Crown Castle (CCI) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 03, 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-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	333,857,810

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$238,550	$223,394
Restricted cash	137,824	183,526
Receivables, net	311,798	249,925
Prepaid expenses	154,240	132,003
Deferred income tax assets	40,201	26,714
Other current assets	96,182	77,121
Total current assets	978,795	892,683
Deferred site rental receivables	1,220,050	1,078,995
Property and equipment, net	8,870,817	8,947,677
Goodwill	5,091,800	4,916,426
Other intangible assets, net	3,795,426	4,057,865
Deferred income tax assets	10,855	19,008
Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net	817,117	682,254
Total assets	20,784,860	20,594,908
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	175,110	145,390
Accrued interest	68,044	65,582
Deferred revenues	327,265	260,114
Other accrued liabilities	168,475	181,715
Current maturities of debt and other obligations	106,673	103,586
Total current liabilities	845,567	756,387
Debt and other long-term obligations	11,467,005	11,490,914
Deferred income tax liabilities	57,118	56,513
Deferred credits and other liabilities	1,552,425	1,349,919
Total liabilities	13,922,115	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	9,500,490	9,482,769
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	19,006	-23,612
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings	-2,677,959	-2,535,879
Total CCIC stockholders' equity	6,844,974	6,926,717
Noncontrolling interest	17,771	14,458
Total equity	6,862,745	6,941,175
Total liabilities and equity	$20,784,860	$20,594,908

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 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	$5,279,593	$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	333,859,447	334,070,016
Common stock, shares outstanding	333,859,447	334,070,016

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net revenues:	'		'		'		'
Site rental	$751,893		$620,766		$2,245,395		$1,853,030
Network services and other	178,132		128,211		476,925		370,935
Net revenues	930,025		748,977		2,722,320		2,223,965
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Site rental	241,110	[1]	181,966	[1]	706,177	[1]	538,587	[1]
Network services and other	103,023	[1]	81,998	[1]	279,344	[1]	229,574	[1]
General and administrative	71,395		58,504		205,397		171,539
Asset write-down charges	5,275		3,893		11,144		10,705
Business Combination, Integration Related Costs	4,068		4,369		28,924		13,186
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	254,862		195,408		759,288		572,518
Total operating expenses	679,733		526,138		1,990,274		1,536,109
Operating income (loss)	250,292		222,839		732,046		687,856
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-141,287		-142,016		-432,221		-446,641
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		-1		-44,629	[2]	-36,487
Interest income	192		236		554		861
Other income (expense)	-678		-631		-9,477		-753
Income (loss) before income taxes	108,519		80,427		246,273		204,836
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-482		-33,959		-86		-88,254
Net income (loss)	108,037		46,468		246,187		116,582
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,100		632		3,744		2,925
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	106,937		45,836		242,443		113,657
Dividends, Preferred Stock	10,997		0		32,991		0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	95,940		45,836		209,452		113,657
Net income (loss)	108,037		46,468		246,187		116,582
Interest rate swaps, net of taxes:	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified into interest expense and amortization deferred financing costs, net of taxes	15,551		10,544		47,895		31,671
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-24,177		5,874		-5,708		-32,344
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-8,626		16,418		42,187		-673
Comprehensive income (loss)	99,411		62,886		288,374		115,909
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	-327		898		3,313		1,800
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$99,738		$61,988		$285,061		$114,109
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	$0.29		$0.16		$0.63		$0.39
Diluted	$0.29		$0.16		$0.63		$0.39
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):	'		'		'		'
Basic	332,413		290,372		332,264		290,900
Diluted	333,241		291,378		333,020		292,043
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.35		$0		$1.05		$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Tax effect on derivative instruments	$0	$5,678	$0	$17,054

