets, Net [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of communication sites acquired | item	482

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Asset Classes and Related Estimated Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Towers and Related Components [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Towers and Related Components [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	7 years
Data Centers, Buildings, and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Data Centers, Buildings, and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	30 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 15,693	$ 21,202	$ 23,880
Provision for doubtful accounts	440	620	155
Write-offs	(1,597)	(23)	(1,455)
Recoveries	(1,947)	(3,524)	(2,296)
Acquisitions			1,193
Currency translation adjustment	(454)	(2,582)	(275)
Ending balance	$ 12,135	$ 15,693	$ 21,202
Oi S.A. [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage reduction in accounts receivable due to customer reorganization plan	10.00%
Number of annual installment payments | item	4

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Right-of-use Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Current operating lease liabilities	$ 236,804	$ 234,605
Current financing lease liabilities	1,693	1,432
Current lease liabilities	238,497	236,037
Long-term operating lease liabilities	1,979,239	2,092,353
Long-term financing lease liabilities	2,114	2,010
Long-term lease liabilities	$ 1,981,353	$ 2,094,363

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Components of Lease Cost, Lease Term, and Discount Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 13,483	$ 1,485
Interest on finance lease liabilities	118	135
Total finance lease cost	13,601	1,620
Operating lease cost	260,690	260,619
Variable lease cost	49,176	42,654
Total lease cost	$ 323,467	$ 304,893
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases	14 years 4 months 24 days	16 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Finance leases	68 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate: Operating leases	5.60%	5.90%
Weighted Average Discount Rate: Finance leases	2.90%	3.40%
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities: Cash flows from operating leases	$ 242,567	$ 237,747
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities: Cash flows from finance leases	$ 1,734	$ 1,485

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments	$ 47.9	$ 57.6
Purchase and sale of short-term investments	0.8	0.7
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	$ 1,700	$ 1,200	$ 600
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	1.125%
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	1.50%

Fair Value Measurements (Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary of Asset Impairment and Decommission Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Asset impairment	$ 24,813	$ 31,552	$ 18,794
Write-off of carrying value of decommissioned towers	6,349	7,456	11,155
Other (including third party decommission costs)	1,882	1,089	3,154
Total asset impairment and decommission costs	$ 33,044	$ 40,097	$ 33,103

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R_3

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Surety, Payment and Performance Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$ 42,300,000	$ 41,800,000
Collateral	0	0
Workers Compensation Policy [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Collateral	$ 2,300,000	$ 2,300,000

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and R_4

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 367,278	$ 308,560	$ 108,309
Restricted cash - current asset	65,561	31,671
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	435,626	342,808	141,120	$ 178,300
Securitization Escrow Accounts [Member] | Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash - current asset	64,764	31,507	30,046
Payment and Performance Bonds [Member] | Restricted Cash - Current Asset [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash - current asset	797	164	197
Surety Bonds and Workers Compensation [Member] | Other Assets - Noncurrent [Member]
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash - noncurrent asset	$ 2,787	$ 2,577	$ 2,568

Costs and Estimated Earnings _3

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Narrative) (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member] - Contract with Customer [Member] - customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of significant customers	8	8
Eight Largest Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	98.80%	99.40%

Costs and Estimated Earnings _4

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Summary of Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 75,967	$ 54,949
Estimated earnings	28,851	21,778
Billings to date	(61,628)	(43,725)
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 43,190	$ 33,002

Costs and Estimated Earnings _5

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$ 48,844	$ 34,796
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts (included in Other current liabilities)	(5,654)	(1,794)
Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 43,190	$ 33,002

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_3

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Schedule of Prepaid Expense and Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid real estate taxes	$ 3,331	$ 3,153
Prepaid taxes	11,096	8,121
Other current assets	16,386	12,601
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 30,813	$ 23,875

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu_4

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Other Assets (Schedule of Other Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset - long term	$ 357,281	$ 372,264
Long-term investments	47,900	57,600
Total other assets	575,644	477,992
Other Assets [Member]
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Line Items]
Straight-line rent receivable	348,519	321,816
Interest rate swap asset	60,324	12,123
Loan receivables	37,376	5,931
Deferred lease costs, net	6,345	4,788
Deferred tax asset - long term	51,918	53,722
Long-term investments	47,889	57,575
Other	23,273	22,037
Total other assets	$ 575,644	$ 477,992

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 04, 2022USD ($)item	Mar. 01, 2022USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)item
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers acquired | item			991	233	2,443
Performance targets, maximum potential obligation			$ 11.6	$ 35
Exclusive Right to Lease and Operate Utility Transmission Structures [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred			$ 972
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of towers acquired | item			278	233	2,443
Property and equipment			$ 26.1	$ 30.1	$ 90.8
Intangible assets			135.8	218.1	715.5
Operating leases right-of-use assets, net			18.6
Other net assets and liabilities assumed			$ 0.8	$ 66.8	$ 32.8
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred		$ 137.1
Number of communication sites acquired | item		371
Subsequent Event [Member] | Airtel Tanzania [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 176.1
Number of communication sites acquired | item	1,445
Subsequent Event [Member] | Airtel Tanzania [Member] | Legal Title Fully Transferred [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communication sites acquired | item	963
Subsequent Event [Member] | Airtel Tanzania [Member] | Initially Recorded in Acquired and Other Right-of-use Assets, Net [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communication sites acquired | item	482

Acquisitions (Schedule of Acqui

Acquisitions (Schedule of Acquisition Activity) (Details) - item	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Tower acquisitions (number of towers)	991	233	2,443

