Crown Castle (CCI) 10-Q 8 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 04, 2014
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-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	333,860,230

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$227,479	$223,394
Restricted cash	155,725	183,526
Receivables, net	304,015	249,925
Prepaid expenses	150,873	132,003
Deferred income tax assets	33,379	26,714
Other current assets	76,275	77,121
Total current assets	947,746	892,683
Deferred site rental receivables	1,180,646	1,078,995
Property and equipment, net	8,888,426	8,947,677
Goodwill	4,939,755	4,916,426
Other intangible assets, net	3,922,063	4,057,865
Deferred income tax assets	13,283	19,008
Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net	780,140	682,254
Total assets	20,672,059	20,594,908
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	132,529	145,390
Accrued interest	66,848	65,582
Deferred revenues	320,134	260,114
Other accrued liabilities	170,743	181,715
Current maturities of debt and other obligations	105,624	103,586
Total current liabilities	795,878	756,387
Debt and other long-term obligations	11,464,627	11,490,914
Deferred income tax liabilities	54,123	56,513
Deferred credits and other liabilities	1,477,995	1,349,919
Total liabilities	13,792,623	13,653,733
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
CCIC stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	3,339	3,341
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock	98	98
Additional paid-in capital	9,488,414	9,482,769
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	26,205	-23,612
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings	-2,656,718	-2,535,879
Total CCIC stockholders' equity	6,861,338	6,926,717
Noncontrolling interest	18,098	14,458
Total equity	6,879,436	6,941,175
Total liabilities and equity	$20,672,059	$20,594,908

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	9,775,000	9,775,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	9,775,000	9,775,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$977,500	$977,500
Accumulated depreciation, property and equipment	$5,125,715	$4,732,956
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	333,861,080	334,070,016
Common stock, shares outstanding	333,861,080	334,070,016

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Net revenues:	'		'		'		'
Site rental	$746,340		$616,849		$1,493,502		$1,232,264
Network services and other	170,005		118,079		298,793		242,724
Net revenues	916,345		734,928		1,792,295		1,474,988
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Site rental	236,991	[1]	179,015	[1]	465,067	[1]	356,621	[1]
Network services and other	103,447	[1]	70,199	[1]	176,321	[1]	147,576	[1]
General and administrative	69,153		54,790		134,002		113,035
Asset write-down charges	3,136		3,097		5,869		6,812
Acquisition and integration costs	19,197		7,215		24,856		8,817
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	254,235		190,651		504,426		377,110
Total operating expenses	686,159		504,967		1,310,541		1,009,971
Operating income (loss)	230,186		229,961		481,754		465,017
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-144,534		-140,256		-290,934		-304,625
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-44,629		-577		-44,629	[2]	-36,486
Interest income	189		328		362		625
Other income (expense)	-6,063		507		-8,799		-122
Income (loss) before income taxes	35,149		89,963		137,754		124,409
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	208		-36,587		396		-54,295
Net income (loss)	35,357		53,376		138,150		70,114
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,348		1,017		2,644		2,293
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	34,009		52,359		135,506		67,821
Dividends on preferred stock	-10,997		0		-21,994		0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	23,012		52,359		113,512		67,821
Net income (loss)	35,357		53,376		138,150		70,114
Interest rate swaps, net of taxes:	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified into interest expense and amortization deferred financing costs, net of taxes	16,162		10,557		32,344		21,127
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,332		-37,827		18,469		-38,218
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	22,494		-27,270		50,813		-17,091
Comprehensive income (loss)	57,851		26,106		188,963		53,023
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,696		-798		3,640		902
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$56,155		$26,904		$185,323		$52,121
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	$0.07		$0.18		$0.34		$0.23
Diluted	$0.07		$0.18		$0.34		$0.23
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):	'		'		'		'
Basic	332,344		291,225		332,189		291,164
Diluted	333,081		292,706		333,034		292,570
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.35		$0		$0.70		$0
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Tax effect on derivative instruments	$0	$5,685	$0	$11,376

