Crown Castle (CCI) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001051470	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	334,070,455

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$218,649	$441,364
Restricted cash	157,699	575,938
Receivables, net	236,211	192,833
Prepaid expenses	117,866	103,808
Deferred income tax assets	189,878	193,420
Other current assets	79,500	73,961
Total current assets	999,803	1,581,324
Deferred site rental receivables, net	1,031,966	864,819
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	6,904,346	6,917,531
Goodwill	3,140,308	3,119,957
Other intangible assets, net	2,821,812	2,941,696
Deferred income tax assets	21,311	33,914
Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net	648,026	629,468
Total assets	15,567,572	16,088,709
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	119,689	115,999
Accrued interest	64,571	52,592
Deferred revenues	248,807	241,127
Other accrued liabilities	131,273	140,084
Current maturities of debt and other obligations	115,378	688,056
Total current liabilities	679,718	1,237,858
Debt and other long-term obligations	10,660,076	10,923,186
Deferred income tax liabilities	153,967	65,830
Below-market tenant leases, deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities	1,076,521	910,571
Total liabilities	12,570,282	13,137,445
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
CCIC stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	2,927	2,932
Additional paid-in capital	5,553,717	5,623,595
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-61,339	-61,791
Accumulated deficit	-2,512,333	-2,625,990
Total CCIC stockholders' equity	2,982,972	2,938,746
Noncontrolling interest	14,318	12,518
Total equity	2,997,290	2,951,264
Total liabilities and equity	$15,567,572	$16,088,709

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated depreciation, property and equipment	$4,611,200	$4,249,183
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	292,675,430	293,164,786
Common stock, shares outstanding	292,675,430	293,164,786

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net revenues:	'		'		'		'
Site rental	$620,766		$538,761		$1,853,030		$1,553,878
Network services and other	128,211		82,576		370,935		204,715
Net revenues	748,977		621,337		2,223,965		1,758,593
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Site rental	181,966	[1]	135,314	[1]	538,587	[1]	389,756	[1]
Network services and other	81,998	[1]	50,029	[1]	229,574	[1]	121,812	[1]
General and administrative	58,504		55,862		171,539		153,941
Asset write-down charges	3,893		1,560		10,705		8,250
Acquisition and integration costs	4,369		2,937		13,186		12,112
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	195,408		154,867		572,518		446,749
Total operating expenses	526,138		400,569		1,536,109		1,132,620
Operating income (loss)	222,839		220,768		687,856		625,973
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-142,016		-144,949		-446,641		-427,361
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-1		0		-36,487	[2]	-14,586
Interest income	236		291		861		1,027
Other income (expense)	-631		-632		-753		-3,958
Income (loss) before income taxes	80,427		75,478		204,836		181,095
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-33,959		-32,300		-88,254		29,437
Net income (loss)	46,468		43,178		116,582		210,532
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	632		1,133		2,925		2,443
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	45,836		42,045		113,657		208,089
Dividends on preferred stock	0		0		0		-2,629
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock	45,836		42,045		113,657		205,460
Net income (loss)	46,468		43,178		116,582		210,532
Interest rate swaps, net of taxes:	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified into interest expense and amortization deferred financing costs, net of taxes	10,544		10,594		31,671		37,541
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,874		6,876		-32,344		7,120
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	16,418		17,470		-673		44,661
Comprehensive income (loss)	62,886		60,648		115,909		255,193
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	898		1,171		1,800		1,741
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$61,988		$59,477		$114,109		$253,452
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	$0.16		$0.14		$0.39		$0.71
Diluted	$0.16		$0.14		$0.39		$0.71
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):	'		'		'		'
Basic	290,372		290,762		290,900		288,775
Diluted	291,378		292,098		292,043		290,527
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Tax effect on derivative instruments	$5,678	$5,705	$17,054	$11,415

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income (loss)	$116,582		$210,532
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	572,518		446,749
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	36,487	[1]	14,586
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest	78,241		74,269
Stock-based compensation expense	29,334		33,573
Asset write-down charges	10,705		8,250
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)	80,999		-35,140
Other adjustments	2,167		13
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:	'		'
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	11,979		-11,525
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	8,279		-494
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities	127,463		31,230
Decrease (increase) in receivables	-45,689		-44,213
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets	-190,199		-203,372
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	838,866		524,458
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-55,131		-1,236,238
Capital expenditures	-385,482		-283,386
Other investing activities, net	7,601		1,244
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-433,012		-1,518,380
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	830,941		2,100,000
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock	0		239
Principal payments on long-term debt and other long-term obligations	-77,986		-59,579
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	-675,481		-699,486
Purchases of capital stock	-99,217		-35,984
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	94,000		0
Payments under revolving credit facility	-1,092,000		-251,000
Payments for financing costs	-20,753		-40,255
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	415,498		19,533
Dividends on preferred stock	0		-2,481
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-624,998		1,030,987
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,571		1,718
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-222,715		38,783
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	441,364		80,120
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$218,649		$118,903
[1]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $)

Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2011

$2,386,864,000

'

$2,844,000

$5,312,342,000

$95,044,000

($212,040,000)

($2,811,945,000)

$619,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Dec. 31, 2011

'

305,032,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011

'

'

284,449,372

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011

'

6,111,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value

33,813,000

'

12,000

33,801,000

0

0

0

0

Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock, preferred stock shares converted

'

-6,111,000

8,285,905

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock, preferred stock amount converted

'

-305,180,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock, common stock amount issued

305,180,000

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares

'

'

1,124,969

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value

-35,984,000

'

-7,000

-35,977,000

0

0

0

0

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares

'

'

-699,177

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss)

44,661,000

[1]

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

7,822,000

[1]

37,541,000

0

[1]

-702,000

[1]

Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value

'

148,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit

-2,629,000

'

'

'

'

'

-2,629,000

0

Disposition of noncontrolling interest

368,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

368,000

Net income (loss)

210,532,000

'

0

0

0

0

208,089,000

2,443,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Sep. 30, 2012

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2012

2,942,805,000

'

2,932,000

5,615,263,000

102,866,000

-174,499,000

-2,606,485,000

2,728,000

Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012

'

'

293,161,069

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Sep. 30, 2012

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2012

2,865,998,000

'

2,930,000

5,599,106,000

96,028,000

-185,093,000

-2,648,530,000

1,557,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Jun. 30, 2012

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2012

'

'

293,038,013

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Jun. 30, 2012

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value

16,470,000

'

2,000

16,468,000

0

0

0

0

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares

'

'

127,860

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value

-311,000

'

0

-311,000

0

0

0

0

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares

'

'

-4,804

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss)

17,470,000

[1]

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

6,838,000

[1]

10,594,000

0

[1]

38,000

[1]

Disposition of noncontrolling interest

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Net income (loss)

43,178,000

'

0

0

0

0

42,045,000

1,133,000

Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2012

2,942,805,000

'

2,932,000

5,615,263,000

102,866,000

-174,499,000

-2,606,485,000

2,728,000

Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012

'

'

293,161,069

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2012

2,951,264,000

'

2,932,000

5,623,595,000

102,125,000

-163,916,000

-2,625,990,000

12,518,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Dec. 31, 2012

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

293,164,786

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value

29,334,000

'

9,000

29,325,000

0

0

0

0

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares

'

'

936,946

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value

-99,217,000

'

-14,000

-99,203,000

0

0

0

0

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares

'

'

-1,426,302

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss)

-673,000

[1]

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

-31,219,000

[1]

31,671,000

0

[1]

-1,125,000

[1]

Net income (loss)

116,582,000

'

0

0

0

0

113,657,000

2,925,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Sep. 30, 2013

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2013

2,997,290,000

'

2,927,000

5,553,717,000

70,906,000

-132,245,000

-2,512,333,000

14,318,000

Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013

'

'

292,675,430

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Sep. 30, 2013

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2013

2,924,892,000

'

2,927,000

5,544,205,000

65,298,000

-142,789,000

-2,558,169,000

13,420,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Jun. 30, 2013

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2013

'

'

292,685,462

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Jun. 30, 2013

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value

9,862,000

'

0

9,862,000

0

0

0

0

Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares

'

'

-5,001

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value

-350,000

'

0

-350,000

0

0

0

0

Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares

'

'

-5,031

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss)

[1]

16,418,000

'

0

0

5,608,000

10,544,000

0

266,000

Net income (loss)

46,468,000

'