Acquisitions (Schedule of Acq_2

Acquisitions (Schedule of Acquisition Capital Expenditures) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions of towers and related intangible assets	$ 77,100	$ 274,752	$ 181,473	$ 701,471
Acquisition of right-of-use assets		950,536
Land buyouts and other assets		32,416	89,945	72,486
Total cash acquisition capital expenditures		1,257,704	271,418	773,957
Acquisition costs paid through the issuance of common stock				1,700
Ground lease extensions		$ 16,300	$ 12,300	15,200
Exclusive Right to Lease and Operate Utility Transmission Structures [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of utility transmission structures acquired | item		713
Consideration transferred		$ 972,000
Finance lease term		70 years
Additional Interest In Unconsolidated Joint Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred				$ 72,000
Acquisitions of Towers and Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock issued for acquisition costs | shares				10,000

Property and Equipment, Net (Na

Property and Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 271,800	$ 287,000	$ 281,600
Unpaid capital expenditures	$ 7,295	$ 6,073

Property and Equipment, Net (Pr

Property and Equipment, Net (Property and Equipment, Net (Including Assets Held Under Capital Leases)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 6,279,358	$ 6,123,966
Less: accumulated depreciation	(3,703,871)	(3,446,640)
Property and equipment, net	2,575,487	2,677,326
Towers and Related Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	5,323,803	5,213,019
Construction-In-Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	47,565	38,065
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	59,939	54,610
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 848,051	$ 818,272

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrati

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 411.9	$ 434.4	$ 415.2

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross a

Intangible Assets, Net (Gross and Net Carrying Amounts for each Major Class of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 6,674,067	$ 6,647,824
Accumulated amortization	(3,870,820)	(3,491,674)
Net book value	2,803,247	3,156,150
Current Contract Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,890,427	4,876,880
Accumulated amortization	(2,749,594)	(2,471,438)
Net book value	2,140,833	2,405,442
Network Location Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,783,640	1,770,944
Accumulated amortization	(1,121,226)	(1,020,236)
Net book value	$ 662,414	$ 750,708

Intangible Assets, Net (Estimat

Intangible Assets, Net (Estimated Future Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
2022	$ 389,663
2023	366,131
2024	337,060
2025	327,352
2026	$ 312,279

Accrued Expenses (Schedule of A

Accrued Expenses (Schedule of Accrued Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Salaries and benefits	$ 24,962	$ 20,958
Real estate and property taxes	8,336	9,583
Unpaid capital expenditures	7,295	6,073
Other	27,477	26,417
Total accrued expenses	$ 68,070	$ 63,031

Debt (Terms of The Senior Credi

Debt (Terms of The Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to annualized borrower EBITDA ratio	6.5
Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to annualized borrower EBITDA ratio	6.5
Debt and net hedge exposure to annualized borrower EBITDA	6.5
Consecutive trading days | item	30
Annualized borrower EBITDA to annualized cash interest expense	2
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity | $	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maturity date	Jul. 7, 2026

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility

Debt (Revolving Credit Facility under the Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of revolving credit facility		$ 1,965,000,000	$ 1,005,000,000	$ 590,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,500,000,000			$ 1,250,000,000
Revolving credit facility, maturity date		Jul. 7, 2026
Borrowings on the revolving credit facility		$ 1,900,000
Repayments of revolving credit facility		2,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding		$ 350,000,000
Revolving credit facility, effective interest rate		1.516%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings on the revolving credit facility	$ 210,000,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding	$ 560,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		1.125%
Line of credit facility, commitment fee		0.15%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		1.125%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		0.125%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		1.50%
Line of credit facility, commitment fee		0.25%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		1.50%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate		0.50%

Debt (Term Loan under the Senio

Debt (Term Loan under the Senior Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 11, 2018	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Aug. 04, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount		$ 12,396,000,000	$ 11,180,000,000
2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 2,400,000,000	$ 2,316,000,000	$ 2,340,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Apr. 11, 2025
Percentage of par value price for issuance of term loan	99.75%
Accruing interest rate during the period		1.86%
Quarterly payments		$ 6,000,000
Financing fees	$ 16,800,000
Repayment of term loans		24,000,000
Debt instrument, principal balance		2,300,000,000
2018 Term Loan [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount				$ 1,950,000,000
2018 Term Loan [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 1,950,000,000		$ 1,950,000,000
Derivative fixed interest rate		1.874%		1.874%
Base Rate [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	1.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative basis spread on variable interest rate		1.75%		1.75%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.00%

Debt (Secured Tower Revenue Sec

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

Nov. 08, 2021USD ($)

May 14, 2021USD ($)

Jul. 14, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 13, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)site

Oct. 27, 2021USD ($)

Oct. 14, 2021USD ($)

May 04, 2021USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 09, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 17, 2017USD ($)

Aug. 15, 2016USD ($)

Jul. 07, 2016USD ($)

Oct. 14, 2015USD ($)

Oct. 15, 2014USD ($)

Apr. 18, 2013USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 12,396,000,000

$ 11,180,000,000

Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Property management fee percentage

4.50%

U.S. Treasury rate term

10 years

Additional interest rate for non-compliance

5.00%

Interest added to Treasury rate and credit-based spread for non-compliance

5.00%

Tower Securities 2017-1C, 2018-1C, 2019-1C, 2020-1C, 2021-1C and 2021-2C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

No prepayment consideration period

12 months

Tower Securities 2014-2C, 2020-2C and 2021-3C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

No prepayment consideration period

18 months

2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 575,000,000

$ 575,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.722%

3.722%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 11, 2023

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Apr. 9, 2048

Financing fees

$ 11,000,000

Net deferred finance costs expensed

$ 2,000,000

2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 920,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.898%

Debt instrument, blended interest rate

2.898%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 8, 2019

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Oct. 11, 2044

Net deferred finance costs expensed

$ 400,000

2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 620,000,000

$ 620,000,000

$ 620,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.869%

Debt instrument, blended interest rate

3.869%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 8, 2024

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Oct. 8, 2049

Financing fees

$ 9,000,000

2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 500,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.156%