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income (loss)	$246,187		$116,582
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	759,288		572,518
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629	[1]	36,487
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest	61,322		78,241
Stock-based compensation expense	39,497		29,334
Asset write-down charges	11,144		10,705
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)	-7,512		80,999
Other adjustments	-2,088		2,167
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:	'		'
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	2,462		11,979
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	27,047		8,279
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities	253,110		127,463
Decrease (increase) in receivables	-61,347		-45,689
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets	-181,509		-190,199
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,192,230		838,866
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-179,918		-55,131
Capital expenditures	-513,552		-385,482
Other investing activities, net	2,787		7,601
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-690,683		-433,012
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	845,750		830,941
Principal payments on long-term debt and other long-term obligations	-86,197		-77,986
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	-836,899		-675,481
Purchases of capital stock	-21,778		-99,217
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	567,000		94,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	-587,000		-1,092,000
Payments for financing costs	-15,899		-20,753
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	39,882		415,498
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock	-350,535		0
Dividends/distributions paid on preferred stock	-33,357		0
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-479,033		-624,998
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-7,358		-3,571
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15,156		-222,715
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	223,394		441,364
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$238,550		$218,649
[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 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		'	'		'		'		'		'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'		'		0	'		'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value	'	9,862,000		0		'	9,862,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		-5,001		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-350,000		0		'	-350,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-5,031		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	16,418,000	16,418,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	5,608,000	[1]	10,544,000	[1]	0	[1]	266,000	[1]
Preferred stock dividends	0	'		'		'	'		'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	46,468,000	46,468,000		0		'	0		0		0		45,836,000		632,000
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2013	'	2,997,290,000		2,927,000		0	5,553,717,000		70,906,000		-132,245,000		-2,512,333,000		14,318,000
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'		292,675,430		'	'		'		'		'		'
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	'	29,334,000		9,000		'	29,325,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		936,946		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-99,217,000		-14,000		'	-99,203,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-1,426,302		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-673,000	-673,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	-31,219,000	[1]	31,671,000	[1]	0	[1]	-1,125,000	[1]
Preferred stock dividends	0	'		'		'	'		'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	116,582,000	116,582,000		0		'	0		0		0		113,657,000		2,925,000
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2013	'	2,997,290,000		2,927,000		0	5,553,717,000		70,906,000		-132,245,000		-2,512,333,000		14,318,000
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'		292,675,430		'	'		'		'		'		'
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	'	39,497,000		1,000		'	39,496,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		81,350		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-21,778,000		-3,000		'	-21,775,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-291,919		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	42,187,000	42,187,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	-5,277,000	[1]	47,895,000	[1]	0	[1]	-431,000	[1]
Common stock dividends/distributions	'	-351,532,000		'		'	'		'		'		-351,532,000		'
Preferred stock dividends	-32,991,000	-32,991,000		'		'	'		'		'		-32,991,000		'
Net income (loss)	246,187,000	246,187,000		0		'	0		0		0		242,443,000		3,744,000
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2014	6,862,745,000	6,862,745,000		3,339,000		98,000	9,500,490,000		52,984,000		-33,978,000		-2,677,959,000		17,771,000
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	333,859,447	'		333,859,447		'	'		'		'		'		'
Balance, value at Jun. 30, 2014	'	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		'	'		'		'		'		'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	9,775,000	'		'		9,775,000	'		'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value	'	12,124,000		0		'	12,124,000		0		0		0		0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares	'	'		-980		'	'		'		'		'		'
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value	'	-48,000		0		'	-48,000		0		0		0		0
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares	'	'		-653		'	'		'		'		'		'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-8,626,000	-8,626,000	[1]	0	[1]	'	'	[1]	-22,750,000	[1]	15,551,000	[1]	0	[1]	-1,427,000	[1]
Common stock dividends/distributions	'	-117,181,000		'		'	'		'		'		-117,181,000		'
Preferred stock dividends	-10,997,000	-10,997,000		'		'	'		'		'		-10,997,000		'
Net income (loss)	108,037,000	108,037,000		0		'	0		0		0		106,937,000		1,100,000
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2014	$6,862,745,000	$6,862,745,000		$3,339,000		$98,000	$9,500,490,000		$52,984,000		($33,978,000)		($2,677,959,000)		$17,771,000
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	333,859,447	'		333,859,447		'	'		'		'		'		'
[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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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, and to a lesser extent, (2) small cell networks, 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 its wireless infrastructure via long-term contracts in various forms, including licenses, subleases and lease agreements. Our wireless infrastructure can accommodate multiple customers for antennas or other equipment necessary for the transmission of signals for wireless communication.
	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 53% 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 September 30, 2014, and the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2014, is shown below.
	Current assets	$	18,337
	Property and equipment	1,889,875
	Goodwill	1,895,942
	Other intangible assets, net	1,189,000
	Other assets	60,497
	Current liabilities	(9,757		)
	Deferred credits and other liabilities	(217,295		)	(a)
	Net assets acquired	$	4,826,599		(b)(c)
	(a)	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	(b)	The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition between December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014 relate to (1) a $127.4 million increase to goodwill, (2) a $91.1 million decrease to other intangible assets, net, (3) a $75.5 million decrease to property and equipment, net, and (4) a $57.2 million increase to other assets. 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.
	(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.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Net revenues	$	2,535,916		(a)
	Net income (loss)	$	96,441		(b)(c)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.18		(d)
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.18		(d)
	(a)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $165.4 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 $165.6 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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-Sep-14				31-Dec-13			September 30, 2014(a)(d)
	Bank debt - variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		$	354,000		(b)	$	374,000		1.9	%
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		650,078				662,500			1.9	%
	Tranche B Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021	(e)	2,842,669			(e)	2,864,150			3	%
	Total bank debt					3,846,747				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		165,591				179,792			7.4	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(c)	268,313				286,171			5.7	%
	Total securitized debt					3,583,904				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		845,951			(f)	—			4.9	%
	Total bonds					3,995,921				3,648,302
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various		147,106				129,585			Various
	Total debt and other obligations					11,573,678				11,594,500
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					106,673				103,586
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	11,467,005			$	11,490,914
	________________
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of September 30, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.1 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 September 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 $567.0 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 September 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.
		Three 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	$	26,124			$	103,831			$	118,523		$	615,990	$	979,754	$	9,728,904	$	11,573,126	$	552	$	11,573,678
	Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt
	The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		Nine Months Ended September 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 September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	121,450			$	121,246			$	370,899		$	368,400
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,516				5,366				16,678			19,426
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(892		)		(971		)		(2,743		)	9,500
	Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)	15,551				16,222				47,895			48,726
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(338		)		153				(508		)	589
	Total	$	141,287			$	142,016			$	432,221		$	446,641