0

0

0

0

45,836,000

632,000

Redeemable preferred stock, carrying amount at Sep. 30, 2013

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2013

$2,997,290,000

'

$2,927,000

$5,553,717,000

$70,906,000

($132,245,000)

($2,512,333,000)

$14,318,000

Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013

'

'

292,675,430

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding at Sep. 30, 2013

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

See the statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 4 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
General	'
General	'
		General
	The information contained in the following notes to the consolidated financial statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the consolidated financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and related notes thereto, included in the 2012 Form 10-K filed by Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") with the SEC. All references to the "Company" include CCIC and its subsidiary companies unless otherwise indicated or the context indicates otherwise.
	The Company owns, operates and leases shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers, (2) DAS, a type of small cell network, and (3) third party land interests. The Company conducts operations through subsidiaries of CCOC, including (1) certain subsidiaries which operate wireless infrastructure portfolios in the United States, including Puerto Rico ("U.S." or "CCUSA") and (2) a 77.6% owned subsidiary that operates towers in Australia (referred to as "CCAL"). The Company's core business is providing access, including space or capacity, to (1) its approximately 31,600 towers (of which approximately 29,900 towers are in CCUSA and approximately 1,700 towers are in CCAL) and, to a lesser extent, to (2) its small cell networks, and (3) third party land interests, to wireless communication companies via long-term contracts in various forms. As further discussed in the 2012 Form 10-K, approximately 12,700 of the Company's towers are leased or operated under master leases and subleases. See also note 13 for a description of the Proposed AT&T Transaction (as defined below).
	As part of CCUSA's efforts to provide comprehensive wireless infrastructure solutions, it offers certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, consisting of (1) customer equipment installation and subsequent augmentation (collectively, "installation services") and (2) the following additional site development services relating to existing and new antenna installations on its wireless infrastructure: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, zoning and permitting, other construction and network development related services.
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly state the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2013, and the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year end. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the Company's 2012 Form 10-K.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	No accounting pronouncements adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. No new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acqusitions [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure	'
	Acquisitions
	NextG Networks Acquisition
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation for the NextG Acquisition. The final purchase price allocation is approximately the same as the preliminary purchase price allocation disclosed in the Company's 2012 Form 10-K.
	T-Mobile Acquisition
	In September 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with T-Mobile to acquire the exclusive rights to lease, operate or otherwise acquire approximately 7,100 T-Mobile towers for approximately $2.5 billion. On November 30, 2012, the Company closed on the T-Mobile Acquisition. Upon closing, the Company obtained the exclusive right to lease and operate the T-Mobile towers (that are otherwise not owned by the Company). See the 2012 Form 10-K for further discussion of the terms of the T-Mobile lease including the purchase option. The Company utilized cash on hand, inclusive of the proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes, and borrowings from the 2012 Revolver to fund the T-Mobile Acquisition.
	The purchase price and the purchase price allocation for the T-Mobile Acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2013. As such, the preliminary purchase price allocation presented below is based upon a preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information, including with respect to fixed assets, intangible assets, deferred taxes and certain liabilities. The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation between December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 relate to (1) a $37.8 million increase in property and equipment, (2) a $45.0 million increase to the above-market lease deferred credit and (3) a corresponding increase in goodwill. The effect of the change in the preliminary purchase price allocation on the Company's Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is immaterial to the periods presented. The preliminary purchase price allocation for the T-Mobile Acquisition, as of September 30, 2013, is shown below.
		Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
		Presented September 30, 2013
	Current assets	$	17,854
	Property and equipment	1,497,204
	Goodwill(a)	432,148
	Other intangible assets, net	407,000
	Deferred income tax assets	207,929
	Below-market tenant leases and other non-current liabilities(b)	(76,349		)
	Net assets acquired	$	2,485,786
	(a)	The preliminary purchase price allocation for the T-Mobile Acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunities in the tower portfolio. $371.3 million of the goodwill balance recorded is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	(b)	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results
	The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations combine the historical results of the Company, along with the historical results of the WCP Acquisition, NextG Acquisition and T-Mobile Acquisition (collectively, "2012 Acquisitions") for the period presented below. The following table presents the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company for the period presented as if each acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Net revenues	$	1,997,824		(a)
	Net income (loss)	$	197,262		(b)(c)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	$	0.67
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	$	0.66
	(a)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $197.2 million that we expect to recognize related to the T-Mobile towers, inclusive of T-Mobile's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the T-Mobile Acquisition.
	(b)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $107.5 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the combined effect of the 2012 Acquisitions.
	(c)	The pro forma adjustments are tax effected using the federal statutory rate and no adjustment was made with respect to the Company's reversal of valuation allowance.
	See also note 13 for a description of the Proposed AT&T Transaction.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations

Debt and Other Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'
Debt and Other Obligations	'
	Debt and Other Obligations
		Original		Contractual		Outstanding			Outstanding			Stated Interest
		Issue Date		Maturity Date		Balance as of			Balance as of			Rate as of
						September 30, 2013			31-Dec-12			September 30, 2013(a)
	Bank debt - variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2017	(b)	255,000		(b)	1,253,000			2.7	%	(c)
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2017		462,500			481,250			2.7	%	(c)
	Tranche B Term Loans(d)	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019		2,370,100			1,584,000			3.3	%	(d)
	Total bank debt					3,087,600			3,318,250
	Securitized debt - fixed rate:
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Jan. 2010		2035 - 2040	(e)	1,900,000			1,900,000			5.8	%	(e)
	August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Aug. 2010		2035 - 2040	(e)	1,550,000			1,550,000			4.5	%	(e)
	2009 Securitized Notes	Jul-09		2019/2029	(f)	184,474			198,463			7.3	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(g)	291,514		(g)	307,739			5.6	%
	Total securitized debt					3,925,988			3,956,202
	Bonds - fixed rate:
	9% Senior Notes	Jan. 2009		Jan. 2015		—			304,718			N/A
	7.75% Secured Notes	Apr. 2009		May-17		—			291,394			N/A
	7.125% Senior Notes	Oct. 2009		Nov. 2019		498,275			498,110			7.1	%
	5.25% Senior Notes	Oct. 2012		Jan. 2023		1,649,970			1,650,000			5.3	%
	2012 Senior Notes	Dec. 2012		2017/2023	(h)	1,500,000			1,500,000			3.4	%
	Total bonds					3,648,245			4,244,222
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various		113,621			92,568			Various
	Total debt and other obligations					10,775,454			11,611,242
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					115,378			688,056
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	10,660,076		$	10,923,186
	________________
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of September 30, 2013, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.2 billion.
	(c)	The 2012 Revolver and the Tranche A Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 2.75%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio.
	(d)	The Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Loans (defined below), bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% to 2.5% (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 0.75% per annum), based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio. In April 2013, the Company refinanced the then outstanding Tranche B Term Loans with new loans pursuant to our existing credit agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $1.6 billion. In August 2013, the Company borrowed $800.0 million of incremental tranche B loans ("Incremental Loans"). The proceeds of the Incremental Loans were used to repay a portion of the 2012 Revolver.
	(e)	If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers (of such notes) will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $300.0 million, $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively.
	(f)	The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $114.5 million of principal as of September 30, 2013 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of September 30, 2013 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
	(g)	The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the WCP Securitized Notes. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
	(h)	The 2012 Secured Notes consist of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023.
	Contractual Maturities
	The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding at September 30, 2013. These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes and the rapid amortization date on the WCP Securitized Notes.
		Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ending December 31,															Unamortized Adjustments, Net		Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
		2013				2014			2015			2016			2017		Thereafter		Total Cash Obligations
	Scheduled contractual maturities	$	26,632			$	113,545		$	125,405		$	123,897		$	1,146,074	$	9,232,987	$	10,768,540	$	6,914	$	10,775,454
	Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt
	The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)			Gains (Losses)(c)
	9% Senior Notes	314,170				332,045			(17,894		)
	7.75% Secured Notes(b)	294,362				312,465			(18,103		)
	5.25% Senior Notes	30				30			—
	Tranche B Term Loans	30,941				30,941			(490		)
	Total	$	639,503			$	675,481		$	(36,487	)
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
	(b)	The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.
	(c)	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
	Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
	The components of "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" are as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	121,246			$	119,460		$	368,400		$	353,702
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,366				5,293			19,426			15,383
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(971		)		3,235			9,500			9,959
	Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)	16,222				16,300			48,726			48,957
	Other, net of capitalized interest	153				661			589			(640		)
Total	$	142,016			$	144,949		$	446,641		$	427,361
(a)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company's effective rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to state taxes of $21.7 million, including the impact of certain subsidiaries without state income tax filing requirements incurring taxable losses for which no state benefit could be recorded.  As further discussed in our 2012 Form 10-K, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to its reversal of a total of $70.1 million of federal and $20.0 million of state valuation allowances to the benefit (provision) for income taxes.
	In September 2013, the Company announced that it was commencing the steps necessary to reorganize to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company expects to elect to be taxed as a REIT beginning with the taxable year commencing January 1, 2014.
	After conversion into a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax to the extent it distributes its net taxable income to its stockholders. As a REIT, the Company will also subject to a number of other organizational and operational requirements. In connection with the Company's anticipated conversion from a taxable C corporation into a REIT, the Company would expect to de-recognize its previously recorded U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets and liabilities related to the entities included in the REIT, because the expected recovery or settlement of the related assets and liabilities would not result in a taxable or deductible amount in the future. In such cases, the Company would continue to record deferred taxes for certain of its subsidiaries ("TRSs"), including its foreign subsidiaries and other taxable REIT subsidiaries. As a result of the expected de-recognition of the aforementioned deferred tax assets and liabilities related to the entities included in the REIT, the Company would also then expect to record a corresponding net non-cash income tax charge of approximately $130 million to $160 million in a future period in conjunction with the anticipated REIT conversion. The de-recognition of the deferred tax assets and liabilities would be recorded if and when the Company has completed all necessary actions to qualify as a REIT and has obtained final approval from the Company's board of directors.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Disclosures
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	218,649	$	218,649	$	441,364	$	441,364
	Restricted cash, current and non-current	1	162,699		162,699		580,938		580,938
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt and other obligations	2	10,775,454		10,881,293		11,611,242		12,438,032
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines fair value of its debt securities based on indicative, non-binding quotes from brokers. Quotes from brokers require judgment and are based on the brokers' interpretation of market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if available. There were no changes since December 31, 2012 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values.