3.156%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 8, 2020

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Oct. 10, 2045

Financing fees

$ 11,500,000

Net deferred finance costs expensed

$ 600,000

Debt service coverage ratio

2

Term required to maintain reserve if debt service coverage ratio is exceeded

2 months

Repayments of long-term debt

500,000,000

2016-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 700,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.877%

2.877%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jul. 9, 2021

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Jul. 10, 2046

Financing fees

$ 9,500,000

Net deferred finance costs expensed

2,000,000

Repayments of long-term debt

700,000,000

2017-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 760,000,000

$ 760,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.168%

3.168%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 11, 2022

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Apr. 9, 2047

Financing fees

$ 10,200,000

Net deferred finance costs expensed

$ 2,000,000

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 760,000,000

2017-1R Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 40,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.459%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 11, 2022

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Apr. 9, 2047

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 40,000,000

2018-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 640,000,000

640,000,000

$ 640,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.448%

3.448%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Mar. 9, 2023

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Mar. 9, 2048

Financing fees

$ 8,600,000

2018-1R Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 33,700,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.949%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Mar. 9, 2023

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Mar. 9, 2048

2019-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 1,165,000,000

$ 1,165,000,000

1,165,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.836%

2.836%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jan. 12, 2025

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Jan. 12, 2050

Financing fees

$ 12,800,000

2020-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 750,000,000

$ 750,000,000

750,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

1.884%

1.884%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jan. 9, 2026

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Jul. 11, 2050

2020-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 600,000,000

$ 600,000,000

600,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.328%

2.328%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jan. 11, 2028

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Jul. 9, 2052

2020 Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 1,350,000,000

Financing fees

$ 14,300,000

Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate

2.081%

Weighted average life of debt instrument through the anticipated repayment date

6 years 4 months 24 days

2020-2R Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 71,100,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.336%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jan. 11, 2028

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Jul. 9, 2052

2021-1C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 1,165,000,000

$ 1,165,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

1.631%

1.631%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Nov. 9, 2026

Debt instrument, final maturity date

May 9, 2051

Financing fees

$ 12,700,000

2021-1R Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 61,400,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

3.625%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Nov. 9, 2026

Debt instrument, final maturity date

May 9, 2051

2021-2C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 895,000,000

$ 895,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

1.84%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Apr. 9, 2027

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Oct. 10, 2051

2021-3C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 895,000,000

895,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

2.593%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 9, 2031

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Oct. 10, 2056

2021- 2C & 3C Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

1,790,000,000

Financing fees

18,300,000

Debt instrument, weighted average interest rate

2.217%

Weighted average life of debt instrument through the anticipated repayment date

7 years 9 months 18 days

2016 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 1,100,000,000

$ 1,100,000,000

$ 1,100,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.875%

4.875%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Sep. 1, 2024

Financing fees

$ 12,800,000

Write-off of deferred financing fees

$ 10,300,000

Mortgage Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, increase

3,000,000,000

Debt instrument, increase after giving effect to prepayment of loan components

1,700,000

Debt instrument, principal balance

$ 6,700,000,000

2021-3R Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 94,300,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.09%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Oct. 9, 2031

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Oct. 10, 2056

SBA Guarantor, LLC [Member] | 2019-1R Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, principal amount

$ 61,400,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.213%

Debt instrument, maturity date

Jan. 12, 2025

Debt instrument, final maturity date

Jan. 12, 2050

Minimum [Member] | Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate number of tower sites owned by Borrowers | site

9,902

Excess Cash Flow Reserve [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt service coverage ratio

1.30

Amortization Period Prepay [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Tower Securities [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt service coverage ratio

1.15

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative)

Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 08, 2021	Feb. 11, 2021	Jan. 29, 2021	May 26, 2020	Feb. 20, 2020	Feb. 04, 2020	Aug. 15, 2016	Jul. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Oct. 13, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount									$ 12,396,000,000	$ 11,180,000,000
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount								$ 750,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date									Jul. 15, 2022
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage								4.875%	4.875%
Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes								99.178%
Financing fees								$ 11,600,000
Repayments of unsecured debt					$ 750,000,000	$ 750,000,000
Debt call premium					9,100,000
Write-off of deferred financing fees					$ 7,700,000
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount							$ 1,100,000,000		$ 1,100,000,000	1,100,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date									Sep. 1, 2024
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage							4.875%		4.875%
Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes							99.178%
Financing fees							$ 12,800,000
Repayments of unsecured debt	$ 1,100,000,000
Debt call premium	13,400,000
Write-off of deferred financing fees	$ 10,300,000
2020-1 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes						$ 1,000,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date									Feb. 15, 2027
2020-2 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes				$ 500,000,000
Percentage of face value price for issuance of senior notes				99.50%
2020 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount									$ 1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date									Feb. 15, 2027
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						3.875%			3.875%
Interest payable dates									February 15 and August 15
Financing fees						$ 18,000,000
Redemption period									Feb. 15, 2023
Aggregate redemption price, percentage									35.00%
Redemption price, percentage									103.875%
2020 Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period									Feb. 15, 2023
Redemption price, percentage									101.938%
2020 Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period									Feb. 15, 2024
Redemption price, percentage									100.969%
2020 Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period									Feb. 15, 2025
Redemption price, percentage									100.00%
2021 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes			$ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, principal amount									$ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date									Feb. 1, 2029
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			3.125%						3.125%
Interest payable dates									February 1 and August 1
Financing fees			$ 14,600,000
Redemption period									Feb. 1, 2024
Aggregate redemption price, percentage			35.00%
Redemption price, percentage			103.125%
2021 Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period									Feb. 1, 2024
Redemption price, percentage									101.563%
2021 Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period									Feb. 1, 2025
Redemption price, percentage									100.781%
2021 Senior Notes [Member] | Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period									Feb. 1, 2026
Redemption price, percentage									100.00%
2017 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount										$ 750,000,000	$ 750,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date									Oct. 1, 2022
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage									4.00%		4.00%
Repayments of unsecured debt		$ 750,000,000	$ 750,000,000
Debt call premium		7,500,000
Write-off of deferred financing fees		$ 4,200,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of indebtedness to annualized consolidated adjusted EBITDA									9.5

