| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 28, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001034054 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | FL |
| Entity File Number | 001-16853 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | SBAC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
