Crown Castle (CCI) 10-K 19 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1051470
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		333,866,975
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$24.60

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$175,620	$223,394
Restricted cash	147,411	183,526
Receivables, net of allowance of $10,301 and $7,676, respectively	329,229	249,925
Prepaid expenses	155,070	132,003
Deferred income tax assets	29,961	26,714
Other current assets	94,211	77,121
Total current assets	931,502	892,683
Deferred site rental receivables	1,260,614	1,078,995
Property and equipment, net	9,148,311	8,947,677
Goodwill	5,210,091	4,916,426
Site rental contracts and customer relationships, net	3,312,135	3,650,343
Other intangible assets, net	403,565	407,522
Deferred income tax assets	20,914	19,008
Long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net	856,144	682,254
Total assets	21,143,276	20,594,908
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	167,662	145,390
Accrued interest	66,943	65,582
Deferred revenues	348,338	260,114
Other accrued liabilities	202,657	181,715
Current maturities of debt and other obligations	113,335	103,586
Total current liabilities	898,935	756,387
Debt and other long-term obligations	11,807,526	11,490,914
Deferred income tax liabilities	39,889	56,513
Other long-term liabilities	1,659,698	1,349,919
Total liabilities	14,406,048	13,653,733
Commitments and contingencies (note 13)
CCIC stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: December 31, 2014—333,856,632 and December 31, 2013—334,070,016	3,339	3,341
4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: December 31, 2014 and 2013—9,775,000; aggregate liquidation value: December 31, 2014 and 2013—$977,500	98	98
Additional paid-in capital	9,512,396	9,482,769
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	15,820	-23,612
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings	-2,815,428	-2,535,879
Total CCIC stockholders' equity	6,716,225	6,926,717
Noncontrolling interest	21,003	14,458
Total equity	6,737,228	6,941,175
Total liabilities and equity	$21,143,276	$20,594,908

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, current	$10,301,000	$7,676,000
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, shares issued	9,775,000	9,775,000
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, shares outstanding, end of period	9,775,000	9,775,000
Mandatory redemption and aggregate liquidation value, 4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock	$977,500,000	$977,500,000
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	333,856,632	334,070,016
Common stock, shares outstanding	333,856,632	334,070,016

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Net revenues:
Site rental	$3,006,774		$2,503,620		$2,124,190
Network services and other	683,110		518,764		308,490
Net revenues	3,689,884		3,022,384		2,432,680
Costs of Operations:
Site rental	944,666	[1]	725,109	[1]	539,239	[1]
Network services and other	405,800	[1]	321,687	[1]	189,750	[1]
General and administrative	282,696		238,702		212,572
Asset write-down charges	15,040		14,863		15,548
Acquisition and integration costs	35,042		26,005		18,298
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,013,064		774,215		622,592
Total operating expenses	2,696,308		2,100,581		1,597,999
Operating income (loss)	993,576		921,803		834,681
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	-573,291		-589,630		-601,044
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	-44,629	[2]	-37,127	[3]	-131,974	[4]
Interest income	616		1,355		4,556
Other income (expense)	11,862		-3,872		-5,392
Income (loss) before income taxes	388,134		292,529		100,827
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	10,640		-198,628		100,061
Net income (loss)	398,774		93,901		200,888
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	8,261		3,790		12,304
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	390,513		90,111		188,584
Dividends on preferred stock	-43,988		-11,363		-2,629
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	346,525		78,748		185,955
Net income (loss)	398,774		93,901		200,888
Derivative instruments, net of taxes
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes	63,148	[5]	82,043	[5]	48,124	[5]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-25,432	[5]	-45,714	[5]	6,308
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	37,716		36,329		54,432
Comprehensive income (loss)	436,490		130,230		255,320
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	6,545		1,940		11,531
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$429,945		$128,290		$243,789
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.04		$0.26		$0.64
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.04		$0.26		$0.64
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic (in shares)	332,302		298,083		289,285
Diluted (in shares)	333,265		299,293		291,270
Dividends/distributions declared per share	$1.87		$0		$0
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[3]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
[4]	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.