Debt (Schedule of Principal Val

Debt (Schedule of Principal Values, Fair Values, and Carrying Values of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 01, 2022	Oct. 27, 2021	May 04, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jul. 14, 2020	Sep. 13, 2019	Apr. 11, 2018	Mar. 09, 2018	Oct. 13, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Aug. 15, 2016	Oct. 15, 2014	Apr. 18, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Balance	$ 12,396,000,000				$ 11,180,000,000
Fair Value	12,386,665,000				11,428,029,000
Carrying Value	12,302,694,000				11,095,796,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(24,000,000)				(24,000,000)
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities	$ 12,278,694,000				11,071,796,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jul. 7, 2026
Principal Balance	$ 350,000,000				380,000,000
Fair Value	350,000,000				380,000,000
Carrying Value	350,000,000				380,000,000
Line of credit facility, outstanding	$ 350,000,000
2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 11, 2025
Principal Balance	$ 2,316,000,000				2,340,000,000			$ 2,400,000,000
Fair Value	2,289,945,000				2,310,750,000
Carrying Value	$ 2,304,697,000				2,325,391,000
2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 11, 2023
Principal Balance					575,000,000									$ 575,000,000
Fair Value					599,662,000
Carrying Value					572,063,000
2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 8, 2024
Principal Balance	$ 620,000,000				620,000,000								$ 620,000,000
Fair Value	641,793,000				670,003,000
Carrying Value	$ 617,095,000				616,131,000
2017-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 11, 2022
Principal Balance					760,000,000						$ 760,000,000
Fair Value					774,410,000
Carrying Value					757,165,000
2018-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 9, 2023
Principal Balance	$ 640,000,000				640,000,000				$ 640,000,000
Fair Value	650,163,000				671,341,000
Carrying Value	$ 637,812,000				636,045,000
2019-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jan. 12, 2025
Principal Balance	$ 1,165,000,000				1,165,000,000		$ 1,165,000,000
Fair Value	1,174,728,000				1,218,613,000
Carrying Value	$ 1,157,446,000				1,155,106,000
2020-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jan. 9, 2026
Principal Balance	$ 750,000,000				750,000,000	$ 750,000,000
Fair Value	746,498,000				752,910,000
Carrying Value	$ 744,052,000				742,782,000
2020-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jan. 11, 2028
Principal Balance	$ 600,000,000				600,000,000	$ 600,000,000
Fair Value	605,268,000				597,840,000
Carrying Value	$ 594,774,000				594,081,000
2021-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Nov. 9, 2026
Principal Balance	$ 1,165,000,000			$ 1,165,000,000
Fair Value	1,144,846,000
Carrying Value	$ 1,153,700,000
2021-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 9, 2027
Principal Balance	$ 895,000,000		$ 895,000,000
Fair Value	883,213,000
Carrying Value	$ 886,116,000
2021-3C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 9, 2031
Principal Balance	$ 895,000,000		$ 895,000,000
Fair Value	902,446,000
Carrying Value	$ 885,976,000
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Sep. 1, 2024
Principal Balance	$ 1,100,000,000				1,100,000,000							$ 1,100,000,000
Fair Value					1,127,500,000
Carrying Value					1,088,924,000
2017 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 1, 2022
Principal Balance					750,000,000					$ 750,000,000
Fair Value					757,500,000
Carrying Value					746,642,000
2020 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Feb. 15, 2027
Principal Balance	$ 1,500,000,000				1,500,000,000
Fair Value	1,550,790,000				1,567,500,000
Carrying Value	$ 1,484,178,000				$ 1,481,466,000
2021 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Feb. 1, 2029
Principal Balance	$ 1,500,000,000
Fair Value	1,446,975,000
Carrying Value	$ 1,486,848,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, outstanding		$ 560,000,000

Debt (Schedule of Future Princi

Debt (Schedule of Future Principal Payment Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Debt [Abstract]
2022	$ 24,000
2023	664,000
2024	644,000
2025	3,409,000
2026	$ 2,265,000