	(a)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 are currently included in one or more wholly owned TRSs. In August 2014, the Company received a favorable private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), which provides that the real property portion of the Company's small cells and the related rents qualify as real property and rents from real property, respectively, under the rules governing REITs. The Company is evaluating the impact of this private letter ruling and, subject to board approval, expects to take appropriate action to include at least some part of the Company's small cells as part of the REIT during 2015. Once the Company has completed its evaluation and necessary actions to include small cells in the REIT, the Company expects to de-recognize its net deferred tax liabilities related to such part of the Company's small cells.
	Additionally, the Company has included in TRSs its tower operations in Australia and certain other assets and operations. Those TRS assets and operations (along with any part of the Company's small cells that may remain in a TRS) will continue to be subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income taxes or 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 nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily related to the TRSs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to state taxes of $21.7 million.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Disclosures
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	238,550	$	238,550	$	223,394	$	223,394
	Restricted cash, current and non-current	1	142,824		142,824		188,526		188,526
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt and other obligations	2	11,573,678		11,921,454		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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	106,937		$	45,836	$	242,443		$	113,657
	Dividends on preferred stock	(10,997		)	—		(32,991		)	—
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	95,940		$	45,836	$	209,452		$	113,657
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,413			290,372		332,264			290,900
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards	828			1,006		756			1,143
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,241			291,378		333,020			292,043
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.29		$	0.16	$	0.63		$	0.39
	Diluted	$	0.29		$	0.16	$	0.63		$	0.39
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 1.0 million restricted stock units. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 12.3 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, based on the Company's common stock price as of September 30, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 53% 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Equity
	Declaration and Payment of Dividends
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the following dividends were declared or paid:
	Equity Type		Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividends Per Share		Aggregate
								Payment
								Amount
								(In millions)
	Common Stock		February 20, 2014	March 20, 2014	March 31, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	Common Stock		May 30, 2014	June 20, 2014	June 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	Common Stock		August 8, 2014	September 19, 2014	September 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		December 31, 2013	January 14, 2014	February 3, 2014	$	1.1625	$	11.4
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		March 25, 2014	April 15, 2014	May 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		June 25, 2014	July 15, 2014	August 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		September 26, 2014	October 15, 2014	November 3, 2014	$	1.125	$	11	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.
	(b)	Represents amount paid on November 3, 2014 based on holders of record on October 15, 2014.
	See also note 13.
	Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased 0.3 million shares of its common stock utilizing $21.8 million in cash.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2014												Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	717,623		$	34,270		$	—		$	751,893		$	589,415		$	31,351		$	—		$	620,766
	Network services and other	175,260			2,872			—			178,132			122,063			6,148			—			128,211
	Net revenues	892,883			37,142			—			930,025			711,478			37,499			—			748,977
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	230,599			10,511			—			241,110			172,791			9,175			—			181,966
	Network services and other	101,814			1,209			—			103,023			77,929			4,069			—			81,998
	General and administrative	65,212			6,183			—			71,395			52,312			6,192			—			58,504
	Asset write-down charges	4,932			343			—			5,275			3,022			871			—			3,893
	Acquisition and integration costs	4,068			—			—			4,068			4,243			126			—			4,369
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	247,206			7,656			—			254,862			186,521			8,887			—			195,408
	Total operating expenses	653,831			25,902			—			679,733			496,818			29,320			—			526,138
	Operating income (loss)	239,052			11,240			—			250,292			214,660			8,179			—			222,839
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(141,287		)	(3,862		)	3,862			(141,287		)	(142,016		)	(3,949		)	3,949			(142,016		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	—			—			—			—			(1		)	—			—			(1		)
	Interest income	107			85			—			192			144			92			—			236
	Other income (expense)	3,168			16			(3,862		)	(678		)	3,295			23			(3,949		)	(631		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	1,977			(2,459		)	—			(482		)	(32,538		)	(1,421		)	—			(33,959		)
	Net income (loss)	103,017			5,020			—			108,037			43,544			2,924			—			46,468
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			1,100			—			1,100			—			632			—			632
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	103,017		$	3,920		$	—		$	106,937		$	43,544		$	2,292		$	—		$	45,836
	Capital expenditures	$	199,662		$	4,150		$	—		$	203,812		$	125,941		$	4,722		$	—		$	130,663
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	2,143,198		$	102,197		$	—		$	2,245,395		$	1,754,266		$	98,764		$	—		$	1,853,030
	Network services and other	469,690			7,235			—			476,925			352,982			17,953			—			370,935
	Net revenues	2,612,888			109,432			—			2,722,320			2,107,248			116,717			—			2,223,965
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	676,275			29,902			—			706,177			509,617			28,970			—			538,587
	Network services and other	275,514			3,830			—			279,344			215,812			13,762			—			229,574
	General and administrative	187,171			18,226			—			205,397			154,098			17,441			—			171,539
	Asset write-down charges	10,673			471			—			11,144			9,633			1,072			—			10,705
	Acquisition and integration costs	28,852			72			—			28,924			12,875			311			—			13,186
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	738,965			20,323			—			759,288			548,951			23,567			—			572,518
	Total operating expenses	1,917,450			72,824			—			1,990,274			1,450,986			85,123			—			1,536,109
	Operating income (loss)	695,438			36,608			—			732,046			656,262			31,594			—			687,856
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(432,221		)	(11,475		)	11,475			(432,221		)	(446,641		)	(12,710		)	12,710			(446,641		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)	—			—			(44,629		)	(36,487		)	—			—			(36,487		)
	Interest income	329			225			—			554			592			269			—			861
	Other income (expense)	2,125			(127		)	(11,475		)	(9,477		)	11,922			35			(12,710		)	(753		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	8,118			(8,204		)	—			(86		)	(82,455		)	(5,799		)	—			(88,254		)
	Net income (loss)	229,160			17,027			—			246,187			103,193			13,389			—			116,582
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			3,744			—			3,744			—			2,925			—			2,925
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	229,160		$	13,283		$	—		$	242,443		$	103,193		$	10,464		$	—		$	113,657
	Capital expenditures	$	498,960		$	14,592		$	—		$	513,552		$	373,653		$	11,829		$	—		$	385,482
	________________
	(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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014												Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	103,017		$	5,020		$	—		$	108,037		$	43,544		$	2,924		$	—		$	46,468
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges	4,932			343			—			5,275			3,022			871			—			3,893
Acquisition and integration costs	4,068			—			—			4,068			4,243			126			—			4,369
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	247,206			7,656			—			254,862			186,521			8,887			—			195,408
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	4,988			—			—			4,988			3,870			—			—			3,870
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	141,287			3,862			(3,862		)	141,287			142,016			3,949			(3,949		)	142,016
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	—			—			—			—			1			—			—			1
Interest income	(107		)	(85		)	—			(192		)	(144		)	(92		)	—			(236		)
Other income (expense)	(3,168		)	(16		)	3,862			678			(3,295		)	(23		)	3,949			631
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(1,977		)	2,459			—			482			32,538			1,421			—			33,959
Stock-based compensation expense	13,358			112			—			13,470			9,862			316			—			10,178
Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	513,604		$	19,351		$	—		$	532,955		$	422,178		$	18,379		$	—		$	440,557
________________
(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.
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
										Total												Total
Net income (loss)	$	229,160		$	17,027		$	—		$	246,187		$	103,193		$	13,389		$	—		$	116,582
Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
Asset write-down charges	10,673			471			—			11,144			9,633			1,072			—			10,705
Acquisition and integration costs	28,852			72			—			28,924			12,875			311			—			13,186
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	738,965			20,323			—			759,288			548,951			23,567			—			572,518
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	14,546			—			—			14,546			11,595			—			—			11,595
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	432,221			11,475			(11,475		)	432,221			446,641			12,710			(12,710		)	446,641
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629			—			—			44,629			36,487			—			—			36,487
Interest income	(329		)	(225		)	—			(554		)	(592		)	(269		)	—			(861		)
Other income (expense)	(2,125		)	127			11,475			9,477			(11,922		)	(35		)	12,710			753
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(8,118		)	8,204			—			86			82,455			5,799			—			88,254
Stock-based compensation expense	43,199			1,421			—			44,620			29,335			550			—			29,885
Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	1,531,673		$	58,895		$	—		$	1,590,568		$	1,268,651		$	57,094		$	—		$	1,325,745
________________
(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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless 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 the Company's CCUSA segment). The following table is after giving effect to AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013
	AT&T	27	%	22	%
	Sprint	26	%	28	%
	T-Mobile	21	%	23	%
	Verizon Wireless	16	%	16	%
	Total	90	%	89	%