[5]	See the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "total other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 8 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper1

Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tax effect on derivative instruments	$0	($17,115)	$17,115

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$398,774		$93,901		$200,888
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,013,064		774,215		622,592
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629	[1]	37,127	[2]	131,974	[3]
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest	80,854		99,245		109,350
Stock-based compensation expense	51,497		39,030		41,944
Asset write-down charges	15,040		14,863		15,548
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)	-25,579		180,275		-110,374
Other non-cash adjustments, net	-25,798		2,974		612
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	1,361		12,990		-13,520
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	10,329		28,665		34,543
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities	401,262		242,465		98,686
Decrease (increase) in receivables	-77,251		-60,217		-98,570
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets	-222,052		-227,877		-261,116
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,666,130		1,237,656		772,557
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-466,305		-4,960,435		-3,759,475
Capital expenditures	-780,077		-567,810		-441,383
Other investing activities, net	3,477		7,276		1,262
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-1,242,905		-5,520,969		-4,199,596
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	845,750		1,618,430		5,250,000
Net proceeds from issuance of capital stock	0		2,980,586		258
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	0		950,886		0
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations	-116,426		-101,322		-80,818
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	-836,899		-762,970		-1,978,709
Purchases of capital stock	-21,872		-99,458		-36,043
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	1,019,000		976,032		1,253,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	-698,000		-1,855,032		-251,000
Payments for financing costs	-15,899		-30,001		-78,641
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	30,010		385,982		-288,763
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock	-624,297		0		0
Cash dividends on preferred stock	-44,354		0		-2,481
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-462,987		4,063,133		3,786,803
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-8,012		2,210		1,480
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-47,774		-217,970		361,244
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	223,394		441,364		80,120
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$175,620		$223,394		$441,364
[1]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[2]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
[3]	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Rede

Consolidated Statement of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Equity (USD $)		Total	4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	Derivative Instruments	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-sale Securities	Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified											4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2011		$2,386,864		$2,844	$5,312,342	$95,044	($212,040)	$0	($2,811,945)	$619
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, value at Dec. 31, 2011											305,032
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, shares outstanding, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011			0
Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011				284,449,372
Redeemable preferred stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2011											6,111,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value		42,204		12	42,192
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares				1,129,579
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value		-36,043		-7	-36,036
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares				-700,070
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion of redeemable preferred stock into Common Stock											-6,111,000
Conversion of redeemable preferred stock into Common Stock		-305,180		83	305,097						-305,180
Conversion of redeemable preferred stock into Common Stock, shares				8,285,905
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments		6,308				7,081				-773
Derivative instruments reclassified into results of operations, net of tax	[1]	48,124					48,124
Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, preferred stock	[1]										148
Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit	[1]	-2,629							-2,629
Disposition of noncontrolling interest		368								368
Net income (loss)		200,888							188,584	12,304
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2012		2,951,264	0	2,932	5,623,595	102,125	-163,916	0	-2,625,990	12,518
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, value at Dec. 31, 2012											0
Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012				293,164,786
Redeemable preferred stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2012											0
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, shares outstanding, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012			0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value		39,030		9	39,021
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares				934,691
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value		-99,458		-14	-99,444
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares				-1,429,461
Net proceeds from issuance of Common Stock		2,980,586		414	2,980,172
Net proceeds from issuance, shares			9,775,000	41,400,000
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		950,886	98		950,788
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	-45,714				-43,864				-1,850
Derivative instruments reclassified into results of operations, net of tax	[1]	82,043					82,043
Preferred stock dividends					-11,363
Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit		-11,363
Net income (loss)		93,901							90,111	3,790
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013		6,941,175	98	3,341	9,482,769	58,261	-81,873	0	-2,535,879	14,458
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, value at Dec. 31, 2013											0
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, shares outstanding, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013		9,775,000	9,775,000
Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		334,070,016		334,070,016
Redeemable preferred stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2013											0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value		51,497		1	51,496
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares				79,490
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value		-21,872		-3	-21,869
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares				-292,874
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	-25,432				-23,716				-1,716
Derivative instruments reclassified into results of operations, net of tax	[1]	63,148					63,148
Common stock dividends/distributions		-626,074							-626,074
Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit		-43,988			0				-43,988
Net income (loss)		398,774							390,513	8,261
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2014		6,737,228	98	3,339	9,512,396	34,545	-18,725	0	-2,815,428	21,003
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, value at Dec. 31, 2014											$0
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, shares outstanding, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014		9,775,000	9,775,000
Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		333,856,632		333,856,632
Redeemable preferred stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2014											0
[1]	See the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the components of "total other comprehensive income (loss)" and note 8 with respect to the reclassification adjustment.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation
		Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown Castle International Corp. and its predecessor, as applicable, (together, "CCIC"), and their subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as the "Company." All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As used herein, the term "including," and any variation thereof, means "including without limitation." The use of the word "or" herein is not exclusive.
	The Company owns, operates, and leases shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers and other structures, such as rooftops (collectively, "towers"), and to a lesser extent, (2) distributed antenna systems ("DAS"), a type of small cell network ("small cells"), and (3) interests in land under third party towers in various forms ("third party land interests") (collectively, "wireless infrastructure"). The Company conducts operations through subsidiaries of Crown Castle Operating Company ("CCOC"), including (1) certain subsidiaries which operate wireless infrastructure portfolios in the United States, including Puerto Rico ("U.S." or "CCUSA") and (2) a 77.6% owned subsidiary that operates towers in Australia (referred to as "CCAL"). The Company's core business is providing access, including space or capacity, to (1) its towers, including approximately 40,000 towers (or 96% of the Company's total towers) in CCUSA and approximately 1,800 towers (or 4% of the Company's total towers) in CCAL, and to a lesser extent, to (2) its small cells, and (3) third party land interests to wireless communication services companies via long-term contracts in various forms, including license, sublease and lease agreements (collectively, "leases").