Debt (Schedule of Cash and Non-

Debt (Schedule of Cash and Non-Cash Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	May 14, 2021	Jan. 29, 2021	Aug. 04, 2020	Jul. 14, 2020	Feb. 04, 2020	Sep. 13, 2019	Mar. 09, 2018	Oct. 13, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Aug. 15, 2016	Jul. 07, 2016	Oct. 14, 2015	Oct. 15, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Apr. 18, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	$ 352,919	$ 367,874	$ 390,036
Non-cash Interest	$ 47,085	24,870	3,193
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	1.516%
Cash Interest	$ 6,414	6,070	7,085
2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	1.872%
Cash Interest	$ 44,342	68,963	105,021
Non-cash Interest	$ 45,756	23,452	1,338
Blended rate	1.86%
Accruing interest rate	1.86%
2018 Term Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Blended rate	1.872%
2013-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.722%																	3.722%
Cash Interest	$ 17,027	21,584	21,584
2014 Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.869%
Cash Interest	$ 24,185	24,185	43,055
2015-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.156%														3.156%
Cash Interest		8,589	15,939
2016-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	2.877%													2.877%
Cash Interest		10,972	20,361
2017-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.168%											3.168%
Cash Interest	$ 9,201	24,354	24,354
2018-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.448%									3.448%
Cash Interest	$ 22,281	22,281	22,281
2019-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	2.836%								2.836%
Cash Interest	$ 33,428	33,428	10,029
2020-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	1.884%						1.884%
Cash Interest	$ 14,391	6,675
2020-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	2.328%						2.328%
Cash Interest	$ 14,159	6,568
2021-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	1.631%			1.631%
Cash Interest	$ 12,255
2021-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	1.84%
Cash Interest	$ 2,982
2021-3C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	2.593%
Cash Interest	$ 4,176
2014 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	4.875%																4.875%
Cash Interest		3,352	36,563
Non-cash Interest		112	800
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	4.875%												4.875%
Cash Interest	$ 44,092	53,625	53,625
Non-cash Interest	$ 990	1,109	1,055
2017 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	4.00%										4.00%
Cash Interest	$ 2,333	30,000	30,000
2020 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.875%							3.875%
Cash Interest	$ 58,125	46,769
Non-cash Interest	$ 339	197
2021 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021	3.125%				3.125%
Cash Interest	$ 43,229
Capitalized Interest And Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Interest	299	$ 459	$ 139
2014-1C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021																2.898%
Accruing interest rate		2.898%
2014-2C Tower Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rates as of March 31, 2021																3.869%
Accruing interest rate		3.869%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 1,950,000					$ 1,950,000
Derivative fixed interest rate	1.874%					1.874%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative basis spread on variable interest rate	1.75%					1.75%

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 01, 2022	Oct. 28, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Aug. 06, 2020	Dec. 31, 2007
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares registered	400,000,000			400,000,000	3,400,000
Class A Common Stock [Member] | November 16, 2007 Registration Statement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares registered						4,000,000
Shares reclassified as authorized and unissued	1,200,000
Class A Common Stock [Member] | March 5, 2018 Registration Statement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Securities issued	0			0
2020 Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares registered					3,000,000
2010 Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares registered					400,000
New Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization		$ 586.4
New Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized			$ 1,000
Prior Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorization			$ 125.1

Shareholders' Equity (Summary o

Shareholders' Equity (Summary of Share Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total number of shares purchased (in millions)		1.9	3.1	2
Average price paid per share		$ 309.79	$ 280.17	$ 231.87
Total price paid (in millions)		$ 582.5	$ 856	$ 470.3
Subsequent Event [Member]
Total number of shares purchased (in millions)	1
Average price paid per share	$ 334.40
Total price paid (in millions)	$ 350

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of Dividends Paid and Dividends Declared) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
February 19, 2021 [Member]
Date Declared		Feb. 19, 2021
Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close of Business on		Mar. 10, 2021
Cash Paid Per Share		$ 0.58
Aggregate Amount Paid		$ 63.4
Date Paid/Date to be Paid		Mar. 26, 2021
April 26, 2021 [Member]
Date Declared		Apr. 26, 2021
Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close of Business on		May 20, 2021
Cash Paid Per Share		$ 0.58
Aggregate Amount Paid		$ 63.4
Date Paid/Date to be Paid		Jun. 15, 2021
August 1, 2021 [Member]
Date Declared		Aug. 1, 2021
Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close of Business on		Aug. 26, 2021
Cash Paid Per Share		$ 0.58
Aggregate Amount Paid		$ 63.6
Date Paid/Date to be Paid		Sep. 23, 2021
October 31, 2021 [Member]
Date Declared		Nov. 1, 2021
Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close of Business on		Nov. 18, 2021
Cash Paid Per Share		$ 0.58
Aggregate Amount Paid		$ 63.1
Date Paid/Date to be Paid		Dec. 16, 2021
Subsequent Event [Member]
Date Declared	Feb. 27, 2022
Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close of Business on	Mar. 10, 2022
Cash to be Paid Per Share	$ 0.71
Date Paid/Date to be Paid	Mar. 25, 2022

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 23, 2018	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	May 14, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in period		0	10,000	1,068,000
Forfeiture period once employment has ended		90 days
Accelerated compensation cost				$ 18,500
Weighted-average fair value of options granted			$ 41.09	$ 33.99
Total intrinsic value for options exercised		$ 287,800	$ 235,000	$ 132,800
Cash received from option exercises		80,300	142,500	136,000
Tax benefit realized from stock option exercises		$ 11,400	16,900	10,200
Share price		$ 389.02
Total fair value of shares vested		$ 22,700	28,800	26,500
Non-cash compensation expense		84,402	68,890	73,214
Non-cash compensation capitalized to fixed and intangible assets		1,400	1,500	1,100
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options		$ 5,300
Weighted average period to recognize cost		1 year 1 month 6 days
Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Performance period		3 years
2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares remaining available for future issuance under the plan		209,731
Non-cash compensation expense		$ 1,100	$ 1,100	$ 1,000
2018 Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares remaining available for future issuance under the plan	300,000
Percentage of purchase plan price per share equal to the fair market value	85.00%
Class A common stock issued under the purchase plan		25,031	25,058
Cash proceeds from issuance of shares under the purchase plan		$ 6,400	$ 6,100
2020 Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum issuance of shares					3,000,000
Shares remaining available for future issuance under the plan		2,800,000
Minimum [Member] | Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance metric, target amount, percentage		0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance metric, target amount, percentage		200.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Assumptions used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Risk free interest rate, Minimum	1.66%	1.37%
Risk free interest rate, Maximum		2.47%
Dividend yield	1.30%	1.30%
Expected volatility	20.40%	20.40%
Expected lives	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 7 months 6 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Summa