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	368,437	$	356,421
	Income taxes paid	15,353		12,769
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	2,827		(8,207		)
	Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	27,772		36,756

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	In October 2014, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.82 per common share, currently expected to total approximately $275 million. The quarterly dividend will be payable on December 31, 2014 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on December 19, 2014.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent accounting prounouncements	'
	No accounting pronouncements adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 had a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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 September 30, 2014, is shown below.
	Current assets	$	18,337
	Property and equipment	1,889,875
	Goodwill	1,895,942
	Other intangible assets, net	1,189,000
	Other assets	60,497
	Current liabilities	(9,757		)
	Deferred credits and other liabilities	(217,295		)	(a)
	Net assets acquired	$	4,826,599		(b)(c)
	(a)	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	(b)	The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition between December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014 relate to (1) a $127.4 million increase to goodwill, (2) a $91.1 million decrease to other intangible assets, net, (3) a $75.5 million decrease to property and equipment, net, and (4) a $57.2 million increase to other assets. 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.
	(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.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Net revenues	$	2,535,916		(a)
	Net income (loss)	$	96,441		(b)(c)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.18		(d)
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	0.18		(d)
	(a)	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $165.4 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 $165.6 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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-Sep-14				31-Dec-13			September 30, 2014(a)(d)
	Bank debt - variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		$	354,000		(b)	$	374,000		1.9	%
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019		650,078				662,500			1.9	%
	Tranche B Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021	(e)	2,842,669			(e)	2,864,150			3	%
	Total bank debt					3,846,747				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		165,591				179,792			7.4	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(c)	268,313				286,171			5.7	%
	Total securitized debt					3,583,904				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		845,951			(f)	—			4.9	%
	Total bonds					3,995,921				3,648,302
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various		147,106				129,585			Various
	Total debt and other obligations					11,573,678				11,594,500
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					106,673				103,586
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	11,467,005			$	11,490,914
	________________
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of September 30, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.1 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 September 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 $567.0 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 September 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.
		Three 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	$	26,124			$	103,831			$	118,523		$	615,990	$	979,754	$	9,728,904	$	11,573,126	$	552	$	11,573,678
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
	The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	121,450			$	121,246			$	370,899		$	368,400
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,516				5,366				16,678			19,426
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(892		)		(971		)		(2,743		)	9,500
	Amortization of interest rate swaps(a)	15,551				16,222				47,895			48,726
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(338		)		153				(508		)	589
	Total	$	141,287			$	142,016			$	432,221		$	446,641
	(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 nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		Nine Months Ended September 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures	'
Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	'
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	238,550	$	238,550	$	223,394	$	223,394
	Restricted cash, current and non-current	1	142,824		142,824		188,526		188,526
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt and other obligations	2	11,573,678		11,921,454		11,594,500		11,892,587

Per_Share_Information_Tables

Per Share Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Per Share Information	'
Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations	'
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	106,937		$	45,836	$	242,443		$	113,657
	Dividends on preferred stock	(10,997		)	—		(32,991		)	—
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	95,940		$	45,836	$	209,452		$	113,657
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,413			290,372		332,264			290,900
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards	828			1,006		756			1,143
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,241			291,378		333,020			292,043
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.29		$	0.16	$	0.63		$	0.39
	Diluted	$	0.29		$	0.16	$	0.63		$	0.39

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	'
	Declaration and Payment of Dividends
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the following dividends were declared or paid:
	Equity Type		Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividends Per Share		Aggregate
								Payment
								Amount
								(In millions)
	Common Stock		February 20, 2014	March 20, 2014	March 31, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	Common Stock		May 30, 2014	June 20, 2014	June 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	Common Stock		August 8, 2014	September 19, 2014	September 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		December 31, 2013	January 14, 2014	February 3, 2014	$	1.1625	$	11.4
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		March 25, 2014	April 15, 2014	May 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		June 25, 2014	July 15, 2014	August 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock		September 26, 2014	October 15, 2014	November 3, 2014	$	1.125	$	11	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.
	(b)	Represents amount paid on November 3, 2014 based on holders of record on October 15, 2014.