	Approximately 53% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, or 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. Additional information concerning these towers is as follows:
	◦	Approximately 16% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed for an initial period of 32 years (through May 2037) under master leases, subleases, or other agreements with Sprint. The Company has the option to purchase in 2037 all (but not less than all) of the leased and subleased Sprint towers from Sprint for approximately $2.3 billion.
	◦	Approximately 15% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under a master prepaid lease or other related agreements with T-Mobile for a weighted-average term of approximately 28 years, weighted on site rental gross margin. The Company has the option to purchase the leased and subleased towers from T-Mobile at the end of the respective lease or sublease terms for aggregate option payments of approximately $2.0 billion, which payments, if exercised would be due between 2035 and 2049. In addition, through the T-Mobile Acquisition (as defined in note 3), there are another approximately 1% of the Company's towers subject to a lease and sublease or other related arrangements with AT&T. The Company has the option to purchase these towers that it does not otherwise already own at the end of their respective lease terms for aggregate option payments of up to approximately $405 million, which payments, if exercised, would be due between 2018 and 2032 (less than $10 million would be due before 2025).
	◦	Approximately 22% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under a master prepaid lease or other related agreements with AT&T for a weighted-average term of approximately 28 years, weighted on site rental gross margin. The Company has the option to purchase the leased and subleased towers from AT&T at the end of the respective lease or sublease terms for aggregate option payments of approximately $4.2 billion, which payments, if exercised, would be due between 2032 and 2048.
	As part of CCUSA's effort to provide comprehensive wireless infrastructure solutions, it offers certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, predominately consisting of (1) installation of tenant equipment or subsequent augmentation (collectively, "installation services") and (2) the following additional site development services: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, or zoning and permitting.
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company commenced operating as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Company has certain taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). See note 10.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
		Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash represents (1) the cash held in reserve by the indenture trustees pursuant to the indenture governing certain of the Company's debt instruments, (2) cash securing performance obligations such as letters of credit, as well as (3) any other cash whose use is limited by contractual provisions. The restriction of rental cash receipts is a critical feature of certain of the Company's debt instruments, due to the applicable indenture trustee's ability to utilize the restricted cash for the payment of (1) debt service costs, (2) ground rents, (3) real estate or personal property taxes, (4) insurance premiums related to towers, (5) other assessments by governmental authorities and potential environmental remediation costs, or (6) a portion of advance rents from tenants. The restricted cash in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures. The Company has classified the increases and decreases in restricted cash as (1) cash provided by financing activities for cash held by indenture trustees based on consideration of the terms of the related indebtedness, although the cash flows have aspects of both financing activities and operating activities, (2) cash provided by investing activities for cash securing performance obligations and restricted cash that is acquired in acquisitions, or (3) cash provided by operating activities for the other remaining restricted cash.
	The following table is a summary of the impact of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows.
		For the years ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Net cash provided by (used from) operating activities	$	6,148		$	(1,637	)		$	11,475
	Net cash provided by (used from) investing activities	$	(44	)	$	8,067			$	(46,282	)	(a)
	Net cash provided by (used from) financing activities	$	30,011		$	385,982		(b)	$	(288,763	)	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of $46.3 million of acquired restricted cash.
	(b)	Inclusive of $316.6 million of cash held by the trustee as of December 31, 2012 and subsequently released to retire the 7.75% Secured Notes in January 2013.
	Receivables Allowance
	An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable. The Company uses judgment in estimating this allowance and considers historical collections, current credit status, or contractual provisions. Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are charged either to "site rental costs of operations" or to "network services and other costs of operations," as appropriate; and deductions from the allowance are recorded when specific accounts receivable are written off as uncollectible.
	Lease Accounting
	General. The Company classifies its leases at inception as either operating leases or capital leases. A lease is classified as a capital lease if at least one of the following criteria are met, subject to certain exceptions noted below: (1) the lease transfers ownership of the leased assets to the lessee, (2) there is a bargain purchase option, (3) the lease term is equal to 75% or more of the economic life of the leased assets, or (4) the present value of the minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90% of the fair value of the leased assets.
	Lessee. Leases for land are evaluated for capital lease treatment if at least one of the first two criteria mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph is present relating to the leased assets. When the Company, as lessee, classifies a lease as a capital lease, it records an asset in an amount equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments under the lease at the beginning of the lease term. Applicable operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as discussed under "costs of operations" below.
	Lessor. If the Company is the lessor of leased property that is part of a larger whole (including with respect to a portion of space on a tower) and for which fair value is not objectively determinable, then such a lease is accounted for as an operating lease. As applicable, operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as discussed under "Revenue Recognition."