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income (loss)	$138,150		$70,114
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	504,426		377,110
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629	[1]	36,486
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest	41,485		57,471
Stock-based compensation expense	27,373		19,472
Asset write-down charges	5,869		6,812
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)	-4,885		50,143
Other adjustments	-1,328		1,291
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:	'		'
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	1,266		34,563
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	-19,907		2,727
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities	189,789		45,362
Decrease (increase) in receivables	-53,563		-11,647
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets	-109,628		-129,877
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	763,676		560,027
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-90,442		-27,280
Capital expenditures	-309,740		-254,820
Other investing activities, net	2,378		6,644
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-397,804		-275,456
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	845,750		30,941
Principal payments on long-term debt and other long-term obligations	-55,385		-51,085
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	-836,899		-675,480
Purchases of capital stock	-21,730		-98,867
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	494,000		48,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	-534,000		-255,000
Payments for financing costs	-15,834		-5,654
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	24,386		411,048
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock	-233,684		0
Dividends/distributions paid on preferred stock	-22,360		0
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-355,756		-596,097
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-6,031		-2,952
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,085		-314,478
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	223,394		441,364
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$227,479		$126,886
[1]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $)	Total	Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]		Common Stock [Member]		Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]		Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]		Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]		Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings [Member]		Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance, value at Mar. 31, 2013	'	$2,964,631,000		$2,938,000		$0	$5,610,039,000		$101,310,000		($153,346,000)		($2,610,528,000)		$14,218,000
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2013	'	'		293,771,206		'	'		'		'		'		'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'		'		0	'		'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value	'	9,443,000		0		'	9,443,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		-6,032		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-75,288,000		-11,000		'	-75,277,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-1,079,712		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-27,270,000	-27,270,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	-36,012,000	[1]	10,557,000	[1]	0	[1]	-1,815,000	[1]
Net income (loss)	53,376,000	53,376,000		0		'	0		0		0		52,359,000		1,017,000
Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2013	'	2,924,892,000		2,927,000		0	5,544,205,000		65,298,000		-142,789,000		-2,558,169,000		13,420,000
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2013	'	'		292,685,462		'	'		'		'		'		'
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2012	'	2,951,264,000		2,932,000		0	5,623,595,000		102,125,000		-163,916,000		-2,625,990,000		12,518,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'		293,164,786		'	'		'		'		'		'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'		'		0	'		'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value	'	19,472,000		9,000		'	19,463,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		941,947		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-98,867,000		-14,000		'	-98,853,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-1,421,271		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-17,091,000	-17,091,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	-36,827,000	[1]	21,127,000	[1]	0	[1]	-1,391,000	[1]
Net income (loss)	70,114,000	70,114,000		0		'	0		0		0		67,821,000		2,293,000
Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2013	'	2,924,892,000		2,927,000		0	5,544,205,000		65,298,000		-142,789,000		-2,558,169,000		13,420,000
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2013	'	'		292,685,462		'	'		'		'		'		'
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013	6,941,175,000	6,941,175,000		3,341,000		98,000	9,482,769,000		58,261,000		-81,873,000		-2,535,879,000		14,458,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	334,070,016	'		334,070,016		'	'		'		'		'		'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	9,775,000	'		'		9,775,000	'		'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value	'	27,373,000		1,000		'	27,372,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		82,330		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-21,730,000		-3,000		'	-21,727,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-291,266		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	50,813,000	50,813,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	17,473,000	[1]	32,344,000	[1]	0	[1]	996,000	[1]
Common stock dividends/distributions	'	-234,351,000		'		'	'		'		'		-234,351,000		'
Preferred stock dividends	'	-21,994,000		'		'	'		'		'		-21,994,000		'
Net income (loss)	138,150,000	138,150,000		0		'	0		0		0		135,506,000		2,644,000
Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2014	6,879,436,000	6,879,436,000		3,339,000		98,000	9,488,414,000		75,734,000		-49,529,000		-2,656,718,000		18,098,000
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2014	333,861,080	'		333,861,080		'	'		'		'		'		'
Balance, value at Mar. 31, 2014	'	6,934,667,000		3,338,000		98,000	9,473,311,000		69,750,000		-65,691,000		-2,562,541,000		16,402,000
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014	'	'		333,795,981		'	'		'		'		'		'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	9,775,000	'		'		9,775,000	'		'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value	'	15,417,000		1,000		'	15,416,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		68,299		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-313,000		0		'	-313,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-3,200		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22,494,000	22,494,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	'	[1]	5,984,000	[1]	16,162,000	[1]	0	[1]	348,000	[1]
Common stock dividends/distributions	'	-117,189,000		'		'	'		'		'		-117,189,000		'
Preferred stock dividends	'	-10,997,000		'		'	'		'		'		-10,997,000		'
Net income (loss)	35,357,000	35,357,000		0		'	0		0		0		34,009,000		1,348,000
Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2014	$6,879,436,000	$6,879,436,000		$3,339,000		$98,000	$9,488,414,000		$75,734,000		($49,529,000)		($2,656,718,000)		$18,098,000
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2014	333,861,080	'		333,861,080		'	'		'		'		'		'
[1]	See the condensed 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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, 2013, and related notes thereto, included in the 2013 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 towers, and, to a lesser extent, to (2) its small cells, and (3) third party land interests to wireless communications companies via long-term contracts in various forms, including licenses, subleases and lease agreements.
	As part of CCUSA's effort to provide comprehensive wireless infrastructure solutions, it offers certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, consisting of (1) customer equipment installation or subsequent augmentations (collectively, "installation services") and (2) the following additional site development services relating to existing or new antenna installations on its wireless infrastructure: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, zoning or permitting, other construction, or network development related services.
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Company has certain taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). See note 5.
	Approximately 54% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.
	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 June 30, 2014, and the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 condensed consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the 2013 Form 10-K.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	No accounting pronouncements adopted during the six months ended June 30, 2014 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, FASB released updated guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.  This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017.  This guidance is required to be applied (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) with the cumulative effect being recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the guidance including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Acqusitions [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure	'
	Acquisitions
	AT&T Acquisition
	During October 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T to acquire, for $4.827 billion in cash at closing, exclusive rights to towers which, as of June 30, 2014, comprised approximately 23% of the Company's towers ("AT&T Acquisition"). On December 16, 2013, the Company closed on the acquisition. The Company utilized net proceeds from the October Equity Financings and additional borrowings under the 2012 Revolver and Term Loans to finance the AT&T Acquisition, as well as cash on hand.
	The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the AT&T Acquisition is not finalized as of June 30, 2014 and is based upon preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information, including information regarding fixed assets, intangible assets and certain liabilities. The preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition, as of June 30, 2014, is shown below.
	Current assets	$	20,428
	Property and equipment	1,918,534			(a)
	Goodwill	1,768,535
	Other intangible assets, net	1,280,071
	Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net	50,094			(a)
	Current liabilities	(12,929		)
	Deferred credits and other liabilities	(198,134		)	(b)
	Net assets acquired	$	4,826,599		(c)
	(a)	The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition between December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2014 relate to (1) a $46.8 million increase to long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net and (2) a corresponding $46.8 million decrease to property and equipment, net. The effect of the change in the preliminary price allocation on the Company's statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) is immaterial to the periods presented.
	(b)	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	(c)	No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 5.
	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 AT&T Acquisition 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 the AT&T Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Net revenues	$	1,682,955		(a)
	Net income (loss)	$	56,687		(b)(c)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.1		(d)
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.1		(d)
	(a)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $110.3 million that the Company expects to recognize from AT&T under AT&T's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the AT&T Acquisition.
	(b)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $110.4 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition.
	(c)	The pro forma adjustments reflect the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made with respect to the Company's REIT election. See note 5.
	(d)	Pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financing as well as the impact of the common stock and preferred stock offerings completed in October 2013.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations

Debt and Other Obligations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'
Debt and Other Obligations	'
	Debt and Other Obligations
		Original		Contractual		Outstanding				Outstanding			Stated Interest
		Issue Date		Maturity		Balance as of				Balance as of			Rate as of
				Date (d)		30-Jun-14				31-Dec-13			June 30, 2014(a)(d)
	Bank debt - variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		$	334,000		(b)	$	374,000		1.9	%
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		654,219				662,500			1.9	%
	Tranche B Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021	(e)	2,849,829			(e)	2,864,150			3	%
	Total bank debt					3,838,048				3,900,650
	Securitized debt - fixed rate:
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Jan. 2010		2035 - 2040	(c)	1,600,000			(f)	1,900,000			6	%
	August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Aug. 2010		2035 - 2040	(c)	1,550,000				1,550,000			4.5	%
	2009 Securitized Notes	Jul-09		2019/2029		170,340				179,792			7.4	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(c)	274,088				286,171			5.6	%
	Total securitized debt					3,594,428				3,915,963
	Bonds - fixed rate:
	7.125% Senior Notes	Oct. 2009		Nov. 2019		—			(f)	498,332			N/A
	5.25% Senior Notes	Oct. 2012		Jan. 2023		1,649,970				1,649,970			5.3	%
	2012 Secured Notes	Dec. 2012		Dec. 2017/Apr. 2023		1,500,000				1,500,000			3.4	%
	4.875% Senior Notes	Apr. 2014		Apr. 2022		845,841			(f)	—			4.9	%
	Total bonds					3,995,811				3,648,302
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various		141,964				129,585			Various
	Total debt and other obligations					11,570,251				11,594,500
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					105,624				103,586
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	11,464,627			$	11,490,914
	________________
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of June 30, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.2 billion.
	(c)	If the respective series of such debt is not paid in full on or prior to an applicable date 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 additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective series. See the 2013 Form 10-K for additional information regarding these provisions.
	(d)	See the 2013 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness.
	(e)	During January 2014, the Company amended its senior credit facility (as amended, "2012 Credit Facility") by extending the maturity date on a portion of the Tranche B Term Loans, including Incremental Tranche B Term Loans, to January 2021. As of June 30, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans, consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $568.4 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
	(f)	In April 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022 ("4.875% Senior Notes"). The 4.875% Senior Notes are general obligations of CCIC and rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $839 million, after the deduction of associated fees. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes offering (1) to repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of January 2015 and (2) to redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes (collectively, "2014 Refinancings").
	Contractual Maturities
	The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding as of June 30, 2014. 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.
		Six Months Ending				Years Ending December 31,															Unamortized Adjustments, Net		Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
		December 31,
		2014				2015				2016			2017		2018		Thereafter		Total Cash Obligations
	Scheduled contractual maturities	$	52,048			$	102,038			$	116,788		$	614,705	$	958,929	$	9,724,299	$	11,568,807	$	1,444	$	11,570,251
	Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt
	The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)				Gains (Losses)(b)
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	$	300,000			$	302,990			$	(3,740	)
	7.125% Senior Notes	500,000				533,909				(40,889		)
	Total	$	800,000			$	836,899			$	(44,629	)
	(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
	(b)	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
	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 June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	123,930			$	119,705			$	249,449		$	247,154
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,521				5,013				11,162			14,060
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(896		)		(965		)		(1,851		)	10,471
	Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)	16,162				16,242				32,344			32,504
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(183		)		261				(170		)	436
	Total	$	144,534			$	140,256			$	290,934		$	304,625
	(a)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, the Company will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its net taxable income that is currently distributed to its stockholders. The Company also may be subject to certain federal, state, local, and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including (1) alternative minimum taxes, (2) taxes on any undistributed income, (3) taxes related to the TRSs, (4) certain state, local, or foreign income taxes, (5) franchise taxes, (6) property taxes, and (7) transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could in certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Internal Revenue Code 1986, as amended ("Code") to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT. The Company's small cells will initially be conducted through one or more TRSs. The Company has submitted a private letter ruling request with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regarding whether certain components of its small cells and the related rents qualify as REIT real property and could be included in our REIT. If any of the small cell assets and operations are included in the REIT in the future, the Company would expect to de-recognize substantially all of its previously recorded U.S. federal and state net deferred tax liabilities related to such small cell assets and operations. Additionally, the Company will include in TRSs its tower operations in Australia and will include certain other assets and operations in TRSs. Those TRS assets and operations would continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes and to foreign taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located. The Company's foreign assets and operations (including its tower operations in Puerto Rico and Australia) most likely will be subject to foreign income taxes in the jurisdictions in which such assets and operations are located, regardless of whether they are included in a TRS or not. The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax rate (currently 35%) on the gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified period (generally 10 years) after the REIT conversion up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on January 1, 2014, which is based upon the fair market value of those assets in excess of our tax basis on January 1, 2014.  This gain can be offset by any remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards.
	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to the Company's REIT status, including the dividends paid deduction. The income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily related to the TRS. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to state taxes of $14.3 million.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Disclosures
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	227,479	$	227,479	$	223,394	$	223,394
	Restricted cash, current and non-current	1	160,725		160,725		188,526		188,526
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt and other obligations	2	11,570,251		12,068,355		11,594,500		11,892,587
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines the 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, 2013 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values.