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Segments	'
Financial Results of Operating Segments	'
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	2,143,198		$	102,197		$	—		$	2,245,395		$	1,754,266		$	98,764		$	—		$	1,853,030
	Network services and other	469,690			7,235			—			476,925			352,982			17,953			—			370,935
	Net revenues	2,612,888			109,432			—			2,722,320			2,107,248			116,717			—			2,223,965
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	676,275			29,902			—			706,177			509,617			28,970			—			538,587
	Network services and other	275,514			3,830			—			279,344			215,812			13,762			—			229,574
	General and administrative	187,171			18,226			—			205,397			154,098			17,441			—			171,539
	Asset write-down charges	10,673			471			—			11,144			9,633			1,072			—			10,705
	Acquisition and integration costs	28,852			72			—			28,924			12,875			311			—			13,186
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	738,965			20,323			—			759,288			548,951			23,567			—			572,518
	Total operating expenses	1,917,450			72,824			—			1,990,274			1,450,986			85,123			—			1,536,109
	Operating income (loss)	695,438			36,608			—			732,046			656,262			31,594			—			687,856
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(432,221		)	(11,475		)	11,475			(432,221		)	(446,641		)	(12,710		)	12,710			(446,641		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)	—			—			(44,629		)	(36,487		)	—			—			(36,487		)
	Interest income	329			225			—			554			592			269			—			861
	Other income (expense)	2,125			(127		)	(11,475		)	(9,477		)	11,922			35			(12,710		)	(753		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	8,118			(8,204		)	—			(86		)	(82,455		)	(5,799		)	—			(88,254		)
	Net income (loss)	229,160			17,027			—			246,187			103,193			13,389			—			116,582
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			3,744			—			3,744			—			2,925			—			2,925
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	229,160		$	13,283		$	—		$	242,443		$	103,193		$	10,464		$	—		$	113,657
	Capital expenditures	$	498,960		$	14,592		$	—		$	513,552		$	373,653		$	11,829		$	—		$	385,482
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014												Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	717,623		$	34,270		$	—		$	751,893		$	589,415		$	31,351		$	—		$	620,766
	Network services and other	175,260			2,872			—			178,132			122,063			6,148			—			128,211
	Net revenues	892,883			37,142			—			930,025			711,478			37,499			—			748,977
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(a):
	Site rental	230,599			10,511			—			241,110			172,791			9,175			—			181,966
	Network services and other	101,814			1,209			—			103,023			77,929			4,069			—			81,998
	General and administrative	65,212			6,183			—			71,395			52,312			6,192			—			58,504
	Asset write-down charges	4,932			343			—			5,275			3,022			871			—			3,893
	Acquisition and integration costs	4,068			—			—			4,068			4,243			126			—			4,369
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	247,206			7,656			—			254,862			186,521			8,887			—			195,408
	Total operating expenses	653,831			25,902			—			679,733			496,818			29,320			—			526,138
	Operating income (loss)	239,052			11,240			—			250,292			214,660			8,179			—			222,839
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(141,287		)	(3,862		)	3,862			(141,287		)	(142,016		)	(3,949		)	3,949			(142,016		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	—			—			—			—			(1		)	—			—			(1		)
	Interest income	107			85			—			192			144			92			—			236
	Other income (expense)	3,168			16			(3,862		)	(678		)	3,295			23			(3,949		)	(631		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	1,977			(2,459		)	—			(482		)	(32,538		)	(1,421		)	—			(33,959		)
	Net income (loss)	103,017			5,020			—			108,037			43,544			2,924			—			46,468
	Less: net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—			1,100			—			1,100			—			632			—			632
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	103,017		$	3,920		$	—		$	106,937		$	43,544		$	2,292		$	—		$	45,836
	Capital expenditures	$	199,662		$	4,150		$	—		$	203,812		$	125,941		$	4,722		$	—		$	130,663
	________________
	(a)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA	'
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	229,160		$	17,027		$	—		$	246,187		$	103,193		$	13,389		$	—		$	116,582
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	10,673			471			—			11,144			9,633			1,072			—			10,705
	Acquisition and integration costs	28,852			72			—			28,924			12,875			311			—			13,186
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	738,965			20,323			—			759,288			548,951			23,567			—			572,518
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	14,546			—			—			14,546			11,595			—			—			11,595
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	432,221			11,475			(11,475		)	432,221			446,641			12,710			(12,710		)	446,641
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629			—			—			44,629			36,487			—			—			36,487
	Interest income	(329		)	(225		)	—			(554		)	(592		)	(269		)	—			(861		)
	Other income (expense)	(2,125		)	127			11,475			9,477			(11,922		)	(35		)	12,710			753
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(8,118		)	8,204			—			86			82,455			5,799			—			88,254
	Stock-based compensation expense	43,199			1,421			—			44,620			29,335			550			—			29,885
	Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	1,531,673		$	58,895		$	—		$	1,590,568		$	1,268,651		$	57,094		$	—		$	1,325,745
	________________
	(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 September 30, 2014												Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Eliminations			Consolidated
											Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	$	103,017		$	5,020		$	—		$	108,037		$	43,544		$	2,924		$	—		$	46,468
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	4,932			343			—			5,275			3,022			871			—			3,893
	Acquisition and integration costs	4,068			—			—			4,068			4,243			126			—			4,369
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	247,206			7,656			—			254,862			186,521			8,887			—			195,408
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	4,988			—			—			4,988			3,870			—			—			3,870
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	141,287			3,862			(3,862		)	141,287			142,016			3,949			(3,949		)	142,016
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	—			—			—			—			1			—			—			1
	Interest income	(107		)	(85		)	—			(192		)	(144		)	(92		)	—			(236		)
	Other income (expense)	(3,168		)	(16		)	3,862			678			(3,295		)	(23		)	3,949			631
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(1,977		)	2,459			—			482			32,538			1,421			—			33,959
	Stock-based compensation expense	13,358			112			—			13,470			9,862			316			—			10,178
	Adjusted EBITDA(a)	$	513,604		$	19,351		$	—		$	532,955		$	422,178		$	18,379		$	—		$	440,557
	________________
	(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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 the Company's CCUSA segment). The following table is after giving effect to AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013
	AT&T	27	%	22	%
	Sprint	26	%	28	%
	T-Mobile	21	%	23	%
	Verizon Wireless	16	%	16	%
	Total	90	%	89	%

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	368,437	$	356,421
	Income taxes paid	15,353		12,769
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	2,827		(8,207		)
	Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	27,772		36,756

General_Business_Details

General Business (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014
CCAL [Member]	'
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	53.00%