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements for land which have no definite life. When the Company purchases fee ownership or perpetual easements for the land previously subject to ground lease, the Company reduces the value recorded as land by the amount of any associated deferred ground lease payable or unamortized above-market leases. Depreciation is computed utilizing the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Depreciation of wireless infrastructure is computed with a useful life equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including optional renewal periods). Additions, renewals, and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed. Interest costs incurred related to the construction of certain property and equipment are capitalized. The carrying value of property and equipment will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.
	Abandonments and write-offs of property and equipment are recorded to "asset write-downs charges" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and were $10.1 million, $10.2 million, and $12.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Pursuant to its ground lease and easement agreements, the Company records obligations to perform asset retirement activities, including requirements to remove wireless infrastructure or remediate the land upon which the Company's wireless infrastructure resides. Asset retirement obligations are included in "other long-term liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The liability accretes as a result of the passage of time and the related accretion expense is included in "depreciation, amortization, and accretion" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as an additional carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the useful life of such asset.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price for an acquired business over the allocated value of the related net assets. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, regardless of whether adverse events or changes in circumstances have occurred. The annual test begins with goodwill and all intangible assets being allocated to applicable reporting units. The Company then performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying amount. If it is concluded that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The two-step goodwill impairment test begins with an estimation of fair value of the reporting unit using an income approach, which looks to the present value of expected future cash flows. The first step, commonly referred to as a "step-one impairment test," is a screen for potential impairment while the second step measures the amount of impairment if there is an indication from the first step that one exists. The Company's measurement of the fair value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit. The Company performed its most recent annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2014, which resulted in no impairments.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are included in "site rental contracts and customer relationships, net" and "other intangible assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and predominately consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) site rental contracts and customer relationships, (2) below-market leases for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, (3) term easement rights for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, or (4) other contractual rights such as trademarks. The site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets are comprised of (1) the current term of the existing leases, (2) the expected exercise of the renewal provisions contained within the existing leases, which automatically occur under contractual provisions, or (3) any associated relationships that are expected to generate value following the expiration of all renewal periods under existing leases.
	The useful lives of intangible assets are estimated based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to benefit the Company and gives consideration to the expected useful life of other assets to which the useful life may relate. Amortization expense for intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each of the intangible assets. The useful life of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible asset is limited by the maximum depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure (20 years), as a result of the interdependency of the wireless infrastructure and site rental leases. In contrast, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are estimated to provide economic benefits for several decades because of the low rate of tenant cancellations and high rate of renewals experienced to date. Thus, while site rental contracts and customer relationships are valued based upon the fair value, which includes assumptions regarding both (1) tenants' exercise of optional renewals contained in the acquired leases and (2) renewals of the acquired leases past the contractual term including exercisable options, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are amortized over a period not to exceed 20 years as a result of the useful life being limited by the depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure.
	The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite useful lives will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company has a dual grouping policy for purposes of determining the unit of account for testing impairment of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets. First, the Company pools the site rental contracts and customer relationships with the related wireless infrastructure assets into portfolio groups for purposes of determining the unit of account for impairment testing. Second and separately, the Company evaluates the site rental contracts and customer relationships by significant tenant or by tenant grouping for individually insignificant tenants, as appropriate. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use or eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset.
	Deferred Credits
	Deferred credits are included in “deferred revenues” and “other long-term liabilities” on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) below-market tenant leases for contractual interests with tenants on acquired wireless infrastructure, which are amortized to site rental revenues and (2) above-market leases for land interests under the Company's wireless infrastructure, which are amortized to site rental cost of operations.
	Fair value for these deferred credits represents the difference between (1) the stated contractual payments to be made pursuant to the in-place lease and (2) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding lease. Deferred credits are measured over a period equal to the estimated remaining economic lease term considering renewal provisions or economics associated with those renewal provisions, to the extent applicable. Deferred credits are amortized over their respected estimated lease terms at the time of acquisition.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Third-party costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and are included in "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs, and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
	Revenue Recognition
	Site rental revenues are recognized on a monthly basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant lease (generally ranging from five to 15 years), regardless of whether the payments from the tenant are received in equal monthly amounts. The Company's leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the consumer price index ("CPI")). If the payment terms call for fixed escalations, upfront payments, or rent free periods, the revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement. When calculating straight-line rental revenues, the Company considers all fixed elements of tenant contractual escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions contain a variable element in addition to a minimum. The Company's assets related to straight-line site rental revenues are included in "other current assets" and "deferred site rental receivables." Amounts billed or received prior to being earned are deferred and reflected in "deferred revenues" and "other long-term liabilities."
	Network services revenues are recognized after completion of the applicable service. Nearly all of the antenna installation services are billed on a cost-plus profit basis and site development services are billed on a fixed fee basis.
	Sales taxes or value-added taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis.