Per_Share_Information

Per Share Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Per Share Information	'
Per Share Information	'
	Per Share Information
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents as determined under the if-converted method. The Company's restricted stock awards are considered participating securities and may be included in the computation pursuant to the two-class method. However, the Company does not present the two-class method when there is no difference between the per share amount under the two-class method and the treasury stock method.
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	45,836	$	42,045	$	113,657	$	208,089
	Dividends on preferred stock	—		—		—		(2,629		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock for basic and diluted computations	$	45,836	$	42,045	$	113,657	$	205,460
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	290,372		290,762		290,900		288,775
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards	1,006		1,336		1,143		1,752
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	291,378		292,098		292,043		290,527
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.16	$	0.14	$	0.39	$	0.71
	Diluted	$	0.16	$	0.14	$	0.39	$	0.71
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 0.6 million restricted stock awards were excluded from the dilutive common shares because certain stock price hurdles would not have been achieved assuming that September 30, 2013 was the end of the contingency period.
	See also note 13 for a description of our October Equity Financings (as defined below) as well as the announcement of our expectation to initiate a dividend on shares of our Common Stock (as defined below), subject to the successful completion and financing of the Proposed AT&T Transaction.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs or losses that may be incurred, if any, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Additionally, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are contingently liable for commitments and performance guarantees arising in the ordinary course of business.
	See also note 13 for a description of the Proposed AT&T Transaction.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Equity
	Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company purchased 1.4 million shares of Common Stock utilizing $99.2 million in cash.
	See also note 13 for a description of our October Equity Financings, as well as our announcement of an expected dividend on shares of our Common Stock.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Segments	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure	'
	Operating Segments
	The Company's reportable operating segments are (1) CCUSA, primarily consisting of the Company's U.S. operations and (2) CCAL, the Company's Australian operations. Financial results for the Company are reported to management and the board of directors in this manner.
	The measurement of profit or loss currently used by management to evaluate the results of operations for the Company and its operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), and the Company's measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company's operating segments. Inter-company borrowings and related interest between segments are eliminated to reconcile segment results and assets to the consolidated basis.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013												Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	589,415		$	31,351		$	—		$	620,766		$	507,247		$	31,514		$	—		$	538,761
	Network services and other	122,063			6,148			—			128,211			78,287			4,289			—			82,576
	Net revenues	711,478			37,499			—			748,977			585,534			35,803			—			621,337
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations:(a)
	Site rental	172,791			9,175			—			181,966			126,059			9,255			—			135,314
	Network services and other	77,929			4,069			—			81,998			46,592			3,437			—			50,029
	General and administrative	52,312			6,192			—			58,504			50,461			5,401			—			55,862
	Asset write-down charges	3,022			871			—			3,893			1,518			42			—			1,560
	Acquisition and integration costs	4,243			126			—			4,369			2,937			—			—			2,937
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	186,521			8,887			—			195,408			147,186			7,681			—			154,867
	Total operating expenses	496,818			29,320			—			526,138			374,753			25,816			—			400,569
	Operating income (loss)	214,660			8,179			—			222,839			210,781			9,987			—			220,768
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(142,016		)	(3,949		)	3,949			(142,016		)	(144,949		)	(4,478		)	4,478			(144,949		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(1		)	—			—			(1		)	—			—			—			—
	Interest income	144			92			—			236			210			81			—			291
	Other income (expense)	3,295			23			(3,949		)	(631		)	3,825			21			(4,478		)	(632		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(32,538		)	(1,421		)	—			(33,959		)	(31,864		)	(436		)	—			(32,300		)
	Net income (loss)	43,544			2,924			—			46,468			38,003			5,175			—			43,178
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			632			—			632			—			1,133			—			1,133
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	43,544		$	2,292		$	—		$	45,836		$	38,003		$	4,042		$	—		$	42,045
	Capital expenditures	$	125,941		$	4,722		$	—		$	130,663		$	117,830		$	5,860		$	—		$	123,690
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	1,754,266		$	98,764		$	—		$	1,853,030		$	1,463,126		$	90,752		$	—		$	1,553,878
	Network services and other	352,982			17,953			—			370,935			187,304			17,411			—			204,715
	Net revenues	2,107,248			116,717			—			2,223,965			1,650,430			108,163			—			1,758,593
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations:(a)
	Site rental	509,617			28,970			—			538,587			363,066			26,690			—			389,756
	Network services and other	215,812			13,762			—			229,574			110,240			11,572			—			121,812
	General and administrative	154,098			17,441			—			171,539			135,655			18,286			—			153,941
	Asset write-down charges	9,633			1,072			—			10,705			8,197			53			—			8,250
	Acquisition and integration costs	12,875			311			—			13,186			12,058			54			—			12,112
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	548,951			23,567			—			572,518			423,620			23,129			—			446,749
	Total operating expenses	1,450,986			85,123			—			1,536,109			1,052,836			79,784			—			1,132,620
	Operating income (loss)	656,262			31,594			—			687,856			597,594			28,379			—			625,973
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(446,641		)	(12,710		)	12,710			(446,641		)	(427,349		)	(14,815		)	14,803			(427,361		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(36,487		)	—			—			(36,487		)	(14,586		)	—			—			(14,586		)
	Interest income	592			269			—			861			665			362			—			1,027
	Other income (expense)	11,922			35			(12,710		)	(753		)	10,869			(24		)	(14,803		)	(3,958		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(82,455		)	(5,799		)	—			(88,254		)	30,883			(1,446		)	—			29,437
	Net income (loss)	103,193			13,389			—			116,582			198,076			12,456			—			210,532
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			2,925			—			2,925			(268		)	2,711			—			2,443
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	103,193		$	10,464		$	—		$	113,657		$	198,344		$	9,745		$	—		$	208,089
	Capital expenditures	$	373,653		$	11,829		$	—		$	385,482		$	268,730		$	14,656		$	—		$	283,386
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
	The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013												Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
Net income (loss)	$	43,544		$	2,924		$	—		$	46,468		$	38,003		$	5,175		$	—		$	43,178
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges	3,022			871			—			3,893			1,518			42			—			1,560
Acquisition and integration costs	4,243			126			—			4,369			2,937			—			—			2,937
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	186,521			8,887			—			195,408			147,186			7,681			—			154,867
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	3,870			—			—			3,870			3,858			—			—			3,858
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	142,016			3,949			(3,949		)	142,016			144,949			4,478			(4,478		)	144,949
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	1			—			—			1			—			—			—			—
Interest income	(144		)	(92		)	—			(236		)	(210		)	(81		)	—			(291		)
Other income (expense)	(3,295		)	(23		)	3,949			631			(3,825		)	(21		)	4,478			632
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	32,538			1,421			—			33,959			31,864			436			—			32,300
Stock-based compensation expense	9,862			316			—			10,178			16,308			(126		)	—			16,182
Adjusted EBITDA	$	422,178		$	18,379		$	—		$	440,557		$	382,588		$	17,584		$	—		$	400,172
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
										Total												Total
Net income (loss)	$	103,193		$	13,389		$	—		$	116,582		$	198,076		$	12,456		$	—		$	210,532
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges	9,633			1,072			—			10,705			8,197			53			—			8,250
Acquisition and integration costs	12,875			311			—			13,186			12,058			54			—			12,112
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	548,951			23,567			—			572,518			423,620			23,129			—			446,749
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	11,595			—			—			11,595			10,301			—			—			10,301
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	446,641			12,710			(12,710		)	446,641			427,349			14,815			(14,803		)	427,361
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	36,487			—			—			36,487			14,586			—			—			14,586
Interest income	(592		)	(269		)	—			(861		)	(665		)	(362		)	—			(1,027		)
Other income (expense)	(11,922		)	(35		)	12,710			753			(10,869		)	24			14,803			3,958
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	82,455			5,799			—			88,254			(30,883		)	1,446			—			(29,437		)
Stock-based compensation expense	29,335			550			—			29,885			33,413			1,951			—			35,364
Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,268,651		$	57,094		$	—		$	1,325,745		$	1,085,183		$	53,566		$	—		$	1,138,749