Per_Share_Information

Per Share Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Per Share Information	'
Per Share Information	'
	Per Share Information
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share, excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable (1) upon the vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock 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					Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	34,009		$	52,359	$	135,506		$	67,821
	Dividends on preferred stock	(10,997		)	—		(21,994		)	—
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	23,012		$	52,359	$	113,512		$	67,821
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,344			291,225		332,189			291,164
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards	737			1,481		845			1,406
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,081			292,706		333,034			292,570
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.07		$	0.18	$	0.34		$	0.23
	Diluted	$	0.07		$	0.18	$	0.34		$	0.23
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company issued 1.0 million restricted stock units. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, 13.1 million common share equivalents related to the 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock were excluded from the dilutive common shares because the impact of such conversion would be anti-dilutive.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits or 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 or performance guarantees arising in the ordinary course of business, including certain letters of credit or surety bonds. In addition, the Company has the option to purchase approximately 54% of the Company's towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Equity
	Declaration and Payment of Dividends
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company declared or paid the following dividends:
	Equity Type		Declaration Date	Payment Date	Record Date	Dividends Per Share		Aggregate
								Payment
								Amount
								(In millions)
	Common Stock		February 20, 2014	March 31, 2014	March 20, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	Common Stock		May 30, 2014	June 30, 2014	June 20, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		December 31, 2013	February 3, 2014	January 14, 2014	$	1.1625	$	11.4
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		March 25, 2014	May 1, 2014	April 15, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		June 25, 2014	August 1, 2014	July 15, 2014	$	1.125	$	11	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.
	(b)	Represents amount paid on August 1, 2014 based on holders of record on July 15, 2014.
	Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company purchased 0.3 million shares of its common stock utilizing $21.7 million in cash.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating Segments	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure	'
	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 June 30, 2014												Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	710,783		$	35,557		$	—		$	746,340		$	583,584		$	33,265		$	—		$	616,849
	Network services and other	167,459			2,546			—			170,005			113,057			5,022			—			118,079
	Net revenues	878,242			38,103			—			916,345			696,641			38,287			—			734,928
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	227,032			9,959			—			236,991			169,234			9,781			—			179,015
	Network services and other	101,901			1,546			—			103,447			66,035			4,164			—			70,199
	General and administrative	63,318			5,835			—			69,153			49,225			5,565			—			54,790
	Asset write-down charges	3,105			31			—			3,136			3,008			89			—			3,097
	Acquisition and integration costs	19,125			72			—			19,197			7,030			185			—			7,215
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	246,583			7,652			—			254,235			183,304			7,347			—			190,651
	Total operating expenses	661,064			25,095			—			686,159			477,836			27,131			—			504,967
	Operating income (loss)	217,178			13,008			—			230,186			218,805			11,156			—			229,961
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(144,534		)	(3,930		)	3,930			(144,534		)	(140,256		)	(4,316		)	4,316			(140,256		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)	—			—			(44,629		)	(577		)	—			—			(577		)
	Interest income	108			81			—			189			246			82			—			328
	Other income (expense)	(1,990		)	(143		)	(3,930		)	(6,063		)	4,808			15			(4,316		)	507
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	3,101			(2,893		)	—			208			(34,304		)	(2,283		)	—			(36,587		)
	Net income (loss)	29,234			6,123			—			35,357			48,722			4,654			—			53,376
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			1,348			—			1,348			—			1,017			—			1,017
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	29,234		$	4,775		$	—		$	34,009		$	48,722		$	3,637		$	—		$	52,359
	Capital expenditures	$	160,460		$	6,337		$	—		$	166,797		$	134,513		$	3,954		$	—		$	138,467
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014												Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	1,425,575		$	67,927		$	—		$	1,493,502		$	1,164,851		$	67,413		$	—		$	1,232,264
	Network services and other	294,430			4,363			—			298,793			230,918			11,806			—			242,724
	Net revenues	1,720,005			72,290			—			1,792,295			1,395,769			79,219			—			1,474,988
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	445,676			19,391			—			465,067			336,826			19,795			—			356,621
	Network services and other	173,701			2,620			—			176,321			137,884			9,692			—			147,576
	General and administrative	121,959			12,043			—			134,002			101,786			11,249			—			113,035
	Asset write-down charges	5,741			128			—			5,869			6,611			201			—			6,812
	Acquisition and integration costs	24,784			72			—			24,856			8,631			186			—			8,817
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	491,759			12,667			—			504,426			362,430			14,680			—			377,110
	Total operating expenses	1,263,620			46,921			—			1,310,541			954,168			55,803			—			1,009,971
	Operating income (loss)	456,385			25,369			—			481,754			441,601			23,416			—			465,017
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(290,934		)	(7,613		)	7,613			(290,934		)	(304,625		)	(8,762		)	8,762			(304,625		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)	—			—			(44,629		)	(36,486		)	—			—			(36,486		)
	Interest income	222			140			—			362			449			176			—			625
	Other income (expense)	(1,043		)	(143		)	(7,613		)	(8,799		)	8,628			12			(8,762		)	(122		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	6,141			(5,745		)	—			396			(49,917		)	(4,378		)	—			(54,295		)
	Net income (loss)	126,142			12,008			—			138,150			59,650			10,464			—			70,114
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			2,644			—			2,644			—			2,293			—			2,293
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	126,142		$	9,364		$	—		$	135,506		$	59,650		$	8,171		$	—		$	67,821
	Capital expenditures	$	299,298		$	10,442		$	—		$	309,740		$	247,713		$	7,107		$	—		$	254,820
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
	The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014												Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	29,234		$	6,123		$	—		$	35,357		$	48,722		$	4,654		$	—		$	53,376
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges	3,105			31			—			3,136			3,008			89			—			3,097
Acquisition and integration costs	19,125			72			—			19,197			7,030			185			—			7,215
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	246,583			7,652			—			254,235			183,304			7,347			—			190,651
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	5,663			—			—			5,663			3,863			—			—			3,863
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	144,534			3,930			(3,930		)	144,534			140,256			4,316			(4,316		)	140,256
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629			—			—			44,629			577			—			—			577
Interest income	(108		)	(81		)	—			(189		)	(246		)	(82		)	—			(328		)
Other income (expense)	1,990			143			3,930			6,063			(4,808		)	(15		)	4,316			(507		)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(3,101		)	2,893			—			(208		)	34,304			2,283			—			36,587
Stock-based compensation expense	17,883			329			—			18,212			9,442			166			—			9,608
Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	509,537		$	21,092		$	—		$	530,629		$	425,452		$	18,943		$	—		$	444,395
________________
(a)	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014												Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
										Total												Total
Net income (loss)	$	126,142		$	12,008		$	—		$	138,150		$	59,650		$	10,464		$	—		$	70,114
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges	5,741			128			—			5,869			6,611			201			—			6,812
Acquisition and integration costs	24,784			72			—			24,856			8,631			186			—			8,817
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	491,759			12,667			—			504,426			362,430			14,680			—			377,110
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	9,558			—			—			9,558			7,726			—			—			7,726
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	290,934			7,613			(7,613		)	290,934			304,625			8,762			(8,762		)	304,625
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629			—			—			44,629			36,486			—			—			36,486
Interest income	(222		)	(140		)	—			(362		)	(449		)	(176		)	—			(625		)
Other income (expense)	1,043			143			7,613			8,799			(8,628		)	(12		)	8,762			122
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(6,141		)	5,745			—			(396		)	49,917			4,378			—			54,295
Stock-based compensation expense	29,840			1,309			—			31,149			19,472			235			—			19,707
Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	1,018,067		$	39,545		$	—		$	1,057,612		$	846,471		$	38,718		$	—		$	885,189
________________
(a)	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013
	Sprint	26	%	30	%
	AT&T	26	%	20	%
	T-Mobile	21	%	21	%
	Verizon Wireless	16	%	16	%
	Total	89	%	87	%

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	248,183	$	212,592
	Income taxes paid	12,690		10,242
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	7,201		(10,646		)
	Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	18,129		26,573

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent accounting prounouncements	'
	No accounting pronouncements adopted during the six months ended June 30, 2014 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, FASB released updated guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, exclusive of those contracts within lease accounting. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contracts with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the contract price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.  This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017.  This guidance is required to be applied (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) with the cumulative effect being recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the guidance including the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the AT&T Acquisition is not finalized as of June 30, 2014 and is based upon preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information, including information regarding fixed assets, intangible assets and certain liabilities. The preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition, as of June 30, 2014, is shown below.
	Current assets	$	20,428
	Property and equipment	1,918,534			(a)
	Goodwill	1,768,535
	Other intangible assets, net	1,280,071
	Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net	50,094			(a)
	Current liabilities	(12,929		)
	Deferred credits and other liabilities	(198,134		)	(b)
	Net assets acquired	$	4,826,599		(c)
	(a)	The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition between December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2014 relate to (1) a $46.8 million increase to long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net and (2) a corresponding $46.8 million decrease to property and equipment, net. The effect of the change in the preliminary price allocation on the Company's statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) is immaterial to the periods presented.
	(b)	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	(c)	No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 5.
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 AT&T Acquisition 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 the AT&T Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Net revenues	$	1,682,955		(a)
	Net income (loss)	$	56,687		(b)(c)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.1		(d)
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.1		(d)
	(a)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $110.3 million that the Company expects to recognize from AT&T under AT&T's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the AT&T Acquisition.
	(b)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $110.4 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition.
	(c)	The pro forma adjustments reflect the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made with respect to the Company's REIT election. See note 5.
	(d)	Pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financing as well as the impact of the common stock and preferred stock offerings completed in October 2013.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Tab

Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	'
		Original		Contractual		Outstanding				Outstanding			Stated Interest
		Issue Date		Maturity		Balance as of				Balance as of			Rate as of
				Date (d)		30-Jun-14				31-Dec-13			June 30, 2014(a)(d)
	Bank debt - variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		$	334,000		(b)	$	374,000		1.9	%
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		654,219				662,500			1.9	%
	Tranche B Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021	(e)	2,849,829			(e)	2,864,150			3	%
	Total bank debt					3,838,048				3,900,650
	Securitized debt - fixed rate:
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Jan. 2010		2035 - 2040	(c)	1,600,000			(f)	1,900,000			6	%
	August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Aug. 2010		2035 - 2040	(c)	1,550,000				1,550,000			4.5	%
	2009 Securitized Notes	Jul-09		2019/2029		170,340				179,792			7.4	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(c)	274,088				286,171			5.6	%
	Total securitized debt					3,594,428				3,915,963
	Bonds - fixed rate:
	7.125% Senior Notes	Oct. 2009		Nov. 2019		—			(f)	498,332			N/A
	5.25% Senior Notes	Oct. 2012		Jan. 2023		1,649,970				1,649,970			5.3	%
	2012 Secured Notes	Dec. 2012		Dec. 2017/Apr. 2023		1,500,000				1,500,000			3.4	%
	4.875% Senior Notes	Apr. 2014		Apr. 2022		845,841			(f)	—			4.9	%
	Total bonds					3,995,811				3,648,302
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various		141,964				129,585			Various
	Total debt and other obligations					11,570,251				11,594,500
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					105,624				103,586
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	11,464,627			$	11,490,914
	________________
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of June 30, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.2 billion.
	(c)	If the respective series of such debt is not paid in full on or prior to an applicable date 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 additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective series. See the 2013 Form 10-K for additional information regarding these provisions.
	(d)	See the 2013 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness.
	(e)	During January 2014, the Company amended its senior credit facility (as amended, "2012 Credit Facility") by extending the maturity date on a portion of the Tranche B Term Loans, including Incremental Tranche B Term Loans, to January 2021. As of June 30, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans, consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $568.4 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
	(f)	In April 2014, the Company issued $850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022 ("4.875% Senior Notes"). The 4.875% Senior Notes are general obligations of CCIC and rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $839 million, after the deduction of associated fees. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes offering (1) to repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of January 2015 and (2) to redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes (collectively, "2014 Refinancings").
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 as of June 30, 2014. 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.
		Six Months Ending				Years Ending December 31,															Unamortized Adjustments, Net		Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
		December 31,
		2014				2015				2016			2017		2018		Thereafter		Total Cash Obligations
	Scheduled contractual maturities	$	52,048			$	102,038			$	116,788		$	614,705	$	958,929	$	9,724,299	$	11,568,807	$	1,444	$	11,570,251
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 June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	123,930			$	119,705			$	249,449		$	247,154
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,521				5,013				11,162			14,060
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(896		)		(965		)		(1,851		)	10,471
	Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)	16,162				16,242				32,344			32,504
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(183		)		261				(170		)	436
	Total	$	144,534			$	140,256			$	290,934		$	304,625
	(a)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt
	The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)				Gains (Losses)(b)
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	$	300,000			$	302,990			$	(3,740	)
	7.125% Senior Notes	500,000				533,909				(40,889		)
	Total	$	800,000			$	836,899			$	(44,629	)
	(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
	(b)	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	'
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	227,479	$	227,479	$	223,394	$	223,394
	Restricted cash, current and non-current	1	160,725		160,725		188,526		188,526
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt and other obligations	2	11,570,251		12,068,355		11,594,500		11,892,587

Per_Share_Information_Tables

Per Share Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Per Share Information	'
Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations	'
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	34,009		$	52,359	$	135,506		$	67,821
	Dividends on preferred stock	(10,997		)	—		(21,994		)	—
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	23,012		$	52,359	$	113,512		$	67,821
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,344			291,225		332,189			291,164
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards	737			1,481		845			1,406
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,081			292,706		333,034			292,570
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.07		$	0.18	$	0.34		$	0.23
	Diluted	$	0.07		$	0.18	$	0.34		$	0.23

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	'
	Declaration and Payment of Dividends
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company declared or paid the following dividends:
	Equity Type		Declaration Date	Payment Date	Record Date	Dividends Per Share		Aggregate
								Payment
								Amount
								(In millions)
	Common Stock		February 20, 2014	March 31, 2014	March 20, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	Common Stock		May 30, 2014	June 30, 2014	June 20, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		December 31, 2013	February 3, 2014	January 14, 2014	$	1.1625	$	11.4
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		March 25, 2014	May 1, 2014	April 15, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		June 25, 2014	August 1, 2014	July 15, 2014	$	1.125	$	11	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.
	(b)	Represents amount paid on August 1, 2014 based on holders of record on July 15, 2014.