	Costs of Operations
	In excess of two-thirds of the Company's site rental costs of operations expenses consist of ground lease expenses, and the remainder includes property taxes, repairs and maintenance expenses, employee compensation or related benefit costs, or utilities. Generally, the ground leases for land are specific to each site and are for an initial term of five years and are renewable for pre-determined periods. The Company also enters into term easements and ground leases in which it prepays the entire term in advance. Ground lease expense is recognized on a monthly basis, regardless of whether the lease agreement payment terms require the Company to make payments annually, quarterly, monthly, or for the entire term in advance. The Company's ground leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the CPI). If the payment terms include fixed escalation provisions, the effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis. The Company calculates the straight-line ground lease expense using a time period that equals or exceeds the remaining depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure asset. Further, when a tenant has exercisable renewal options that would compel the Company to exercise existing ground lease renewal options, the Company has straight-lined the ground lease expense over a sufficient portion of such ground lease renewals to coincide with the final termination of the tenant's renewal options. The Company's non-current liability related to straight-line ground lease expense is included in "other long-term liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company's asset related to prepaid ground leases is included in "prepaid expenses" and "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
	Network services and other costs of operations predominately consist of third party service providers such as contractors and professional service firms and, to a lesser extent, internal labor costs. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $60.4 million and $52.2 million, respectively, of work in process.
	Acquisition and Integration Costs
	All direct or incremental costs related to a business combination are expensed as incurred. Costs include severance, retention bonuses payable to employees of an acquired enterprise, temporary employees to assist with the integration of the acquired operations, or fees paid for services such as consulting, accounting, legal, or engineering reviews. These business combination costs are included in "acquisition and integration costs" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The vast majority of the Company's acquisition and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 relate to the AT&T Acquisition (as defined in note 3) and the 2012 Acquisitions (as defined in note 3).
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units. The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those unvested restricted stock awards ("RSAs") and unvested restricted stock units ("RSUs") for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. The cumulative effect of a change in the estimated number of RSAs and RSUs for which the requisite service is expected to be or has been rendered is recognized in the period of the change in the estimate. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the awards vest. A discussion of the Company's valuation techniques and related assumptions and estimates used to measure the Company's stock-based compensation is as follows:
	Valuation. The fair value of RSAs and RSUs without market conditions is determined based on the number of shares relating to such RSAs and RSUs and the quoted price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of RSAs and RSUs with market conditions granted using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Company's determination of the fair value of RSAs and RSUs with market conditions on the date of grant is affected by its common stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex or subjective variables. The determination of fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation requires the input of subjective assumptions, and other reasonable assumptions could provide differing results.
	Amortization Method. The Company amortizes the fair value of all RSAs and RSUs on a straight-line basis for each separately vesting tranche of the award (graded vesting schedule) over the requisite service periods.
	Expected Volatility. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock.
	Expected Dividend Rate. The expected dividend rate at the date of grant is based on the then-current dividend yield.
	Risk-Free Rate. The Company bases the risk-free rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.
	Forfeitures. The Company uses historical data and management's judgment about the future employee turnover rates to estimate the number of shares for which the requisite service period will not be rendered.
	Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
	The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	492,437		$	490,385			$	491,694
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	22,190			25,120				23,324
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(3,628		)	8,541				21,297
	Amortization of interest rate swaps	63,148			64,928				65,239
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(856		)	656				(510		)
	Total	$	573,291		$	589,630			$	601,044
	The Company amortizes deferred financing costs, discounts, premiums, and purchase price adjustments on long-term debt over the estimated term of the related borrowing using the effective interest yield method. Discounts or purchase price adjustments are presented as a reduction to the related debt obligation on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
	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 is generally entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore is not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its 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 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 the Company's tax basis on January 1, 2014.  This gain can be offset by any remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs").
During 2013, the Company de-recognized substantially all of its previously recorded U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets and liabilities in connection with completing the steps necessary to qualify to operate as a REIT and receiving final approval from the Company's board of directors. The de-recognized U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets related to the entities included in the REIT, because the expected recovery or settlement of the related assets and liabilities would not result in a taxable or deductible amount in the future.
For the Company's TRSs, the Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is "more likely than not" that the asset will not be realized. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when it is "more likely than not" that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews the recoverability of deferred tax assets each quarter and based upon projections of future taxable income, reversing deferred tax liabilities or other known events that are expected to affect future taxable income, records a valuation allowance for assets that do not meet the "more likely than not" realization threshold. Valuation allowances may be reversed if related deferred tax assets are deemed realizable based upon changes in facts and circumstances that impact the recoverability of the asset.
The Company recognizes a tax position if it is "more likely than not" that it will be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company reports penalties and tax-related interest expense as a component of the benefit (provision) for income taxes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has not recorded any penalties related to its income tax positions.
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 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 RSAs and RSUs as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock (as defined in note 11), as determined under the if-converted method.