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company derives the largest portion of its revenues from customers in the wireless communications industry. The Company also has a concentration in its volume of business with Sprint, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile or their agents that accounts for a significant portion of the Company's revenues, receivables and deferred site rental receivables. The Company mitigates its concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables by actively monitoring the creditworthiness of its customers, utilizing customer leases with contractually determinable payment terms and proactively managing past due balances.
	Major Customers
	The following table summarizes the percentage of the consolidated revenues for those customers accounting for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues (all of such customer revenues relate to our CCUSA segment). The following table is after giving effect to T-Mobile's acquisition of MetroPCS (completed in April 2013), Sprint's acquisition of Clearwire (completed in July 2013) and AT&T's pending acquisition of Leap Wireless.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012
	Sprint(a)	28	%	26	%
	T-Mobile(b)	23	%	14	%
	AT&T(c)	22	%	23	%
	Verizon Wireless	16	%	18	%
	Total	89	%	81	%
	________________
	(a)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Sprint and Clearwire accounted for 25% and 3%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, Sprint and Clearwire are co-residents on approximately 2,700 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with Sprint and Clearwire is approximately seven years and three years, respectively. Revenue from Clearwire on these 2,700 towers represented approximately 2% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(b)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS accounted for 17% and 6%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS are co-residents on approximately 1,400 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with T-Mobile and MetroPCS is approximately nine years and five years, respectively. Revenue from MetroPCS on these 1,400 towers represented approximately 2% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(c)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, AT&T and Leap Wireless accounted for 19% and 3%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, AT&T and Leap Wireless are co-residents on approximately 1,300 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with AT&T and Leap Wireless is approximately 10 years and four years, respectively. Revenue from Leap Wireless on these 1,300 towers represented approximately 1% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	See also note 13 for a description of the Proposed AT&T Transaction.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	356,421	$	364,507
	Income taxes paid	12,769		3,092
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in liabilities for purchases of property and equipment	28,549		21,139
	Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock	—		305,180

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	Proposed AT&T Transaction
	During October 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T pursuant to which the Company will acquire rights to approximately 9,700 AT&T towers for $4.85 billion in cash at closing (subject to certain limited adjustments).("Proposed AT&T Transaction"). Pursuant to the Proposed AT&T Transaction, the Company (1) will have the exclusive right to lease or sublease, or the exclusive right to operate and manage approximately 9,060 of the AT&T towers ("MPL Towers") pursuant to a prepaid lease agreement for a weighted average term of approximately 28 years and (2) will purchase approximately 640 towers from AT&T. In addition, the Company will have the option to purchase the leased towers at the end of the respective lease terms for aggregate option payments of approximately $4.2 billion, which payments, if exercised, would be between 2032 and 2048. The Proposed AT&T Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company expects to fund the purchase price with cash on hand, proceeds from the October Equity Financings, discussed further below, and other debt financing, including additional borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Based on preliminary unaudited financial information for the AT&T towers currently anticipated to be included as part of the Proposed AT&T Transaction, we estimate that, based upon annualization of financial information for the month ended June 30, 2013, these AT&T towers generate annual third-party cash site rental revenues of approximately $163 million and incur annual cash ground lease expense of approximately $142 million. In addition, the Company expects to receive approximately $221 million in initial annual cash rental revenues from AT&T. The Company believes the Proposed AT&T Transaction will result in the recognition of a significant amount of goodwill as a result of paying a purchase price that assumes the tower portfolio contains growth potential.
	Common Stock and Preferred Stock Offering
	On October 28, 2013, the Company completed an offering of approximately 41.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), which generated net proceeds of approximately $3.0 billion.
	On October 28, 2013, the Company completed an offering of approximately 9.8 million shares of the Company's 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share ("4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock"), which generated net proceeds of approximately $949.6 million. The holders of the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends, when and if declared by the Company's board of directors, at the rate of 4.50% per annum payable on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on February 1, 2014, and to, and including, November 1, 2016. The dividends may be paid in cash or, subject to certain limitations, shares of Common Stock or any combination of cash and shares of Common Stock.
	Unless converted earlier, each outstanding share of the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert on November 1, 2016 into between 1.0811 and 1.3513 shares of Common Stock, depending on the applicable market value of the Common Stock and subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. At any time prior to November 1, 2016, holders of the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert all or a portion of their shares into Common Stock at the minimum conversion rate of 1.0811, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments.
	The Common Stock and 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock offerings in October 2013 are collectively referred to herein as the "October Equity Financings."
	The Company expects to use the proceeds from the October Equity Financings to partially fund the Proposed AT&T Transaction. If for any reason the Proposed AT&T Transaction does not close or closes with respect to a reduced number of towers or for reduced consideration, then the Company expects to use any remaining net proceeds from the October Equity Financings for general corporate purposes. The net proceeds from the October Equity Financings are currently held in cash and prime money market investments.
	Announcement of Plan to Initiate Common Stock Dividend
	On October 21, 2013, the Company announced its expectation, subject to the successful completion and financing of the Proposed AT&T Transaction, to initiate a quarterly dividend on shares of Common Stock of $0.35 per share beginning in the first quarter of 2014. The declaration, amount and payment of dividends, pursuant to the Company's Common Stock dividend policy, are subject to the final determination of the Company's board of directors based on then-current and anticipated future conditions, including earnings, net cash provided by operating activities, capital requirements, financial condition, relative market capitalization, existing federal net operating losses and other factors deemed relevant by the Company's board of directors.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent accounting prounouncements	'
	No accounting pronouncements adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. No new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The preliminary purchase price allocation for the T-Mobile Acquisition, as of September 30, 2013, is shown below.
		Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
		Presented September 30, 2013
	Current assets	$	17,854
	Property and equipment	1,497,204
	Goodwill(a)	432,148
	Other intangible assets, net	407,000
	Deferred income tax assets	207,929
	Below-market tenant leases and other non-current liabilities(b)	(76,349		)
	Net assets acquired	$	2,485,786
	(a)	The preliminary purchase price allocation for the T-Mobile Acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunities in the tower portfolio. $371.3 million of the goodwill balance recorded is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	(b)	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results
	The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations combine the historical results of the Company, along with the historical results of the WCP Acquisition, NextG Acquisition and T-Mobile Acquisition (collectively, "2012 Acquisitions") for the period presented below. The following table presents the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations of the Company for the period presented as if each acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Net revenues	$	1,997,824		(a)
	Net income (loss)	$	197,262		(b)(c)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	$	0.67
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	$	0.66
	(a)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $197.2 million that we expect to recognize related to the T-Mobile towers, inclusive of T-Mobile's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the T-Mobile Acquisition.
	(b)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $107.5 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the combined effect of the 2012 Acquisitions.
	(c)	The pro forma adjustments are tax effected using the federal statutory rate and no adjustment was made with respect to the Company's reversal of valuation allowance.
	See also note 13 for a description of the Proposed AT&T Transaction.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Tab

Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	'
		Original		Contractual		Outstanding			Outstanding			Stated Interest
		Issue Date		Maturity Date		Balance as of			Balance as of			Rate as of
						September 30, 2013			31-Dec-12			September 30, 2013(a)
	Bank debt - variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2017	(b)	255,000		(b)	1,253,000			2.7	%	(c)
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2017		462,500			481,250			2.7	%	(c)
	Tranche B Term Loans(d)	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019		2,370,100			1,584,000			3.3	%	(d)
	Total bank debt					3,087,600			3,318,250
	Securitized debt - fixed rate:
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Jan. 2010		2035 - 2040	(e)	1,900,000			1,900,000			5.8	%	(e)
	August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Aug. 2010		2035 - 2040	(e)	1,550,000			1,550,000			4.5	%	(e)
	2009 Securitized Notes	Jul-09		2019/2029	(f)	184,474			198,463			7.3	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(g)	291,514		(g)	307,739			5.6	%
	Total securitized debt					3,925,988			3,956,202
	Bonds - fixed rate:
	9% Senior Notes	Jan. 2009		Jan. 2015		—			304,718			N/A
	7.75% Secured Notes	Apr. 2009		May-17		—			291,394			N/A
	7.125% Senior Notes	Oct. 2009		Nov. 2019		498,275			498,110			7.1	%
	5.25% Senior Notes	Oct. 2012		Jan. 2023		1,649,970			1,650,000			5.3	%
	2012 Senior Notes	Dec. 2012		2017/2023	(h)	1,500,000			1,500,000			3.4	%
	Total bonds					3,648,245			4,244,222
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various		113,621			92,568			Various
	Total debt and other obligations					10,775,454			11,611,242
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					115,378			688,056
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	10,660,076		$	10,923,186
	________________
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of September 30, 2013, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.2 billion.
	(c)	The 2012 Revolver and the Tranche A Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 2.75%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio.
	(d)	The Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Loans (defined below), bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% to 2.5% (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 0.75% per annum), based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio. In April 2013, the Company refinanced the then outstanding Tranche B Term Loans with new loans pursuant to our existing credit agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $1.6 billion. In August 2013, the Company borrowed $800.0 million of incremental tranche B loans ("Incremental Loans"). The proceeds of the Incremental Loans were used to repay a portion of the 2012 Revolver.
	(e)	If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers (of such notes) will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $300.0 million, $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively.
	(f)	The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $114.5 million of principal as of September 30, 2013 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of September 30, 2013 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
	(g)	The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the WCP Securitized Notes. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
	(h)	The 2012 Secured Notes consist of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	Contractual Maturities
	The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding at September 30, 2013. These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes and the rapid amortization date on the WCP Securitized Notes.
		Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ending December 31,															Unamortized Adjustments, Net		Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
		2013				2014			2015			2016			2017		Thereafter		Total Cash Obligations
	Scheduled contractual maturities	$	26,632			$	113,545		$	125,405		$	123,897		$	1,146,074	$	9,232,987	$	10,768,540	$	6,914	$	10,775,454
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt	'
	Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt
	The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)			Gains (Losses)(c)
	9% Senior Notes	314,170				332,045			(17,894		)
	7.75% Secured Notes(b)	294,362				312,465			(18,103		)
	5.25% Senior Notes	30				30			—
	Tranche B Term Loans	30,941				30,941			(490		)
	Total	$	639,503			$	675,481		$	(36,487	)
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
	(b)	The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.
	(c)	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
	The components of "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" are as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	121,246			$	119,460		$	368,400		$	353,702
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,366				5,293			19,426			15,383
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(971		)		3,235			9,500			9,959
	Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)	16,222				16,300			48,726			48,957
	Other, net of capitalized interest	153				661			589			(640		)
	Total	$	142,016			$	144,949		$	446,641		$	427,361

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	'
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	218,649	$	218,649	$	441,364	$	441,364
	Restricted cash, current and non-current	1	162,699		162,699		580,938		580,938
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt and other obligations	2	10,775,454		10,881,293		11,611,242		12,438,032

Per_Share_Information_Tables

Per Share Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Per Share Information	'
Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	45,836	$	42,045	$	113,657	$	208,089
	Dividends on preferred stock	—		—		—		(2,629		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock for basic and diluted computations	$	45,836	$	42,045	$	113,657	$	205,460
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	290,372		290,762		290,900		288,775
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards	1,006		1,336		1,143		1,752
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	291,378		292,098		292,043		290,527
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.16	$	0.14	$	0.39	$	0.71
	Diluted	$	0.16	$	0.14	$	0.39	$	0.71

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Segments	'
Financial Results of Operating Segments	'
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013												Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	589,415		$	31,351		$	—		$	620,766		$	507,247		$	31,514		$	—		$	538,761
	Network services and other	122,063			6,148			—			128,211			78,287			4,289			—			82,576
	Net revenues	711,478			37,499			—			748,977			585,534			35,803			—			621,337
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations:(a)
	Site rental	172,791			9,175			—			181,966			126,059			9,255			—			135,314
	Network services and other	77,929			4,069			—			81,998			46,592			3,437			—			50,029
	General and administrative	52,312			6,192			—			58,504			50,461			5,401			—			55,862
	Asset write-down charges	3,022			871			—			3,893			1,518			42			—			1,560
	Acquisition and integration costs	4,243			126			—			4,369			2,937			—			—			2,937
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	186,521			8,887			—			195,408			147,186			7,681			—			154,867
	Total operating expenses	496,818			29,320			—			526,138			374,753			25,816			—			400,569
	Operating income (loss)	214,660			8,179			—			222,839			210,781			9,987			—			220,768
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(142,016		)	(3,949		)	3,949			(142,016		)	(144,949		)	(4,478		)	4,478			(144,949		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(1		)	—			—			(1		)	—			—			—			—
	Interest income	144			92			—			236			210			81			—			291
	Other income (expense)	3,295			23			(3,949		)	(631		)	3,825			21			(4,478		)	(632		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(32,538		)	(1,421		)	—			(33,959		)	(31,864		)	(436		)	—			(32,300		)
	Net income (loss)	43,544			2,924			—			46,468			38,003			5,175			—			43,178
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			632			—			632			—			1,133			—			1,133
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	43,544		$	2,292		$	—		$	45,836		$	38,003		$	4,042		$	—		$	42,045
	Capital expenditures	$	125,941		$	4,722		$	—		$	130,663		$	117,830		$	5,860		$	—		$	123,690
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	1,754,266		$	98,764		$	—		$	1,853,030		$	1,463,126		$	90,752		$	—		$	1,553,878
	Network services and other	352,982			17,953			—			370,935			187,304			17,411			—			204,715
	Net revenues	2,107,248			116,717			—			2,223,965			1,650,430			108,163			—			1,758,593
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations:(a)
	Site rental	509,617			28,970			—			538,587			363,066			26,690			—			389,756
	Network services and other	215,812			13,762			—			229,574			110,240			11,572			—			121,812
	General and administrative	154,098			17,441			—			171,539			135,655			18,286			—			153,941
	Asset write-down charges	9,633			1,072			—			10,705			8,197			53			—			8,250
	Acquisition and integration costs	12,875			311			—			13,186			12,058			54			—			12,112
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	548,951			23,567			—			572,518			423,620			23,129			—			446,749
	Total operating expenses	1,450,986			85,123			—			1,536,109			1,052,836			79,784			—			1,132,620
	Operating income (loss)	656,262			31,594			—			687,856			597,594			28,379			—			625,973
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(446,641		)	(12,710		)	12,710			(446,641		)	(427,349		)	(14,815		)	14,803			(427,361		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(36,487		)	—			—			(36,487		)	(14,586		)	—			—			(14,586		)
	Interest income	592			269			—			861			665			362			—			1,027
	Other income (expense)	11,922			35			(12,710		)	(753		)	10,869			(24		)	(14,803		)	(3,958		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(82,455		)	(5,799		)	—			(88,254		)	30,883			(1,446		)	—			29,437
	Net income (loss)	103,193			13,389			—			116,582			198,076			12,456			—			210,532
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			2,925			—			2,925			(268		)	2,711			—			2,443
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	103,193		$	10,464		$	—		$	113,657		$	198,344		$	9,745		$	—		$	208,089
	Capital expenditures	$	373,653		$	11,829		$	—		$	385,482		$	268,730		$	14,656		$	—		$	283,386
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA	'
	The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013												Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	43,544		$	2,924		$	—		$	46,468		$	38,003		$	5,175		$	—		$	43,178
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	3,022			871			—			3,893			1,518			42			—			1,560
	Acquisition and integration costs	4,243			126			—			4,369			2,937			—			—			2,937
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	186,521			8,887			—			195,408			147,186			7,681			—			154,867
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	3,870			—			—			3,870			3,858			—			—			3,858
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	142,016			3,949			(3,949		)	142,016			144,949			4,478			(4,478		)	144,949
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	1			—			—			1			—			—			—			—
	Interest income	(144		)	(92		)	—			(236		)	(210		)	(81		)	—			(291		)
	Other income (expense)	(3,295		)	(23		)	3,949			631			(3,825		)	(21		)	4,478			632
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	32,538			1,421			—			33,959			31,864			436			—			32,300
	Stock-based compensation expense	9,862			316			—			10,178			16,308			(126		)	—			16,182
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	422,178		$	18,379		$	—		$	440,557		$	382,588		$	17,584		$	—		$	400,172
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	103,193		$	13,389		$	—		$	116,582		$	198,076		$	12,456		$	—		$	210,532
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	9,633			1,072			—			10,705			8,197			53			—			8,250
	Acquisition and integration costs	12,875			311			—			13,186			12,058			54			—			12,112
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	548,951			23,567			—			572,518			423,620			23,129			—			446,749
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	11,595			—			—			11,595			10,301			—			—			10,301
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	446,641			12,710			(12,710		)	446,641			427,349			14,815			(14,803		)	427,361
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	36,487			—			—			36,487			14,586			—			—			14,586
	Interest income	(592		)	(269		)	—			(861		)	(665		)	(362		)	—			(1,027		)
	Other income (expense)	(11,922		)	(35		)	12,710			753			(10,869		)	24			14,803			3,958
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	82,455			5,799			—			88,254			(30,883		)	1,446			—			(29,437		)
	Stock-based compensation expense	29,335			550			—			29,885			33,413			1,951			—			35,364
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,268,651		$	57,094		$	—		$	1,325,745		$	1,085,183		$	53,566		$	—		$	1,138,749