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Pro forma net revenues	'		'	$2,535,916,000	[1]	'
Pro forma net income (loss)	'		'	96,441,000	[2],[3]	'
Pro forma basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	'		'	$0.18	[4]	'
Basic	$0.29		$0.16	$0.63		$0.39
Pro forma diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share	'		'	$0.18		'
AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	4,826,599,000	[5],[6]	'	4,826,599,000	[5],[6]	'
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	'		'	4,827,000,000		'
Pro forma revenue adjustments [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Pro forma net revenues	'		'	165,400,000		'
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Pro forma net income (loss)	'		'	165,600,000		'
Total ATT Towers [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Tower Count	23.00%		'	23.00%		'
Long-term prepaid rent [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	'		'	57,200,000		'
Deferred Lease Revenue [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	-217,295,000	[7]	'	-217,295,000	[7]	'
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	-9,757,000		'	-9,757,000		'
Other Assets [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	60,497,000		'	60,497,000		'
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	'		'	-91,100,000		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	1,189,000,000		'	1,189,000,000		'
Goodwill [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	'		'	127,400,000		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	1,895,942,000		'	1,895,942,000		'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	'		'	-75,500,000		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	1,889,875,000		'	1,889,875,000		'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | AT T [Member]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation	$18,337,000		'	$18,337,000		'
[1]	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $165.4 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.
[2]	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.
[3]	Amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase depreciation and amortization of $165.6 million related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition.
[4]	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.
[5]	No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 5.
[6]	The principal changes in the preliminary purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition between December 31, 2013 and SeptemberB 30, 2014 relate to (1) a $127.4 million increase to goodwill, (2) a $91.1 million decrease to other intangible assets, net, (3) a $75.5 million decrease to property and equipment, net, and (4) a $57.2 million increase to other assets. 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.
[7]	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind

Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt and other obligations	$11,573,678,000		$11,594,500,000
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations	106,673,000		103,586,000
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations	11,467,005,000		11,490,914,000
Term Loans Tranche B - Due 2019	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt and other obligations	567,000,000		'
Term Loans Tranche B - Due 2021	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt and other obligations	2,300,000,000		'
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Contractual maturity date	'Various	[1]	'
Original Debt Issuance Date	'Various		'
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated	'Various	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	147,106,000		129,585,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Debt Instrument Additional Interest Rate Margin	5.00%		'
2012 Credit Facility [Member] | Variable Rate Revolver 2012 [Member] | CCOC [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total revolving commitment	1,500,000,000		'
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	1,100,000,000		'
Bank Debt [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt and other obligations	3,846,747,000		3,900,650,000
Bank Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Revolver 2012 [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Jan-12		'
Contractual maturity date	'Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	[1]	'
Stated interest rate	1.90%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	354,000,000	[3]	374,000,000
Bank Debt [Member] | Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Jan-12		'
Contractual maturity date	'Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	[1]	'
Stated interest rate	1.90%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	650,078,000		662,500,000
Bank Debt [Member] | Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Jan-12		'
Contractual maturity date	'Jan. 2019/Jan. 2021	[1],[4]	'
Stated interest rate	3.00%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	2,842,669,000	[4]	2,864,150,000
Securitized Debt [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt and other obligations	3,583,904,000		3,915,963,000
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Jan-10		'
Contractual maturity date	'2035 - 2040	[1],[5]	'
Stated interest rate	6.00%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	1,600,000,000		1,900,000,000
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Aug-10		'
Contractual maturity date	'2035 - 2040	[1],[5]	'
Stated interest rate	4.50%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	1,550,000,000		1,550,000,000
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Jul-09		'
Contractual maturity date	'2019/2029	[1],[5]	'
Stated interest rate	7.40%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	165,591,000		179,792,000
Securitized Debt [Member] | WCP Securitized Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Jan-10		'
Contractual maturity date	'Nov. 2040	[1],[5]	'
Stated interest rate	5.70%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	268,313,000		286,171,000
High Yield Bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt and other obligations	3,995,921,000		3,648,302,000
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Oct-09		'
Contractual maturity date	'Nov. 2019	[1]	'
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated	'N/A	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	0	[6]	498,332,000
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Five and One Fourth Senior Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Oct-12		'
Contractual maturity date	'Jan. 2023	[1]	'
Stated interest rate	5.25%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	1,649,970,000		1,649,970,000
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 2012 Secured Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Original issue date	1-Dec-12		'
Contractual maturity date	'Dec. 2017/Apr. 2023	[1]	'
Stated interest rate	3.36%	[1],[2]	'
Total debt and other obligations	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Debt instrument, face amount	850,000,000		'
Original issue date	1-Apr-14		'
Contractual maturity date	'Apr. 2022		'
Stated interest rate	4.88%		'
Total debt and other obligations	845,951,000	[6]	0
Issuance of debt obligation [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$839,000,000		'
[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]	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
[3]	As of SeptemberB 30, 2014, the undrawn availability under the $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver is $1.1 billion.
[4]	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 SeptemberB 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 $567.0 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
[5]	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.
[6]	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").

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind1

Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Gross	$11,573,126,000		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	238,550,000		223,394,000	218,649,000	441,364,000
Total debt and other obligations	11,573,678,000		11,594,500,000	'	'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	800,000,000		'	'	'
Term Loans Tranche B - Due 2019	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Total debt and other obligations	567,000,000		'	'	'
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Additional interest accruing following anticipated repayment dates	5.00%		'	'	'
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	300,000,000		'	'	'
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Total debt and other obligations	147,106,000		129,585,000	'	'
High Yield Bonds [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Total debt and other obligations	3,995,921,000		3,648,302,000	'	'
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	850,000,000		'	'	'
Total debt and other obligations	845,951,000	[1]	0	'	'
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Total debt and other obligations	0	[1]	498,332,000	'	'
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 2012 Secured Notes [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Total debt and other obligations	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000	'	'
CCOC [Member] | 2012 Credit Facility [Member] | Variable Rate Revolver 2012 [Member]	'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Total revolving commitment	1,500,000,000		'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	$1,100,000,000		'	'	'
[1]	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").