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2020	3,202,000	4,507,000	4,816,000
Number of Shares, Granted	0	10,000	1,068,000
Number of Shares, Exercised	(1,290,000)	(1,287,000)	(1,315,000)
Number of Shares, Forfeited/canceled	(13,000)	(28,000)	(62,000)
Number of Shares, Outstanding at September 30, 2021	1,899,000	3,202,000	4,507,000
Number of Shares, Exercisable at September 30, 2021	1,166,000
Number of Shares, Unvested at September 30, 2021	733,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding at December 31, 2020	$ 143.01	$ 133.68	$ 114.48
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted		240.99	183.42
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	120.90	110.59	103.47
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited/canceled	179.67	168.11	140.85
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding at September 30, 2021	157.76	$ 143.01	$ 133.68
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable at September 30, 2021	146.40
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Unvested at September 30, 2021	$ 175.86
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Outstanding at September 30, 2021	3 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Exercisable at September 30, 2021	2 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years), Unvested at September 30, 2021	3 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at September 30, 2021	$ 439,006
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at September 30, 2021	282,999
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Unvested at September 30, 2021	$ 156,007

Stock-Based Compensation (Addit

Stock-Based Compensation (Additional Information Regarding Options Outstanding And Exercisable) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares | shares	1,899
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares | shares	1,166
$95.01 - $115.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	$ 95.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$ 115
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares | shares	145
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 97.90
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares | shares	144
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 97.90
$115.01 - $150.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	115.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$ 150
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares | shares	303
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 116.20
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares | shares	303
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 116.20
$150.01 - $180.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	150.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$ 180
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares | shares	606
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 156.54
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares | shares	389
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 156.55
$180.01 - $270.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower limit	180.01
Exercise price range, upper limit	$ 270
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares | shares	845
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 183.77
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares | shares	330
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 183.44

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Activity of Options Outstanding not yet Vested) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of Shares, Unvested as of December 31, 2020 | shares	1,502
Number of Shares, Vested | shares	(756)
Number of Shares, Forfeited | shares	(13)
Number of Shares, Unvested as of December 31, 2021 | shares	733
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Unvested as of December 31, 2020 | $ / shares	$ 31.91
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Vested | $ / shares	30.09
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Forfeited | $ / shares	34.13
Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Unvested as of December 31, 2021 | $ / shares	$ 33.74

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum_3

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | shares	274
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	107
Number of Shares, Vested | shares	(128)
Number of Shares, Forfeited/canceled | shares	(10)
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | shares	243
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ / shares	$ 206.48
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted | $ / shares	240.09
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested | $ / shares	187.32
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited/canceled | $ / shares	236.71
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | $ / shares	$ 230.20
Performance Stock Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | shares	148
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	155
Number of Shares, Vested | shares
Number of Shares, Forfeited/canceled | shares	(5)
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | shares	298
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ / shares	$ 376.48
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Granted | $ / shares	236.72
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Vested | $ / shares
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Forfeited/canceled | $ / shares	340.32
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share, Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | $ / shares	$ 304.46
Performance period	3 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Non-Cash Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total cost of non-cash compensation included in income before provision for income taxes	$ 84,402	$ 68,890	$ 73,214
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total cost of non-cash compensation included in income before provision for income taxes	2,483	2,074	2,034
Selling, General And Administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total cost of non-cash compensation included in income before provision for income taxes	$ 81,919	$ 66,816	$ 71,180

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%
Valuation allowance recognized	$ 66,134	$ 63,239
Net change in valuation allowance	2,900	(8,600)
Federal net operating loss carry-forward	790,300
Net foreign operating loss carry-forward	69,600
Net state operating tax loss carry-forward	441,600
Deferred foreign withholding taxes	10,313	$ 9,796
Real Estate Investment Trust [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss carry-forward	654,700
Expire Between 2025 and 2037 [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss carry-forward	748,800
Indefinite Carry-forward [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss carry-forward	$ 41,500
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carry-forward, expiration year	2025
Foreign and state operating tax loss carry forwards expiration date	2021
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carry-forward, expiration year	2037

Income Taxes (Income (Loss) bef

Income Taxes (Income (Loss) before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 265,636	$ 151,421	$ 133,046
Foreign	(13,072)	(169,170)	53,843
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 252,564	$ (17,749)	$ 186,889

Income Taxes (Components of Pro

Income Taxes (Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current provision:
State	$ 543	$ 753	$ 5,520
Foreign	22,907	20,638	18,150
Total current	23,450	21,391	23,670
Deferred provision (benefit) for taxes:
Federal	20	(7,552)	(3,306)
State	(2,730)	(4,684)	1,952
Foreign	(9,516)	(59,956)	13,138
Change in valuation allowance	3,716	9,005	4,151
Total deferred	(8,510)	(63,187)	15,935
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 14,940	$ (41,796)	$ 39,605

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate R

Income Taxes (Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory federal expense	$ 53,039	$ (3,727)	$ 39,247
Rate and permanent differences on non-U.S. earnings	9,586	(7,531)	15,937
State and local tax expense	(1,539)	(3,707)	7,578
REIT adjustment	(56,457)	(35,539)	(28,975)
Permanent differences	6,105	(736)	18
Other	490	439	1,649
Valuation allowance	3,716	9,005	4,151
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 14,940	$ (41,796)	$ 39,605

Income Taxes (Components of Net

Income Taxes (Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Asset and Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses	$ 56,445	$ 55,657
Property, equipment and intangible basis differences	11,601	9,813
Accrued liabilities	8,890	6,561
Non-cash compensation	11,637	20,128
Operating lease liability	221,287	232,329
Deferred revenue	4,646	2,846
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,512	3,017
Currency translation	98,918	99,344
Other	8,479	5,808
Valuation allowance	(66,134)	(63,239)
Total deferred tax assets, net	357,281	372,264
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, equipment and intangible basis differences	(134,005)	(145,328)
Right of use asset	(211,146)	(223,366)
Straight-line rents	(19,054)	(20,809)
Deferred foreign withholding taxes	(10,313)	(9,796)
Other	(1,571)	(1,532)
Total deferred tax liabilities, net	(18,808)	(28,567)
Other Assets [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Total deferred tax assets, net	51,918	53,722
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Total deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (70,726)	$ (82,290)