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating Segments	'
Financial Results of Operating Segments	'
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014												Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	710,783		$	35,557		$	—		$	746,340		$	583,584		$	33,265		$	—		$	616,849
	Network services and other	167,459			2,546			—			170,005			113,057			5,022			—			118,079
	Net revenues	878,242			38,103			—			916,345			696,641			38,287			—			734,928
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	227,032			9,959			—			236,991			169,234			9,781			—			179,015
	Network services and other	101,901			1,546			—			103,447			66,035			4,164			—			70,199
	General and administrative	63,318			5,835			—			69,153			49,225			5,565			—			54,790
	Asset write-down charges	3,105			31			—			3,136			3,008			89			—			3,097
	Acquisition and integration costs	19,125			72			—			19,197			7,030			185			—			7,215
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	246,583			7,652			—			254,235			183,304			7,347			—			190,651
	Total operating expenses	661,064			25,095			—			686,159			477,836			27,131			—			504,967
	Operating income (loss)	217,178			13,008			—			230,186			218,805			11,156			—			229,961
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(144,534		)	(3,930		)	3,930			(144,534		)	(140,256		)	(4,316		)	4,316			(140,256		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)	—			—			(44,629		)	(577		)	—			—			(577		)
	Interest income	108			81			—			189			246			82			—			328
	Other income (expense)	(1,990		)	(143		)	(3,930		)	(6,063		)	4,808			15			(4,316		)	507
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	3,101			(2,893		)	—			208			(34,304		)	(2,283		)	—			(36,587		)
	Net income (loss)	29,234			6,123			—			35,357			48,722			4,654			—			53,376
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			1,348			—			1,348			—			1,017			—			1,017
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	29,234		$	4,775		$	—		$	34,009		$	48,722		$	3,637		$	—		$	52,359
	Capital expenditures	$	160,460		$	6,337		$	—		$	166,797		$	134,513		$	3,954		$	—		$	138,467
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014												Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	1,425,575		$	67,927		$	—		$	1,493,502		$	1,164,851		$	67,413		$	—		$	1,232,264
	Network services and other	294,430			4,363			—			298,793			230,918			11,806			—			242,724
	Net revenues	1,720,005			72,290			—			1,792,295			1,395,769			79,219			—			1,474,988
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	445,676			19,391			—			465,067			336,826			19,795			—			356,621
	Network services and other	173,701			2,620			—			176,321			137,884			9,692			—			147,576
	General and administrative	121,959			12,043			—			134,002			101,786			11,249			—			113,035
	Asset write-down charges	5,741			128			—			5,869			6,611			201			—			6,812
	Acquisition and integration costs	24,784			72			—			24,856			8,631			186			—			8,817
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	491,759			12,667			—			504,426			362,430			14,680			—			377,110
	Total operating expenses	1,263,620			46,921			—			1,310,541			954,168			55,803			—			1,009,971
	Operating income (loss)	456,385			25,369			—			481,754			441,601			23,416			—			465,017
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(290,934		)	(7,613		)	7,613			(290,934		)	(304,625		)	(8,762		)	8,762			(304,625		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)	—			—			(44,629		)	(36,486		)	—			—			(36,486		)
	Interest income	222			140			—			362			449			176			—			625
	Other income (expense)	(1,043		)	(143		)	(7,613		)	(8,799		)	8,628			12			(8,762		)	(122		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	6,141			(5,745		)	—			396			(49,917		)	(4,378		)	—			(54,295		)
	Net income (loss)	126,142			12,008			—			138,150			59,650			10,464			—			70,114
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			2,644			—			2,644			—			2,293			—			2,293
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	126,142		$	9,364		$	—		$	135,506		$	59,650		$	8,171		$	—		$	67,821
	Capital expenditures	$	299,298		$	10,442		$	—		$	309,740		$	247,713		$	7,107		$	—		$	254,820
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA	'
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014												Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	126,142		$	12,008		$	—		$	138,150		$	59,650		$	10,464		$	—		$	70,114
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	5,741			128			—			5,869			6,611			201			—			6,812
	Acquisition and integration costs	24,784			72			—			24,856			8,631			186			—			8,817
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	491,759			12,667			—			504,426			362,430			14,680			—			377,110
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	9,558			—			—			9,558			7,726			—			—			7,726
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	290,934			7,613			(7,613		)	290,934			304,625			8,762			(8,762		)	304,625
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629			—			—			44,629			36,486			—			—			36,486
	Interest income	(222		)	(140		)	—			(362		)	(449		)	(176		)	—			(625		)
	Other income (expense)	1,043			143			7,613			8,799			(8,628		)	(12		)	8,762			122
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(6,141		)	5,745			—			(396		)	49,917			4,378			—			54,295
	Stock-based compensation expense	29,840			1,309			—			31,149			19,472			235			—			19,707
	Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	1,018,067		$	39,545		$	—		$	1,057,612		$	846,471		$	38,718		$	—		$	885,189
	________________
	(a)	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014												Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	29,234		$	6,123		$	—		$	35,357		$	48,722		$	4,654		$	—		$	53,376
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	3,105			31			—			3,136			3,008			89			—			3,097
	Acquisition and integration costs	19,125			72			—			19,197			7,030			185			—			7,215
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	246,583			7,652			—			254,235			183,304			7,347			—			190,651
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	5,663			—			—			5,663			3,863			—			—			3,863
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	144,534			3,930			(3,930		)	144,534			140,256			4,316			(4,316		)	140,256
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629			—			—			44,629			577			—			—			577
	Interest income	(108		)	(81		)	—			(189		)	(246		)	(82		)	—			(328		)
	Other income (expense)	1,990			143			3,930			6,063			(4,808		)	(15		)	4,316			(507		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(3,101		)	2,893			—			(208		)	34,304			2,283			—			36,587
	Stock-based compensation expense	17,883			329			—			18,212			9,442			166			—			9,608
	Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	509,537		$	21,092		$	—		$	530,629		$	425,452		$	18,943		$	—		$	444,395
	________________
	(a)	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013
	Sprint	26	%	30	%
	AT&T	26	%	20	%
	T-Mobile	21	%	21	%
	Verizon Wireless	16	%	16	%
	Total	89	%	87	%

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	248,183	$	212,592
	Income taxes paid	12,690		10,242
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	7,201		(10,646		)
	Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	18,129		26,573

General_Business_Details

General Business (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014
Percentage of Subsidiary Owned by the Company	77.60%
Subject to Capital Lease with Sprint, TMO, or AT&T [Member]	'
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	54.00%

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

AT T [Member]

Pro forma revenue adjustments [Member]

Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion [Member]

Total ATT Towers [Member]

Long-term prepaid rent [Member]

Deferred Lease Revenue [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Goodwill [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

AT T [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjustments to purchase price allocation

'

'

'

'

'

$46,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

($46,800,000)

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation

'

4,826,599,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

-198,134,000

[2]

-12,929,000

50,094,000

[3]

1,280,071,000

1,768,535,000

1,918,534,000

[3]

20,428,000

Business acquisition, pro forma adjustment

'

'

110,300,000

110,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

'

4,827,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tower Count

'

'

'

'

23.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma net revenues

1,682,955,000

[4]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma net income (loss)

$56,687,000

[5],[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share

$0.10

[7]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 5.

[2]

Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.

[3]

The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition between December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2014 relate to (1) a $46.8 million increase to long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net and (2) a corresponding $46.8 million decrease to property and equipment, net. The effect of the change in the preliminary price allocation on the Company's statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) is immaterial to the periods presented.

[4]

Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $110.3 million that the Company expects to recognize from AT&T under AT&T's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the AT&T Acquisition.

[5]

Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $110.4 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition.

[6]

The pro forma adjustments reflect the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made with respect to the Company's REIT election.

[7]

Pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financing as well as the impact of the common stock and preferred stock offerings completed in October 2013.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind

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

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

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]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B - Due 2021 [Member]

Term Loan B due 2019 [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]

Issuance of debt obligation [Member]

CCOC [Member]

Repayments of debt 2013 [Member]

Repayments of debt 2015 [Member]

Repayments of debt 2016 [Member]

Repayments of debt thereafter [Member]

Repayments of debt 2017 [Domain]

repayments of debt 2018 [Domain]

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]

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]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

4.875% Senior Notes [Member]

2012 Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$52,048,000

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,038,000

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116,788,000

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

614,705,000

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

958,929,000

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,724,299,000

'

'

Total revolving commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

850,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

839,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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-Oct-09

'

1-Oct-12

'

1-Dec-12

'

1-Apr-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contractual maturity date

'

'

'Various

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019

[1]

'

'Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019

[1]

'

'Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021

[1],[2]

'

'

'

'2035 - 2040

[1],[3]

'

'2035 - 2040

[1],[3]

'

'2019/2029

[1],[3]

'

'Nov. 2040

[1],[3]

'

'

'

'Nov. 2019

[1]

'

'Jan. 2023

[1]

'

'Dec. 2017/Apr. 2023

[1]

'

'Apr. 2022

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt and other obligations

11,570,251,000

11,594,500,000

141,964,000

129,585,000

'

'

2,300,000,000

568,400,000

3,838,048,000

3,900,650,000

334,000,000

[4]

374,000,000

654,219,000

662,500,000

2,849,829,000

[2]

2,864,150,000

3,594,428,000

3,915,963,000

1,600,000,000

1,900,000,000

1,550,000,000

1,550,000,000

170,340,000

179,792,000

274,088,000

286,171,000

3,995,811,000

3,648,302,000

0

[5]

498,332,000

1,649,970,000

1,649,970,000

1,500,000,000

1,500,000,000

845,841,000

[5]

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original Debt Issuance Date

'

'

'Various

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

105,624,000

103,586,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

11,464,627,000

11,490,914,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.90%

[1],[6]

'

1.90%

[1],[6]

'

3.00%

[1],[6]

'

'

'

6.00%

[1],[6]

'

4.50%

[1],[6]

'

7.40%

[1],[6]

'

5.60%

[1],[6]

'

'

'

'

'

5.25%

[1],[6]

'

3.36%

[1],[6]

'

4.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated

'

'

'Various

[1],[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'N/A

[1],[6]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cash obligations

11,568,807,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized adjustments, net

1,444,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

11,570,251,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$800,000,000

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

See the 2013 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness.