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations is as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013				2012
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	390,513		$	90,111			$	188,584
Dividends on preferred stock	(43,988		)	(11,363		)		(2,629		)
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	346,525		$	78,748			$	185,955
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,302			298,083				289,285
Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to RSAs and RSUs	963			1,210				1,985
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,265			299,293				291,270
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Basic	$	1.04		$	0.26			$	0.64
Diluted	$	1.04		$	0.26			$	0.64
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 12.5 million and 13.2 million common share equivalents related to the Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively, 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 the end of each such year. See notes 11 and 12.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company's international operations use the local currency as their functional currency. The Company translates the results of these international operations using the applicable average exchange rate for the period, and translates the assets and liabilities using the applicable exchange rate at the end of the period. The cumulative effect of changes in the exchange rate is recorded as "foreign currency translation adjustments" in other comprehensive income (loss). See note 15.
Fair Values
The Company's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are (1) Level 1 — quoted prices (unadjusted) in active and accessible markets, (2) Level 2 — observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets but corroborated by market data, and (3) Level 3 — unobservable inputs and are not corroborated by market data. The Company evaluates fair value hierarchy level classifications quarterly, and transfers between levels are effective at the end of the quarterly period.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines fair value of its debt securities based on indicative quotes (that is non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if applicable. There were no changes since December 31, 2013 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values. See note 9 for a further discussion of fair values.
Derivative Instruments
The Company had previously entered into interest rate swaps to manage or reduce its interest rate risk. Derivative financial instruments were entered into for periods that matched the related underlying exposures. The Company can designate derivative financial instruments as hedges. The Company can also enter into derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges.
Derivatives were recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative was designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative was recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity, captioned "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)," and recognized as increases or decreases to "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" when the hedged item affects earnings. If a hedge ceased to qualify for hedge accounting, any change in the fair value of the derivative since the date it ceased to qualify was recorded to "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps." However, any amounts previously recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" would remain there until the original forecasted transaction affected earnings. In situations where it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses that have been recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" are immediately reclassified to earnings.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
No accounting pronouncements adopted during the year ended December 31, 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	2012 Acquisitions
	In January 2012, the Company acquired certain subsidiaries of Wireless Capital Partners, LLC ("WCP") (referred to herein as the "WCP Acquisition"). Upon closing, WCP held various contracts with wireless site owners, including approximately 2,300 ground lease related assets. The purchase price of $214.7 million includes $39.2 million of restricted cash and excludes the assumption of $336.3 million (after fair value adjustments) of debt. See note 7. The Company utilized the borrowings under the Tranche B Term Loans (as defined in note 7) issued in January 2012 to fund the cash consideration.
	In April 2012, the Company acquired NextG Networks, Inc. ("NextG") for approximately $1.0 billion in cash ("NextG Acquisition"). The Company utilized borrowings under the Tranche A Term Loans and Tranche B Term Loans (as defined in note 7) to fund the cash consideration of approximately $1.0 billion. Prior to the NextG Acquisition, NextG was the largest U.S. provider of outdoor DAS.
	In November 2012, the Company acquired from T-Mobile the exclusive rights to lease, operate, or otherwise acquire towers which, as of December 31, 2014, comprised approximately 17% of the Company's towers for approximately $2.5 billion ("T-Mobile Acquisition"). See note 1 for a further discussion of the terms of the T-Mobile master prepaid lease, including the purchase option. The Company utilized cash on hand, inclusive of the proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes, and borrowings from the 2012 Revolver (as defined in note 7) to fund the T-Mobile Acquisition.
	The WCP Acquisition, NextG Acquisition, and T-Mobile Acquisition are collectively referred to herein as the "2012 Acquisitions."
	AT&T Acquisition
	During October 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T, to acquire rights to towers which, as of December 31, 2014, comprised approximately 22% of the Company's towers for $4.827 billion in cash at closing ("AT&T Acquisition"). On December 16, 2013, the Company closed on the acquisition. See note 1 for further discussion of the terms of the AT&T master prepaid lease, including the related purchase option. The Company utilized net proceeds from the October 2013 Equity Financings (as defined in note 11), and additional borrowings under the 2012 Revolver and term loans to fund the AT&T Acquisition, as well as cash on hand. The final purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition is shown below.
	Current assets	$	21,543
	Property and equipment	1,891,721
	Goodwill	1,902,777
	Other intangible assets, net	1,175,217
	Other assets	67,063
	Current liabilities	(10,677		)
	Other long-term liabilities	(221,045		)	(a)
	Net assets acquired	$	4,826,599		(b)(c)
	(a)Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	(b)	Changes between the final purchase price allocation and the preliminary purchase price allocation as presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 primarily relate to (1) a $134.2 million increase to goodwill, (2) a $104.9 million decrease to other intangible assets, net (3) a $73.7 million decrease to property and equipment, and (4) a $63.8 million increase to other assets. The effect of the change in the purchase price allocation on the Company's statement of operations is immaterial for the periods presented.