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Com

Debt and Other Obligations (Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Interest expense on debt obligations	$121,450		$121,246		$370,899		$368,400
Amortization of deferred financing costs	5,516		5,366		16,678		19,426
Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	-892		-971		-2,743		9,500
Amortization of interest rate swaps	15,551	[1]	16,222	[1]	47,895	[1]	48,726	[1]
Other	-338		153		-508		589
Total	$141,287		$142,016		$432,221		$446,641
[1]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ret

Debt and Other Obligations Retirement of Long-term Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 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		675,481,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0	-1,000	-44,629,000	[1]	-36,487,000
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.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Con

Debt and Other Obligations Contractual Maturities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$800,000,000	'
Long-term Debt, Gross	11,573,126,000	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	-552,000	'
Total debt and other obligations	11,573,678,000	11,594,500,000
Repayments of debt 2014 [Member]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year	26,124,000	'
Repayments of debt 2015 [Member]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	103,831,000	'
Repayments of debt 2016 [Member]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	118,523,000	'
Repayments of debt 2017 [Domain]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	615,990,000	'
repayments of debt 2018 [Domain]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	979,754,000	'
Repayments of debt thereafter [Member]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	9,728,904,000	'
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]	'	'
Contractual Maturities [Line Items]	'	'
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$300,000,000	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$21.70

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$238,550,000	$223,394,000	$218,649,000	$441,364,000
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	238,550,000	223,394,000	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current, carrying value	142,824,000	188,526,000	'	'
Restricted cash, current and non-current, fair value	142,824,000	188,526,000	'	'
Long-term debt and other obligations, carrying amount	11,573,678,000	11,594,500,000	'	'
Long-term debt and other obligations, fair value	$11,921,454,000	$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Per Share Information	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$106,937	$45,836	$242,443	$113,657
Dividends, Preferred Stock	10,997	0	32,991	0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders for basic and diluted computations	$95,940	$45,836	$209,452	$113,657
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,413,000	290,372,000	332,264,000	290,900,000
Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards	828,000	1,006,000	756,000	1,143,000
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,241,000	291,378,000	333,020,000	292,043,000
Basic	$0.29	$0.16	$0.63	$0.39
Diluted	$0.29	$0.16	$0.63	$0.39

Per_Share_Information_Narrativ

Per Share Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	1
Preferred Stock [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from dilutive common shares calculation	12.3

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitment and Contingencies (Details) (Subject to Capital Lease with Sprint, TMO, or AT&T [Member])	Sep. 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	53.00%

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

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

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

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]

Paid subsequent to quarter end [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Mandatory Convertible Preferred stock [Member]

Mandatory Convertible Preferred 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 subsequent 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]

Paid subsequent to quarter end [Member]

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable, Date Declared

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8-Aug-14

30-May-14

20-Feb-14

'

25-Jun-14

25-Mar-14

31-Dec-13

'

26-Sep-14

Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19-Sep-14

20-Jun-14

20-Mar-14

31-Dec-14

15-Jul-14

15-Apr-14

14-Jan-14

15-Oct-14

'

Dividends Payable, Date of Record

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Sep-14

30-Jun-14

31-Mar-14

19-Dec-14

1-Aug-14

1-May-14

3-Feb-14

3-Nov-14

'

Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid

'

'

'

$0.35

$0.35

$0.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Common Stock, Cash

'

'

'

$117,200,000

[1]

$117,200,000

[1]

$117,200,000

[1]

'

$275,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid

'

'

'

'

$1.13

$1.13

$1.16

'

$1.13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

11,000,000

11,400,000

'

11,000,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock repurchased during period, shares

'

0.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of capital stock

'

$21,778,000

$99,217,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

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

[2]

Represents amount paid on November 3, 2014 based on holders of record on October 15, 2014.