[2]

During January 2014, the Company amended its senior credit facility (as amended, "2012 Credit Facility") by extending the maturity date on a portion of the Tranche B Term Loans, including Incremental Tranche B Term Loans, to January 2021. As of June 30, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans, consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $568.4 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.

[3]

If the respective series of such debt is not paid in full on or prior to an applicable date 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 additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective series. See the 2013 Form 10-K for additional information regarding these provisions.(d)

[4]

As of JuneB 30, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.2 billion.

[5]

$850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022 ("4.875% Senior Notes"). The 4.875% Senior Notes are general obligations of CCIC and rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $839 million, after the deduction of associated fees. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes offering (1) to repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of January 2015 and (2) to redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes (collectively, "2014 Refinancings").

[6]

Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind1

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

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Term Loan B due 2019 [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]

Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First 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]

CCOC [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 Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts

$7,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revolving commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000,000

Additional interest accruing following anticipated repayment dates

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

850,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cash obligations

11,568,807,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

227,479,000

223,394,000

126,886,000

441,364,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt and other obligations

11,570,251,000

11,594,500,000

'

'

568,400,000

'

'

141,964,000

129,585,000

3,995,811,000

3,648,302,000

0

[1]

498,332,000

1,500,000,000

1,500,000,000

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

$850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022 ("4.875% Senior Notes"). The 4.875% Senior Notes are general obligations of CCIC and rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $839 million, after the deduction of associated fees. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes offering (1) to repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of January 2015 and (2) to redeem all of the previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes (collectively, "2014 Refinancings").

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Com

Debt and Other Obligations (Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Interest expense on debt obligations	$123,930		$119,705		$249,449		$247,154
Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,521		5,013		11,162		14,060
Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	-896		-965		-1,851		10,471
Amortization of interest rate swaps	16,162	[1]	16,242	[1]	32,344	[1]	32,504	[1]
Other	-183		261		-170		436
Total	$144,534		$140,256		$290,934		$304,625
[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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts	'	'	$7,700,000		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	800,000,000		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	836,899,000		675,480,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-44,629,000	-577,000	-44,629,000	[1]	-36,486,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	300,000,000		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	302,990,000		'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	'	'	-3,740,000		'
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	'	'	500,000,000		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	533,909,000		'
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	'	'	-40,889,000		'
Total [Member]	'	'	'		'
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	'	'	$836,899,000	[2]	'
[1]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[2]	Exclusive of accrued interest.

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$14.30

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$227,479,000	$223,394,000	$126,886,000	$441,364,000
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	227,479,000	223,394,000	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current, carrying value	160,725,000	188,526,000	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current, fair value	160,725,000	188,526,000	'	'
Long-term debt and other obligations, carrying amount	11,570,251,000	11,594,500,000	'	'
Long-term debt and other obligations, fair value	$12,068,355,000	$11,892,587,000	'	'
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		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Per Share Information	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$34,009	$52,359	$135,506	$67,821
Dividends on preferred stock	-10,997	0	-21,994	0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders for basic and diluted computations	$23,012	$52,359	$113,512	$67,821
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,344,000	291,225,000	332,189,000	291,164,000
Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards	737,000	1,481,000	845,000	1,406,000
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,081,000	292,706,000	333,034,000	292,570,000
Basic	$0.07	$0.18	$0.34	$0.23
Diluted	$0.07	$0.18	$0.34	$0.23

Per_Share_Information_Narrativ

Per Share Information (Narrative) (Details) (Preferred Stock [Member])	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Preferred Stock [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from dilutive common shares calculation	13.1

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitment and Contingencies (Details) (Subject to Capital Lease with Sprint, TMO, or AT&T [Member])	Jun. 30, 2014
Subject to Capital Lease with Sprint, TMO, or AT&T [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	54.00%

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid subsequent to quarter end [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Mandatory Convertible Preferred stock [Member]

Mandatory Convertible Preferred stock [Member]

Mandatory Convertible Preferred stock [Member]

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid prior to quarter end [Member]

Paid subsequent to quarter end [Member]

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable, Date Declared

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-May-14

20-Feb-14

25-Mar-14

31-Dec-13

25-Jun-14

Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-14

31-Mar-14

1-May-14

3-Feb-14

1-Aug-14

Dividends Payable, Date of Record

'

'

'

'

'

'

20-Jun-14

20-Mar-14

15-Apr-14

14-Jan-14

15-Jul-14

Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid

'

'

$0.35

$0.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Common Stock, Cash

'

'

$117,200

[1]

$117,200

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid

'

'

'

$1.13

$1.16

$1.13

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash

'

'

'

11,000

[2]

11,400

[2]

11,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock repurchased during period, shares

0.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of capital stock

$21,730,000

$98,867,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.

[2]

Represents amount paid on August 1, 2014 based on holders of record on July 15, 2014.