	(c)No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 10.
	For additional discussion of the AT&T Acquisition see notes 5, 7, and 11.
	2014 Land Acquisitions
	During 2014, the Company completed several acquisitions of portfolios of land interests under towers ("2014 Land Acquisitions"). These acquisitions were predominately comprised of an aggregate of 1,200 land interests for an aggregate preliminary purchase price of approximately $354 million, net of cash acquired.
	Actual and Pro Forma Financial Information
	Net revenues and net income (loss) attributable to acquisitions completed are included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), since the date of each respective acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the AT&T Acquisition resulted in (1) increases to consolidated net revenues of $17.9 million and (2) a net loss of approximately $8.9 million included in net income (loss), which includes acquisition and integration costs and the impact of the associated debt borrowings. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the 2012 Acquisitions resulted in (1) increases to consolidated net revenues of $143.3 million and (2) a net loss of $12.6 million included in net income (loss), which includes the impact of the debt assumed in the WCP Acquisition and acquisition and integration costs.
	The unaudited pro forma financial results for the year ended December 31, 2013 combine the historical results of the Company, which includes the impact of the 2012 Acquisitions, along with the pro forma impact from the AT&T Acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial results for the year ended December 31, 2012 combine the historical results of the Company, along with the pro forma impact from the AT&T Acquisition and the 2012 Acquisition. The following table presents the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the AT&T Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2012, and the 2012 Acquisitions were completed as of January 1, 2011 for the periods presented below. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Net revenues	$	3,420,736		(a)	$	3,124,010	(a)(b)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	242,617		(c)(d)(f)	$	15,566	(c)(d)(f)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	$	(178,663	)	(d)(e)	$	134,487	(d)(e)
	Net income (loss)	$	63,954		(c)(d)(f)	$	150,053	(c)(d)(f)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share	$	0.05			$	0.28
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share	$	0.05			$	0.27
	(a)	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $211.1 million and $220.6 million, respectively, 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)	For the year ended December 31, 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $148.9 million that the Company expects to recognize from T-Mobile under T-Mobile's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the T-Mobile Acquisition.
	(c)	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to depreciation and amortization of $218.3 million and $353.2 million, respectively, related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition and 2012 Acquisitions.
	(d)	For the AT&T Acquisition, pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financings as well as the October 2013 Equity Financings.  For the 2012 Acquisitions, pro forma amounts exclude any impact from debt financings that occurred through 2012 due to (1) such financings have been conducted for multiple purposes, including to lower the Company's average cost of debt, to refinance and extend certain of its debt, as well as to provide funds to finance a portion of such acquisitions and (2) such financings having not been conducted concurrently with the 2012 Acquisitions they subsequently funded in part and the fungible nature of the cash makes impracticable a determination of whether, or what portion of, the purchase prices of such acquisitions were funded with the proceeds of such financings.
	(e)	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the pro forma adjustments reflects the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made related to the Company's REIT election. See note 10.
	(f)	Inclusive of $23.7 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of aggregate acquisition and integration costs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to the AT&T Acquisition and 2012 Acquisitions.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment
		Property and Equipment
	The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
		Estimated Useful Lives	December 31,
			2014			2013
	Land(a)	—	$	1,542,276		$	1,305,942
	Buildings	40 years	72,517			70,497
	Towers and small cells	1-20 years	12,251,175			11,717,453
	Information technology assets and other	2-7 years	214,058			185,699
	Construction in process	—	507,066			401,042
	Total gross property and equipment		14,587,092			13,680,633
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(5,438,781		)	(4,732,956		)
	Total property and equipment, net		$	9,148,311		$	8,947,677
	(a)	Includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements.
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $757.4 million, $562.1 million and $438.9 million, respectively. Capital leases and associated leasehold improvements related to gross property and equipment and accumulated depreciation was $4.4 billion and $883.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. See notes 1 and 2.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	3,119,957
	Additions due to AT&T Acquisition (a)	1,768,535
	Additions due to other acquisitions	25,194
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations and other adjustments	2,740
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,916,426
	Adjustments to AT&T Acquisition purchase price allocation (a)	134,242
	Additions due to other acquisitions	159,952
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations and other adjustments	(529		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5,210,091
	(a)	The purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunity in the acquired tower portfolio. See note 3.
	Intangibles
	The following is a summary of the Company's intangible assets. See note 3 for further discussion of the Company's acquisitions.