Operating_Segments_Financial_R

Operating Segments (Financial Results for the Company's Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Site rental	$751,893,000		$620,766,000		$2,245,395,000		$1,853,030,000
Network services and other	178,132,000		128,211,000		476,925,000		370,935,000
Net revenues	930,025,000		748,977,000		2,722,320,000		2,223,965,000
Site rental	241,110,000	[1]	181,966,000	[1]	706,177,000	[1]	538,587,000	[1]
Network services and other	103,023,000	[1]	81,998,000	[1]	279,344,000	[1]	229,574,000	[1]
General and administrative	71,395,000		58,504,000		205,397,000		171,539,000
Asset write-down charges	5,275,000		3,893,000		11,144,000		10,705,000
Acquisition and integration costs	4,068,000		4,369,000		28,924,000		13,186,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	254,862,000		195,408,000		759,288,000		572,518,000
Total operating expenses	679,733,000		526,138,000		1,990,274,000		1,536,109,000
Operating income (loss)	250,292,000		222,839,000		732,046,000		687,856,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-141,287,000		-142,016,000		-432,221,000		-446,641,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		-1,000		-44,629,000	[2]	-36,487,000
Interest income	192,000		236,000		554,000		861,000
Other income (expense)	-678,000		-631,000		-9,477,000		-753,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-482,000		-33,959,000		-86,000		-88,254,000
Net income (loss)	108,037,000		46,468,000		246,187,000		116,582,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,100,000		632,000		3,744,000		2,925,000
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	106,937,000		45,836,000		242,443,000		113,657,000
Capital expenditures	203,812,000		130,663,000		513,552,000		385,482,000
CCUSA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Site rental	717,623,000		589,415,000		2,143,198,000		1,754,266,000
Network services and other	175,260,000		122,063,000		469,690,000		352,982,000
Net revenues	892,883,000		711,478,000		2,612,888,000		2,107,248,000
Site rental	230,599,000	[1]	172,791,000	[1]	676,275,000	[1]	509,617,000	[1]
Network services and other	101,814,000	[1]	77,929,000	[1]	275,514,000	[1]	215,812,000	[1]
General and administrative	65,212,000		52,312,000		187,171,000		154,098,000
Asset write-down charges	4,932,000		3,022,000		10,673,000		9,633,000
Acquisition and integration costs	4,068,000		4,243,000		28,852,000		12,875,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	247,206,000		186,521,000		738,965,000		548,951,000
Total operating expenses	653,831,000		496,818,000		1,917,450,000		1,450,986,000
Operating income (loss)	239,052,000		214,660,000		695,438,000		656,262,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-141,287,000		-142,016,000		-432,221,000		-446,641,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		-1,000		-44,629,000		-36,487,000
Interest income	107,000		144,000		329,000		592,000
Other income (expense)	3,168,000		3,295,000		2,125,000		11,922,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	1,977,000		-32,538,000		8,118,000		-82,455,000
Net income (loss)	103,017,000		43,544,000		229,160,000		103,193,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0		0		0		0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	103,017,000		43,544,000		229,160,000		103,193,000
Capital expenditures	199,662,000		125,941,000		498,960,000		373,653,000
CCAL [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Site rental	34,270,000		31,351,000		102,197,000		98,764,000
Network services and other	2,872,000		6,148,000		7,235,000		17,953,000
Net revenues	37,142,000		37,499,000		109,432,000		116,717,000
Site rental	10,511,000	[1]	9,175,000	[1]	29,902,000	[1]	28,970,000	[1]
Network services and other	1,209,000	[1]	4,069,000	[1]	3,830,000	[1]	13,762,000	[1]
General and administrative	6,183,000		6,192,000		18,226,000		17,441,000
Asset write-down charges	343,000		871,000		471,000		1,072,000
Acquisition and integration costs	0		126,000		72,000		311,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,656,000		8,887,000		20,323,000		23,567,000
Total operating expenses	25,902,000		29,320,000		72,824,000		85,123,000
Operating income (loss)	11,240,000		8,179,000		36,608,000		31,594,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-3,862,000		-3,949,000		-11,475,000		-12,710,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	85,000		92,000		225,000		269,000
Other income (expense)	16,000		23,000		-127,000		35,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-2,459,000		-1,421,000		-8,204,000		-5,799,000
Net income (loss)	5,020,000		2,924,000		17,027,000		13,389,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,100,000		632,000		3,744,000		2,925,000
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	3,920,000		2,292,000		13,283,000		10,464,000
Capital expenditures	4,150,000		4,722,000		14,592,000		11,829,000
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	3,862,000		3,949,000		11,475,000		12,710,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Other income (expense)	-3,862,000		-3,949,000		-11,475,000		-12,710,000
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				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$108,037,000		$46,468,000		$246,187,000		$116,582,000
Asset write-down charges	5,275,000		3,893,000		11,144,000		10,705,000
Acquisition and integration costs	4,068,000		4,369,000		28,924,000		13,186,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	254,862,000		195,408,000		759,288,000		572,518,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	4,988,000		3,870,000		14,546,000		11,595,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	141,287,000		142,016,000		432,221,000		446,641,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		1,000		44,629,000	[1]	36,487,000
Interest income	-192,000		-236,000		-554,000		-861,000
Other income (expense)	678,000		631,000		9,477,000		753,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	482,000		33,959,000		86,000		88,254,000
Stock-based compensation expense	13,470,000		10,178,000		44,620,000		29,885,000
Adjusted EBITDA	532,955,000	[2]	440,557,000	[2]	1,590,568,000	[2]	1,325,745,000	[2]
CCUSA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	103,017,000		43,544,000		229,160,000		103,193,000
Asset write-down charges	4,932,000		3,022,000		10,673,000		9,633,000
Acquisition and integration costs	4,068,000		4,243,000		28,852,000		12,875,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	247,206,000		186,521,000		738,965,000		548,951,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	4,988,000		3,870,000		14,546,000		11,595,000
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	141,287,000		142,016,000		432,221,000		446,641,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		1,000		44,629,000		36,487,000
Interest income	-107,000		-144,000		-329,000		-592,000
Other income (expense)	-3,168,000		-3,295,000		-2,125,000		-11,922,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-1,977,000		32,538,000		-8,118,000		82,455,000
Stock-based compensation expense	13,358,000		9,862,000		43,199,000		29,335,000
Adjusted EBITDA	513,604,000	[2]	422,178,000	[2]	1,531,673,000	[2]	1,268,651,000	[2]
CCAL [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	5,020,000		2,924,000		17,027,000		13,389,000
Asset write-down charges	343,000		871,000		471,000		1,072,000
Acquisition and integration costs	0		126,000		72,000		311,000
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,656,000		8,887,000		20,323,000		23,567,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	0		0		0		0
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	3,862,000		3,949,000		11,475,000		12,710,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	-85,000		-92,000		-225,000		-269,000
Other income (expense)	-16,000		-23,000		127,000		-35,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	2,459,000		1,421,000		8,204,000		5,799,000
Stock-based compensation expense	112,000		316,000		1,421,000		550,000
Adjusted EBITDA	19,351,000	[2]	18,379,000	[2]	58,895,000	[2]	57,094,000	[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	-3,862,000		-3,949,000		-11,475,000		-12,710,000
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0		0		0
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Other income (expense)	3,862,000		3,949,000		11,475,000		12,710,000
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	90.00%	89.00%
Sprint [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	26.00%	28.00%
T-Mobile [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	21.00%	23.00%
AT T [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of consolidated revenues	27.00%	22.00%
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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]	'	'
Interest paid	$368,437	$356,421
Income taxes paid	15,353	12,769
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	2,827	-8,207
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	$27,772	$36,756

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
					Paid subsequent to quarter end [Member]		Paid subsequent to quarter end [Member]
							Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.35	$0	$1.05	$0	$0.82		'
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	'	'	'	'	'		19-Dec-14
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	'	'	'	'	$275,000,000	[1]	'
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	'	'	'	'	'		31-Dec-14
[1]	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units.