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	'
	Major Customers
	The following table summarizes the percentage of the consolidated revenues for those customers accounting for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues (all of such customer revenues relate to our CCUSA segment). The following table is after giving effect to T-Mobile's acquisition of MetroPCS (completed in April 2013), Sprint's acquisition of Clearwire (completed in July 2013) and AT&T's pending acquisition of Leap Wireless.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012
	Sprint(a)	28	%	26	%
	T-Mobile(b)	23	%	14	%
	AT&T(c)	22	%	23	%
	Verizon Wireless	16	%	18	%
	Total	89	%	81	%
	________________
	(a)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Sprint and Clearwire accounted for 25% and 3%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, Sprint and Clearwire are co-residents on approximately 2,700 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with Sprint and Clearwire is approximately seven years and three years, respectively. Revenue from Clearwire on these 2,700 towers represented approximately 2% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(b)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS accounted for 17% and 6%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS are co-residents on approximately 1,400 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with T-Mobile and MetroPCS is approximately nine years and five years, respectively. Revenue from MetroPCS on these 1,400 towers represented approximately 2% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(c)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, AT&T and Leap Wireless accounted for 19% and 3%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, AT&T and Leap Wireless are co-residents on approximately 1,300 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with AT&T and Leap Wireless is approximately 10 years and four years, respectively. Revenue from Leap Wireless on these 1,300 towers represented approximately 1% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	See also note 13 for a description of the Proposed AT&T Transaction.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	356,421	$	364,507
	Income taxes paid	12,769		3,092
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in liabilities for purchases of property and equipment	28,549		21,139
	Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock	—		305,180

General_Business_Details

General Business (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 28, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	tower	CCUSA [Member]	CCAL [Member]	Leased or Operated Under Master Lease Agreements [Member]	Proposed AT&T Transaction [Member]
		tower	tower	tower	tower
Percentage of Subsidiary Owned by the Company	77.60%	'	'	'	'
Tower Count	31,600	29,900	1,700	12,700	9,700
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price	'	'	'	'	$4.90

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
	tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill not expected to be deductible for tax purposes	$371,300,000		'
Tower Count	31,600		'
Share-based Compensation	29,334,000		33,573,000
Net revenues	'		1,997,824,000	[1]
Net income (loss)	'		197,262,000	[2],[3]
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	'		$0.67
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	'		$0.66
T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	2,485,786,000		'
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price	2,500,000,000		'
Pro forma revenue adjustments [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business acquisition, pro forma adjustment	'		197,200,000
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business acquisition, pro forma adjustment	'		107,500,000
Other Current Assets [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	17,854,000		'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	1,497,204,000		'
Goodwill [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	432,148,000	[4]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] | Purchase Price allocation change since year end [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	37,800,000		'
Above Market Leases [Member] | Purchase Price allocation change since year end [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	45,000,000		'
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	407,000,000		'
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	207,929,000		'
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	($76,349,000)	[5]	'
Total T-Mobile Towers [Member]	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Tower Count	7,100		'
[1]	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $197.2 million that we expect to recognize related to the T-Mobile towers, inclusive of T-Mobile's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the T-Mobile Acquisition.
[2]	The pro forma adjustments are tax effected using the federal statutory rate and no adjustment was made with respect to the Company's reversal of valuation allowance.
[3]	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $107.5 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the combined effect of the 2012 Acquisitions.
[4]	The preliminary purchase price allocation for the T-Mobile Acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunities in the tower portfolio. $371.3 million of the goodwill balance recorded is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
[5]	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind

Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]

Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes First Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes Second Tranche [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Bank Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

Securitized Debt [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

Repayments of debt 2013 [Member]

Repayments of debt 2014 [Member]

Repayments of debt 2015 [Member]

Repayments of debt 2016 [Member]

Repayments of debt thereafter [Member]

Repayments of debt 2017 [Domain]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Variable Rate Revolver 2012 [Member]

Variable Rate Revolver 2012 [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]

WCP Securitized Notes [Member]

WCP Securitized Notes [Member]

2012 secured notes tranche A [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]

Five and One Fourth Senior Notes [Member]

Five and One Fourth Senior Notes [Member]

2012 Secured Notes [Member]

2012 Secured Notes [Member]

2012 secured notes tranche B [Member]

Incremental Term Loan B [Member]

Senior Secured Term Loan B [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26,632,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

113,545,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,405,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

123,897,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,232,987,000

1,146,074,000

'

'

'

'

Total revolving commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

350,000,000

1,300,000,000

250,000,000

300,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

1,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Additional Interest Rate Margin

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original issue date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-12

'

1-Jan-12

'

1-Jan-12

'

'

'

1-Jan-10

'

1-Aug-10

'

1-Jul-09

'

1-Jan-10

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-09

'

1-Apr-09

'

1-Oct-09

'

1-Oct-12

'

1-Dec-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contractual maturity date

'

'

'

'Various

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Jan. 2017

'

'Jan. 2017

'

'Jan. 2019

'

'

'

'2035 - 2040

[1]

'

'2035 - 2040

[1]

'

'2019/2029

[2]

'

'Nov. 2040

[3]

'

'

'

'

'Jan. 2015

'

'May 2017

'

'Nov. 2019

'

'Jan. 2023

'

'2017/2023

[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt and other obligations

10,775,454,000

11,611,242,000

'

113,621,000

92,568,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,087,600,000

3,318,250,000

255,000,000

[5]

1,253,000,000

462,500,000

481,250,000

2,370,100,000

1,584,000,000

3,925,988,000

3,956,202,000

1,900,000,000

1,900,000,000

1,550,000,000

1,550,000,000

184,474,000

198,463,000

291,514,000

[3]

307,739,000

3,648,245,000

4,244,222,000

500,000,000

0

304,718,000

0

291,394,000

498,275,000

498,110,000

1,649,970,000

1,650,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original Debt Issuance Date

'

'

'

'Various

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations

115,378,000

688,056,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations

10,660,076,000

10,923,186,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.70%

[6],[7]

'

3.30%

[6],[8]

'

'

'

5.80%

[1],[6]

'

4.50%

[1],[6]

'

7.30%

[6]

'

5.60%

[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.10%

[6]

'

5.30%

[6]

'

3.40%

[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated

'

'

'

'Various

[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0.027

[6],[7]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cash obligations

10,768,540,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,500,000

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized adjustments, net

'

'

6,914,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

10,775,454,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

2.25%

2.75%

2.50%

Debt Instrument, LIBOR Floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers (of such notes) will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $300.0 million, $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017 and 2020, respectively.