Segment Data (Narrative) (Detai

Segment Data (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of business segments | segment	2
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Site leasing	$ 2,104,087	$ 1,954,472	$ 1,860,858
Total assets	9,801,699	9,158,018
Brazil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Site leasing	233,500	222,600	$ 226,700
Total assets	$ 900	$ 1,000

Segment Data (Schedule of Segme

Segment Data (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 595,262	$ 589,305	$ 575,528	$ 548,739	$ 535,905	$ 522,940	$ 507,226	$ 517,067	$ 2,308,834	$ 2,083,138	$ 2,014,645
Cost of revenues									545,484	476,528	493,031
Operating profit									1,763,350	1,606,610	1,521,614
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									220,029	194,267	192,717
Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses									27,621	16,582	15,228
Asset impairment and decommission costs									33,044	40,097	33,103
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	169,895	170,916	175,469	183,881	180,383	180,302	178,706	182,579	700,161	721,970	697,078
Operating income	197,376	$ 211,776	$ 199,764	$ 173,579	165,100	$ 160,337	$ 157,054	$ 151,203	782,495	633,694	583,488
Other income (expense) (principally interest expense and other expense)									(529,931)	(651,443)	(396,599)
Income (loss) before income taxes									252,564	(17,749)	186,889
Cash capital expenditures									1,393,498	401,071	931,692
Assets	9,801,699				9,158,018				9,801,699	9,158,018
Domestic Site Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,681,372	1,558,311	1,487,108
Cost of revenues									258,612	256,673	258,413
Operating profit									1,422,760	1,301,638	1,228,695
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									115,458	102,889	99,707
Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses									14,452	10,331	7,933
Asset impairment and decommission costs									20,135	28,887	24,202
Depreciation, amortization and accretion									514,234	539,399	527,718
Operating income									758,481	620,132	569,135
Cash capital expenditures									1,249,075	303,366	287,793
Assets	6,628,156				5,893,636				6,628,156	5,893,636
International Site Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									422,715	396,161	373,750
Cost of revenues									127,779	117,105	115,538
Operating profit									294,936	279,056	258,212
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									37,768	34,905	32,411
Acquisition and new business initiatives related adjustments and expenses									13,169	6,251	7,295
Asset impairment and decommission costs									12,763	11,210	8,899
Depreciation, amortization and accretion									177,059	174,073	161,183
Operating income									54,177	52,617	48,424
Cash capital expenditures									135,591	89,762	635,728
Assets	2,870,503				2,955,563				2,870,503	2,955,563
Site Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									204,747	128,666	153,787
Cost of revenues									159,093	102,750	119,080
Operating profit									45,654	25,916	34,707
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									20,636	17,663	21,525
Asset impairment and decommission costs											2
Depreciation, amortization and accretion									2,295	2,356	2,341
Operating income									22,723	5,897	10,839
Cash capital expenditures									2,563	1,752	3,900
Assets	87,410				61,729				87,410	61,729
Not Identified by Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									46,167	38,810	39,074
Asset impairment and decommission costs									146
Depreciation, amortization and accretion									6,573	6,142	5,836
Operating income									(52,886)	(44,952)	(44,910)
Other income (expense) (principally interest expense and other expense)									(529,931)	(651,443)	(396,599)
Cash capital expenditures									6,269	6,191	$ 4,271
Assets	$ 215,630				$ 247,090				$ 215,630	$ 247,090

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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	$ 48,902	$ 47,798	$ 152,669	$ (11,745)	$ 105,781	$ 22,568	$ 22,813	$ (127,058)	$ 237,624	$ 24,104	$ 146,991
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding									109,328	111,532	112,809
Dilutive impact of stock options, RSUs, and PSUs									1,849	1,933	1,884
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding									111,177	113,465	114,693
Net income per common share attributable to SBA Communications Corporation:
Basic									$ 2.17	$ 0.22	$ 1.30
Diluted									$ 2.14	$ 0.21	$ 1.28

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Business acquisitions performance target period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Business acquisitions performance target period	3 years

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Annual Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finance Leases
2022	$ 1,792
2023	1,356
2024	614
2025	216
Total minimum lease payments	3,978
Less: amount representing interest	(171)
Present value of future payments	3,807
Less: current obligations	(1,693)	$ (1,432)
Long-term obligations	2,114	2,010
Operating Leases
2022	244,494
2023	245,974
2024	246,435
2025	246,246
2026	245,191
Thereafter	2,261,587
Total minimum lease payments	3,489,927
Less: amount representing interest	(1,273,884)
Present value of future payments	2,216,043
Less: current obligations	(236,804)	(234,605)
Long-term obligations	$ 1,979,239	$ 2,092,353

Commitments and Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies (Annual Minimum Lease Income) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
2022	$ 1,851,326
2023	1,728,749
2024	1,568,090
2025	1,299,802
2026	966,301
Thereafter	2,392,701
Total	$ 9,806,969

Concentration of Credit Risk (N

Concentration of Credit Risk (Narrative) (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member] - Accounts Receivable [Member] - customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of significant customers	5	5
Five Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage of revenue	65.50%	63.80%