Operating_Segments_Financial_R

Operating Segments (Financial Results for the Company's Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Site rental	$746,340,000		$616,849,000		$1,493,502,000		$1,232,264,000
Network services and other	170,005,000		118,079,000		298,793,000		242,724,000
Net revenues	916,345,000		734,928,000		1,792,295,000		1,474,988,000
Site rental	236,991,000	[1]	179,015,000	[1]	465,067,000	[1]	356,621,000	[1]
Network services and other	103,447,000	[1]	70,199,000	[1]	176,321,000	[1]	147,576,000	[1]
General and administrative	69,153,000		54,790,000		134,002,000		113,035,000
Asset write-down charges	3,136,000		3,097,000		5,869,000		6,812,000
Acquisition and integration costs	19,197,000		7,215,000		24,856,000		8,817,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	254,235,000		190,651,000		504,426,000		377,110,000
Total operating expenses	686,159,000		504,967,000		1,310,541,000		1,009,971,000
Operating income (loss)	230,186,000		229,961,000		481,754,000		465,017,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-144,534,000		-140,256,000		-290,934,000		-304,625,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-44,629,000		-577,000		-44,629,000	[2]	-36,486,000
Interest income	189,000		328,000		362,000		625,000
Other income (expense)	-6,063,000		507,000		-8,799,000		-122,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	208,000		-36,587,000		396,000		-54,295,000
Net income (loss)	35,357,000		53,376,000		138,150,000		70,114,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,348,000		1,017,000		2,644,000		2,293,000
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	34,009,000		52,359,000		135,506,000		67,821,000
Capital expenditures	166,797,000		138,467,000		309,740,000		254,820,000
CCUSA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Site rental	710,783,000		583,584,000		1,425,575,000		1,164,851,000
Network services and other	167,459,000		113,057,000		294,430,000		230,918,000
Net revenues	878,242,000		696,641,000		1,720,005,000		1,395,769,000
Site rental	227,032,000	[1]	169,234,000	[1]	445,676,000	[1]	336,826,000	[1]
Network services and other	101,901,000	[1]	66,035,000	[1]	173,701,000	[1]	137,884,000	[1]
General and administrative	63,318,000		49,225,000		121,959,000		101,786,000
Asset write-down charges	3,105,000		3,008,000		5,741,000		6,611,000
Acquisition and integration costs	19,125,000		7,030,000		24,784,000		8,631,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	246,583,000		183,304,000		491,759,000		362,430,000
Total operating expenses	661,064,000		477,836,000		1,263,620,000		954,168,000
Operating income (loss)	217,178,000		218,805,000		456,385,000		441,601,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-144,534,000		-140,256,000		-290,934,000		-304,625,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-44,629,000		-577,000		-44,629,000		-36,486,000
Interest income	108,000		246,000		222,000		449,000
Other income (expense)	-1,990,000		4,808,000		-1,043,000		8,628,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	3,101,000		-34,304,000		6,141,000		-49,917,000
Net income (loss)	29,234,000		48,722,000		126,142,000		59,650,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	29,234,000		48,722,000		126,142,000		59,650,000
Capital expenditures	160,460,000		134,513,000		299,298,000		247,713,000
CCAL [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Site rental	35,557,000		33,265,000		67,927,000		67,413,000
Network services and other	2,546,000		5,022,000		4,363,000		11,806,000
Net revenues	38,103,000		38,287,000		72,290,000		79,219,000
Site rental	9,959,000	[1]	9,781,000	[1]	19,391,000	[1]	19,795,000	[1]
Network services and other	1,546,000	[1]	4,164,000	[1]	2,620,000	[1]	9,692,000	[1]
General and administrative	5,835,000		5,565,000		12,043,000		11,249,000
Asset write-down charges	31,000		89,000		128,000		201,000
Acquisition and integration costs	72,000		185,000		72,000		186,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,652,000		7,347,000		12,667,000		14,680,000
Total operating expenses	25,095,000		27,131,000		46,921,000		55,803,000
Operating income (loss)	13,008,000		11,156,000		25,369,000		23,416,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-3,930,000		-4,316,000		-7,613,000		-8,762,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	81,000		82,000		140,000		176,000
Other income (expense)	-143,000		15,000		-143,000		12,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-2,893,000		-2,283,000		-5,745,000		-4,378,000
Net income (loss)	6,123,000		4,654,000		12,008,000		10,464,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,348,000		1,017,000		2,644,000		2,293,000
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	4,775,000		3,637,000		9,364,000		8,171,000
Capital expenditures	6,337,000		3,954,000		10,442,000		7,107,000
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	3,930,000		4,316,000		7,613,000		8,762,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Other income (expense)	-3,930,000		-4,316,000		-7,613,000		-8,762,000
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 make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.

Operating_Segments_Adjusted_fo

Operating Segments (Adjusted for EBITDA) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$35,357,000		$53,376,000		$138,150,000		$70,114,000
Asset write-down charges	3,136,000		3,097,000		5,869,000		6,812,000
Acquisition and integration costs	19,197,000		7,215,000		24,856,000		8,817,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	254,235,000		190,651,000		504,426,000		377,110,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	5,663,000		3,863,000		9,558,000		7,726,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	144,534,000		140,256,000		290,934,000		304,625,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629,000		577,000		44,629,000	[1]	36,486,000
Interest income	-189,000		-328,000		-362,000		-625,000
Other income (expense)	6,063,000		-507,000		8,799,000		122,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-208,000		36,587,000		-396,000		54,295,000
Stock-based compensation expense	18,212,000		9,608,000		31,149,000		19,707,000
Adjusted EBITDA	530,629,000	[2]	444,395,000	[2]	1,057,612,000	[2]	885,189,000	[2]
CCUSA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	29,234,000		48,722,000		126,142,000		59,650,000
Asset write-down charges	3,105,000		3,008,000		5,741,000		6,611,000
Acquisition and integration costs	19,125,000		7,030,000		24,784,000		8,631,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	246,583,000		183,304,000		491,759,000		362,430,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	5,663,000		3,863,000		9,558,000		7,726,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	144,534,000		140,256,000		290,934,000		304,625,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629,000		577,000		44,629,000		36,486,000
Interest income	-108,000		-246,000		-222,000		-449,000
Other income (expense)	1,990,000		-4,808,000		1,043,000		-8,628,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-3,101,000		34,304,000		-6,141,000		49,917,000
Stock-based compensation expense	17,883,000		9,442,000		29,840,000		19,472,000
Adjusted EBITDA	509,537,000	[2]	425,452,000	[2]	1,018,067,000	[2]	846,471,000	[2]
CCAL [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	6,123,000		4,654,000		12,008,000		10,464,000
Asset write-down charges	31,000		89,000		128,000		201,000
Acquisition and integration costs	72,000		185,000		72,000		186,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,652,000		7,347,000		12,667,000		14,680,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	0		0		0		0
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	3,930,000		4,316,000		7,613,000		8,762,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	-81,000		-82,000		-140,000		-176,000
Other income (expense)	143,000		-15,000		143,000		-12,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	2,893,000		2,283,000		5,745,000		4,378,000
Stock-based compensation expense	329,000		166,000		1,309,000		235,000
Adjusted EBITDA	21,092,000	[2]	18,943,000	[2]	39,545,000	[2]	38,718,000	[2]
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	-3,930,000		-4,316,000		-7,613,000		-8,762,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Other income (expense)	3,930,000		4,316,000		7,613,000		8,762,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation expense	0		0		0		0
Adjusted EBITDA	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]
[1]	The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[2]	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition for which there is no activity for the periods shown.

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_1

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	89.00%	87.00%
Sprint [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	26.00%	20.00%
T-Mobile [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	21.00%	21.00%
AT T [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	26.00%	30.00%
Verizon Wireless [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	16.00%	16.00%

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]	'	'
Interest paid	$248,183	$212,592
Income taxes paid	12,690	10,242
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	7,201	-10,646
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	$18,129	$26,573