[2]

The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $114.5 million of principal as of SeptemberB 30, 2013 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of SeptemberB 30, 2013 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.

[3]

The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class of the WCP Securitized Notes. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.

[4]

The 2012 Secured Notes consist of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023.

[5]

As of SeptemberB 30, 2013, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.2 billion.

[6]

Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.

[7]

The 2012 Revolver and the Tranche A Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 2.75%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio.

[8]

The Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Loans (defined below), bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% to 2.5% (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 0.75% per annum), based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio. In April 2013, the Company refinanced the then outstanding Tranche B Term Loans with new loans pursuant to our existing credit agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $1.6 billion. In August 2013, the Company borrowed $800.0 million of incremental tranche B loans ("Incremental Loans"). The proceeds of the Incremental Loans were used to repay a portion of the 2012 Revolver.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind1

Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes First Tranche [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes Second Tranche [Member]

Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]

Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

High Yield Bonds [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Repayments of debt 2017 [Domain]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]

2012 Secured Notes [Member]

2012 Secured Notes [Member]

2012 secured notes tranche A [Member]

2012 secured notes tranche B [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

CCOC [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,146,074,000

Total revolving commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

2.25%

2.75%

2.50%

'

Debt Instrument, LIBOR Floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

Additional interest accruing following anticipated repayment dates

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

350,000,000

1,300,000,000

250,000,000

300,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cash obligations

10,768,540,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,500,000

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

218,649,000

441,364,000

118,903,000

80,120,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt and other obligations

$10,775,454,000

$11,611,242,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$113,621,000

$92,568,000

$3,648,245,000

$4,244,222,000

$0

$304,718,000

$0

$291,394,000

$498,275,000

$498,110,000

$1,500,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$500,000,000

$1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Com

Debt and Other Obligations (Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'		'		'	'
Interest expense on debt obligations	$121,246,000		$119,460,000		$368,400,000	$353,702,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,366,000		5,293,000		19,426,000	15,383,000
Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	-971,000		3,235,000		9,500,000	9,959,000
Amortization of interest rate swaps	16,222,000	[1]	16,300,000	[1]	48,726,000	48,957,000
Other	153,000		661,000		589,000	-640,000
Total	$142,016,000		$144,949,000		$446,641,000	$427,361,000
[1]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ret

Debt and Other Obligations Retirement of Long-term Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	$639,503		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	675,481		699,486
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-1	0	-36,487	[1]	-14,586
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	314,170		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	332,045	[2]	'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	'	'	-17,894	[1]	'
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	294,362	[3]	'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	312,465	[2],[3]	'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	'	'	-18,103	[1],[3]	'
October 2012 Senior Notes [Domain]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	30		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	30	[2]	'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	'	'	0	[1]	'
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	30,941		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	30,941	[2]	'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	'	'	-490	[1]	'
Total [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	$675,481	[2]	'
[1]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
[2]	Exclusive of accrued interest.
[3]	The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		U.S. Federal [Member]	State [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$21,700,000	'	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	'	70,100,000	20,000,000	'	'
Anticipated non cash tax charge due to REIT conversion	'	'	'	$130,000,000	$160,000,000

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$218,649	$441,364	$118,903	$80,120
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	218,649	441,364	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current, carrying value	162,699	580,938	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current, fair value	162,699	580,938	'	'
Long-term debt and other obligations, carrying amount	10,775,454	11,611,242	'	'
Long-term debt and other obligations, fair value	$10,881,293	$12,438,032	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	1	'	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	1	'	'	'
Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	2	'	'	'

Per_Share_Information_Reconcil

Per Share Information (Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Per Share Information	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$45,836	$42,045	$113,657	$208,089
Dividends on preferred stock	0	0	0	-2,629
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock for basic and diluted computations	$45,836	$42,045	$113,657	$205,460
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	290,372,000	290,762,000	290,900,000	288,775,000
Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards	1,006,000	1,336,000	1,143,000	1,752,000
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	291,378,000	292,098,000	292,043,000	290,527,000
Basic	$0.16	$0.14	$0.39	$0.71
Diluted	$0.16	$0.14	$0.39	$0.71

Per_Share_Information_Narrativ

Per Share Information (Narrative) (Details) (Restricted Stock Awards [Member])	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from dilutive common shares calculation	0.6

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock repurchased during period, shares	1.4	'
Purchases of capital stock	$99,217	$35,984

Operating_Segments_Financial_R

Operating Segments (Financial Results for the Company's Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Site rental	$620,766,000		$538,761,000		$1,853,030,000		$1,553,878,000		'
Network services and other	128,211,000		82,576,000		370,935,000		204,715,000		'
Net revenues	748,977,000		621,337,000		2,223,965,000		1,758,593,000		'
Site rental	181,966,000	[1]	135,314,000	[1]	538,587,000	[1]	389,756,000	[1]	'
Network services and other	81,998,000	[1]	50,029,000	[1]	229,574,000	[1]	121,812,000	[1]	'
General and administrative	58,504,000		55,862,000		171,539,000		153,941,000		'
Asset write-down charges	3,893,000		1,560,000		10,705,000		8,250,000		'
Acquisition and integration costs	4,369,000		2,937,000		13,186,000		12,112,000		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	195,408,000		154,867,000		572,518,000		446,749,000		'
Total operating expenses	526,138,000		400,569,000		1,536,109,000		1,132,620,000		'
Operating income (loss)	222,839,000		220,768,000		687,856,000		625,973,000		'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-142,016,000		-144,949,000		-446,641,000		-427,361,000		'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-1,000		0		-36,487,000	[2]	-14,586,000		'
Interest income	236,000		291,000		861,000		1,027,000		'
Other income (expense)	-631,000		-632,000		-753,000		-3,958,000		'
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-33,959,000		-32,300,000		-88,254,000		29,437,000		'
Net income (loss)	46,468,000		43,178,000		116,582,000		210,532,000		'
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	632,000		1,133,000		2,925,000		2,443,000		'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	45,836,000		42,045,000		113,657,000		208,089,000		'
Capital expenditures	130,663,000		123,690,000		385,482,000		283,386,000		'
Total assets (at quarter end)	15,567,572,000		'		15,567,572,000		'		16,088,709,000
CCUSA [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Site rental	589,415,000		507,247,000		1,754,266,000		1,463,126,000		'
Network services and other	122,063,000		78,287,000		352,982,000		187,304,000		'
Net revenues	711,478,000		585,534,000		2,107,248,000		1,650,430,000		'
Site rental	172,791,000	[1]	126,059,000	[1]	509,617,000	[1]	363,066,000	[1]	'
Network services and other	77,929,000	[1]	46,592,000	[1]	215,812,000	[1]	110,240,000	[1]	'
General and administrative	52,312,000		50,461,000		154,098,000		135,655,000		'
Asset write-down charges	3,022,000		1,518,000		9,633,000		8,197,000		'
Acquisition and integration costs	4,243,000		2,937,000		12,875,000		12,058,000		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	186,521,000		147,186,000		548,951,000		423,620,000		'
Total operating expenses	496,818,000		374,753,000		1,450,986,000		1,052,836,000		'
Operating income (loss)	214,660,000		210,781,000		656,262,000		597,594,000		'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-142,016,000		-144,949,000		-446,641,000		-427,349,000		'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-1,000		0		-36,487,000		-14,586,000		'
Interest income	144,000		210,000		592,000		665,000		'
Other income (expense)	3,295,000		3,825,000		11,922,000		10,869,000		'
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-32,538,000		-31,864,000		-82,455,000		30,883,000		'
Net income (loss)	43,544,000		38,003,000		103,193,000		198,076,000		'
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		-268,000		'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	43,544,000		38,003,000		103,193,000		198,344,000		'
Capital expenditures	125,941,000		117,830,000		373,653,000		268,730,000		'
CCAL [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Site rental	31,351,000		31,514,000		98,764,000		90,752,000		'
Network services and other	6,148,000		4,289,000		17,953,000		17,411,000		'
Net revenues	37,499,000		35,803,000		116,717,000		108,163,000		'
Site rental	9,175,000	[1]	9,255,000	[1]	28,970,000	[1]	26,690,000	[1]	'
Network services and other	4,069,000	[1]	3,437,000	[1]	13,762,000	[1]	11,572,000	[1]	'
General and administrative	6,192,000		5,401,000		17,441,000		18,286,000		'
Asset write-down charges	871,000		42,000		1,072,000		53,000		'
Acquisition and integration costs	126,000		0		311,000		54,000		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	8,887,000		7,681,000		23,567,000		23,129,000		'
Total operating expenses	29,320,000		25,816,000		85,123,000		79,784,000		'
Operating income (loss)	8,179,000		9,987,000		31,594,000		28,379,000		'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-3,949,000		-4,478,000		-12,710,000		-14,815,000		'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0		'
Interest income	92,000		81,000		269,000		362,000		'
Other income (expense)	23,000		21,000		35,000		-24,000		'
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-1,421,000		-436,000		-5,799,000		-1,446,000		'
Net income (loss)	2,924,000		5,175,000		13,389,000		12,456,000		'
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	632,000		1,133,000		2,925,000		2,711,000		'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	2,292,000		4,042,000		10,464,000		9,745,000		'
Capital expenditures	4,722,000		5,860,000		11,829,000		14,656,000		'
Elimination [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Site rental	0		0		0		0		'
Network services and other	0		0		0		0		'
Net revenues	0		0		0		0		'
Site rental	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Network services and other	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
General and administrative	0		0		0		0		'
Asset write-down charges	0		0		0		0		'
Acquisition and integration costs	0		0		0		0		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	0		0		0		0		'
Total operating expenses	0		0		0		0		'
Operating income (loss)	0		0		0		0		'
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	3,949,000		4,478,000		12,710,000		14,803,000		'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0		'
Other income (expense)	-3,949,000		-4,478,000		-12,710,000		-14,803,000		'
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0		0		0		0		'
Net income (loss)	0		0		0		0		'
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0		'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	0		0		0		0		'
Capital expenditures	$0		$0		$0		$0		'
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.