Concentration of Credit Risk (S

Concentration of Credit Risk (Summary of Significant Customers and Percentage of Total Revenue for Specified Time Periods Derived from Such Customers) (Details) - Revenue [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
T-Mobile [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	36.20%	34.50%	35.10%
AT&T Wireless [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	22.20%	24.10%	23.80%
Verizon Wireless [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	14.70%	14.10%	14.00%
Domestic Site Leasing [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	91.00%
Domestic Site Leasing [Member] | T-Mobile [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	40.20%	40.50%	40.60%
Domestic Site Leasing [Member] | AT&T Wireless [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	30.50%	32.20%	32.10%
Domestic Site Leasing [Member] | Verizon Wireless [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	19.80%	18.50%	18.60%
International Site Leasing [Member] | Oi S.A. [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	28.30%	28.70%	31.30%
International Site Leasing [Member] | Telefonica [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	16.30%	18.10%	26.90%
International Site Leasing [Member] | Claro [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	13.70%	14.50%	11.60%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	9.00%
Site Development Revenue [Member] | T-Mobile [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	78.20%	66.80%	67.50%

Defined Contribution Plan (Narr

Defined Contribution Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Condition to participate in defined contribution plan	Employees have the opportunity to participate following completion of three months of employment and must be 21 years of age.
Discretionary matching contribution company percentage	75.00%
Discretionary matching contribution, employee's contribution, maximum	$ 4,000
Company matching contributions	$ 2,900,000	$ 2,700,000	$ 2,400,000

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Atlas Tower South Africa [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Fair market value	$ 17.3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_4

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Components of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 15,194	$ 16,052
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(57)	$ 293
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(52)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(18,000)
Contribution from joint venture partner	17,250
Adjustment to fair value	2,806	(749)
Ending balance	$ 17,250	$ 15,194	$ 16,052

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 04, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated derivative losses		$ 47.8	$ 140.9
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining maturity year		2023
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Remaining maturity year		2025
2018 Term Loan [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 1,950	$ 1,950
Derivative fixed interest rate	1.874%	1.874%
Derivative asset, fair value		$ 60.3	$ 12.1
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 1,950
Payment to terminate	$ 176.2
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | 2018 Term Loan [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative basis spread on variable interest rate	1.75%	1.75%

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Schedule of Effect of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value recorded in Other income (expense), net	$ (74,284)	$ (222,159)	$ 14,053
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Including Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge	48,200	(128,086)	16,887
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Including Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount recognized/reclassified in Non-cash interest expense		(6,707)	(878)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative Qualifying as Hedge, Excluded Component, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Change in fair value recorded in Other income (expense), net			(60,462)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative Qualifying as Hedge, Excluded Component, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount recognized/reclassified in Non-cash interest expense	$ 44,887	$ 29,315	$ 1,444

Quarterly Financial Data (Sched

Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 595,262	$ 589,305	$ 575,528	$ 548,739	$ 535,905	$ 522,940	$ 507,226	$ 517,067	$ 2,308,834	$ 2,083,138	$ 2,014,645
Operating income	197,376	211,776	199,764	173,579	165,100	160,337	157,054	151,203	782,495	633,694	583,488
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	(169,895)	(170,916)	(175,469)	(183,881)	(180,383)	(180,302)	(178,706)	(182,579)	(700,161)	(721,970)	(697,078)
Net income attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	$ 48,902	$ 47,798	$ 152,669	$ (11,745)	$ 105,781	$ 22,568	$ 22,813	$ (127,058)	$ 237,624	$ 24,104	$ 146,991
Net income (loss) per common share - basic	$ 0.45	$ 0.44	$ 1.40	$ (0.11)	$ 0.96	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ (1.14)	$ 2.17	$ 0.22	$ 1.30
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted	$ 0.44	$ 0.43	$ 1.37	$ (0.11)	$ 0.94	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ (1.14)	$ 2.14	$ 0.21	$ 1.28

Schedule III - Schedule of Re_2

Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)itemsite	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Description | site	34,177
Encumbrances	$ 9,396,000
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Current Period	7,068,208	$ 5,963,048	$ 5,833,338	$ 5,561,005
Accumulated Depreciation at Close of Current Period	$ (3,644,238)	$ (3,383,370)	$ (3,133,061)	$ (2,868,507)
Date of Construction	Various
Date Acquired	Various
Secured debt	$ 9,400,000
Maximum [Member]
Life on Which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed	70 years
Exclusive Right to Lease and Operate Utility Transmission Structures [Member]
Number of utility transmission structures acquired | item	713
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Real Estate, Gross [Member] | Sites [Member]
Concentration risk percentage	5.00%

Schedule III - Schedule of Re_3

Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Gross amount at beginning	$ 5,963,048	$ 5,833,338	$ 5,561,005
Acquisitions	995,063	80,582	111,734
Construction and related costs on new builds	45,802	40,493	48,975
Augmentation and tower upgrades	32,953	36,211	63,998
Land buyouts and other assets	24,944	28,918	39,298
Tower maintenance	34,611	28,426	28,960
Other	20,052	19,142
Total additions	1,153,425	233,772	292,965
Cost of real estate sold or disposed	(192)		(856)
Impairment	(15,552)	(17,064)	(9,587)
Other	(32,521)	(86,998)	(10,189)
Total deductions	(48,265)	(104,062)	(20,632)
Balance at end	$ 7,068,208	$ 5,963,048	$ 5,833,338
Exclusive Right to Lease and Operate Utility Transmission Structures [Member]
Number of utility transmission structures acquired | item	713

Schedule III - Schedule of Re_4

Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Gross amount of accumulated depreciation at beginning	$ (3,383,370)	$ (3,133,061)	$ (2,868,507)
Depreciation	(273,655)	(275,947)	(269,606)
Other	(91)	(38)	(83)
Total additions	(273,746)	(275,985)	(269,689)
Amount of accumulated depreciation for assets sold or disposed	3,638	4,244	2,887
Other	9,240	21,432	2,248
Total deductions	12,878	25,676	5,135
Balance at end	$ (3,644,238)	$ (3,383,370)	$ (3,133,061)
Exclusive Right to Lease and Operate Utility Transmission Structures [Member]
Number of utility transmission structures acquired | item	713