Operating_Segments_Adjusted_fo

Operating Segments (Adjusted for EBITDA) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net income (loss)	$46,468,000	$43,178,000	$116,582,000		$210,532,000
Asset write-down charges	3,893,000	1,560,000	10,705,000		8,250,000
Acquisition and integration costs	4,369,000	2,937,000	13,186,000		12,112,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	195,408,000	154,867,000	572,518,000		446,749,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	3,870,000	3,858,000	11,595,000		10,301,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	142,016,000	144,949,000	446,641,000		427,361,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	1,000	0	36,487,000	[1]	14,586,000
Interest income	-236,000	-291,000	-861,000		-1,027,000
Other income (expense)	631,000	632,000	753,000		3,958,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	33,959,000	32,300,000	88,254,000		-29,437,000
Stock-based compensation expense	10,178,000	16,182,000	29,885,000		35,364,000
Adjusted EBITDA	440,557,000	400,172,000	1,325,745,000		1,138,749,000
CCUSA [Member]	'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net income (loss)	43,544,000	38,003,000	103,193,000		198,076,000
Asset write-down charges	3,022,000	1,518,000	9,633,000		8,197,000
Acquisition and integration costs	4,243,000	2,937,000	12,875,000		12,058,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	186,521,000	147,186,000	548,951,000		423,620,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	3,870,000	3,858,000	11,595,000		10,301,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	142,016,000	144,949,000	446,641,000		427,349,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	1,000	0	36,487,000		14,586,000
Interest income	-144,000	-210,000	-592,000		-665,000
Other income (expense)	-3,295,000	-3,825,000	-11,922,000		-10,869,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	32,538,000	31,864,000	82,455,000		-30,883,000
Stock-based compensation expense	9,862,000	16,308,000	29,335,000		33,413,000
Adjusted EBITDA	422,178,000	382,588,000	1,268,651,000		1,085,183,000
CCAL [Member]	'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net income (loss)	2,924,000	5,175,000	13,389,000		12,456,000
Asset write-down charges	871,000	42,000	1,072,000		53,000
Acquisition and integration costs	126,000	0	311,000		54,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	8,887,000	7,681,000	23,567,000		23,129,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	0	0	0		0
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	3,949,000	4,478,000	12,710,000		14,815,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0	0	0		0
Interest income	-92,000	-81,000	-269,000		-362,000
Other income (expense)	-23,000	-21,000	-35,000		24,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	1,421,000	436,000	5,799,000		1,446,000
Stock-based compensation expense	316,000	-126,000	550,000		1,951,000
Adjusted EBITDA	18,379,000	17,584,000	57,094,000		53,566,000
Elimination [Member]	'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Net income (loss)	0	0	0		0
Asset write-down charges	0	0	0		0
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0	0		0
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	0	0	0		0
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	0	0	0		0
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-3,949,000	-4,478,000	-12,710,000		-14,803,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0	0	0		0
Interest income	0	0	0		0
Other income (expense)	3,949,000	4,478,000	12,710,000		14,803,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	0	0		0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0		0
Adjusted EBITDA	$0	$0	$0		$0
[1]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_1

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Tower Count	31,600		'
Sprint [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	28.00%	[1]	26.00%	[1]
Sprint [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	25.00%		'
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases	'7 years		'
T-Mobile [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	23.00%	[2]	14.00%	[2]
AT T [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	22.00%	[3]	23.00%	[3]
Verizon Wireless [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	16.00%		18.00%
Clearwire [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	3.00%		'
Revenue from consolidated tenant as percentage of net revenues	2.00%		'
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases	'3 years		'
T-Mobile, excluding Metro PCS [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	17.00%		'
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases	'9 years		'
Metro PCS [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	6.00%		'
Revenue from consolidated tenant as percentage of net revenues	2.00%		'
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases	'5 years		'
AT&T, excluding Leap Wireless [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	19.00%		'
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases	'10 years		'
Leap Wireless [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	3.00%		'
Revenue from consolidated tenant as percentage of net revenues	1.00%		'
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases	'4 years		'
Sprint Clearwire Consolidation [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Tower Count	2,700		'
T-Mobile Metro Consolidation [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Tower Count	1,400		'
ATT Leap Wireless Consolidation [Member]	'		'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'		'
Tower Count	1,300		'
[1]	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Sprint and Clearwire accounted for 25% and 3%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, Sprint and Clearwire are co-residents on approximately 2,700 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with Sprint and Clearwire is approximately seven years and three years, respectively. Revenue from Clearwire on these 2,700 towers represented approximately 2% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
[2]	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS accounted for 17% and 6%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS are co-residents on approximately 1,400 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with T-Mobile and MetroPCS is approximately nine years and five years, respectively. Revenue from MetroPCS on these 1,400 towers represented approximately 2% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
[3]	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, AT&T and Leap Wireless accounted for 19% and 3%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues. As of September 30, 2013, AT&T and Leap Wireless are co-residents on approximately 1,300 towers. The weighted-average remaining term on these tower tenant contracts with AT&T and Leap Wireless is approximately 10 years and four years, respectively. Revenue from Leap Wireless on these 1,300 towers represented approximately 1% of consolidated site rental revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]	'	'
Interest paid	$356,421	$364,507
Income taxes paid	12,769	3,092
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for purchases of property and equipment	28,549	21,139
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock	$0	$305,180

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

Oct. 28, 2013

tower

Conversion factor prior to 2016 [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Preferred Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Proposed AT&T Transaction [Member]

Proposed AT&T Transaction, Leased and Operated Sites [Member]

Proposed AT&T Transaction, Owned Sites [Member]

tower

tower

tower

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tower Count

31,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,700

9,060

640

Purchase Option Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,200,000,000

'

'

Purchase Option Date

'

'

'

'

'

'2032

'2048

'

'

'

'

'

Third Party Revenues Expected to be Generated by Proposed ATT Transaction

'

'

163,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ground Lease Expected to be Incurred by Proposed ATT Transaction

'

'

142,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual Revenues Expected to be Generated by Proposed ATT Transaction

'

'

221,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,900,000,000

'

'

Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'28 years

'

'

Common stock, shares issued

292,675,430

'

41,400,000

293,164,786

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock

$0

$239,000

'

'

'

'

'

$949,600,000

$3,000,000,000

'

'

'

Conversion factor, Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

1.0811

1.0811

1.3513

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Shares Issued

'

'

9,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expectation of initiation of common stock dividend, per share basis

$0.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'