		As of December 31, 2014									As of December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Value				Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
	Site rental contracts and customer relationships	$	4,660,082		(a)	$	(1,347,947	)	$	3,312,135	$	4,761,605	$	(1,111,262	)	$	3,650,343
	Other intangible assets	509,824				(106,259		)	403,565		486,751		(79,229		)	407,522
	Total	$	5,169,906			$	(1,454,206	)	$	3,715,700	$	5,248,356	$	(1,190,491	)	$	4,057,865
	(a)	Inclusive of adjustments made during 2014 related to the AT&T Acquisition purchase price allocation. See note 3.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded (1) $1.2 billion of additions to site rental contracts and customer relationships, which predominately relate to the AT&T Acquisition, and (2) $132.8 million of additions to other intangible assets, inclusive of adjustments made during 2013 related to the T-Mobile Acquisition purchase price allocation. The weighted average amortization period of the additions to intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately 20 years.
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets is classified as follows on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss):
		For Years Ended December 31,
	Classification	2014				2013			2012
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	$	245,614			$	204,042		$	177,163
	Site rental costs of operations	22,105				10,197			3,352
	Total amortization expense	$	267,719			$	214,239		$	180,515
	The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets (inclusive of those recorded as an increase to "site rental costs of operations") for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2019 is as follows:
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015				2016			2017		2018		2019
	Estimated annual amortization	$	259,272			$	259,026		$	258,438	$	256,669	$	254,980

Other_Liabilities_Notes

Other Liabilities (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities
	The following is a summary of the components of "other long-term liabilities" as presented on the consolidated balance sheet. See also note 2.
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Deferred rental revenues		$	610,742		$	350,474
	Deferred ground lease payable		425,321			357,419
	Above market leases for land interests, net		272,694			276,319
	Deferred credits, net		222,460			244,537
	Asset retirement obligation (see note 13)		128,153			118,403
	Other long-term liabilities		328			2,767
			$	1,659,698		$	1,349,919
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded $24.2 million, $7.2 million, and $3.4 million, respectively, as a decrease to "site rental costs of operations" for the amortization of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers. The estimated amortization expense related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers recorded to site rental costs of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2019 is as follows:
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015			2016			2017		2018		2019
	Above-market leases for land interests	$	23,031		$	22,362		$	21,206	$	20,287	$	19,289
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 the Company recognized $29.5 million, $29.6 million, and $20.8 million, respectively, in site rental revenues related to the amortization of below market tenant leases. The following table summarizes the estimated annual amounts related to below-market tenant leases expected to be amortized into site rental revenues for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2019 are as follows:
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015			2016			2017		2018		2019
	Below-market tenant leases	$	27,877		$	27,657		$	24,746	$	21,985	$	19,493
	Other accrued liabilities
	Other accrued liabilities included accrued payroll and other accrued compensation of $74.2 million and $60.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations

Debt and Other Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]
Debt and Other Obligations	Debt and Other Obligations
		Original		Contractual		Outstanding Balance as of December 31,						Stated
		Issue Date		Maturity								Interest Rate
				Date								as of
												December 31,
						2014			2013			2014		(a)
	Bank debt – variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	(d)	$	695,000	(b)	$	374,000		1.9	%	(c)
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	(d)	645,938			662,500			1.9	%	(c)
	Tranche B Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019/2021	(e)	2,835,509			2,864,150			3	%	(f)
	Total bank debt					4,176,447			3,900,650
	Securitized debt – fixed rate:
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Jan. 2010		2037-2040	(g)	1,600,000			1,900,000			6	%	(g)
	August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Aug. 2010		2035-2040	(g)	1,550,000			1,550,000			4.5	%	(g)
	2009 Securitized Notes	Jul-09		2019/2029	(h)	160,822			179,792			7.5	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(i)	262,386			286,171			5.7	%	(j)
	Total securitized debt					3,573,208			3,915,963
	Bonds – fixed rate:
	7.125% Senior Notes	Oct. 2009		Nov. 2019		—			498,332			N/A
	5.25% Senior Notes	Oct. 2012		Jan. 2023		1,649,969			1,649,970			5.3	%
	2012 Secured Notes	Dec. 2012		2017/2023	(l)	1,500,000			1,500,000			3.4	%
	4.875% Senior Notes	Apr. 2014		Apr. 2022		846,062			—			4.9	%
	Total bonds					3,996,031			3,648,302
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various	(k)	175,175			129,585			Various		(k)
	Total debt and other obligations					11,920,861			11,594,500
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					113,335			103,586
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	11,807,526		$	11,490,914
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of December 31, 2014, the undrawn availability under the senior secured revolving credit facility ("2012 Revolver") was $805.0 million. See note 18.
	(c)	The 2012 Revolver and tranche A term loans ("Tranche A Term Loans"), including the Incremental Tranche A Term Loans (as defined below) bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%, based on the CCOC total net leverage ratio. The Company pays a commitment fee of approximately 0.25% per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2012 Revolver.
	(d)	The maturity dates for the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are either November 2018 or January 2019, contingent upon the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans (as defined below). If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans is greater than $500.0 million, the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are due November 2018. If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans is less than or equal to $500.0 million, the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are due January 2019.
	(e)	As of December 31, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans (defined below) and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans (defined below), consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $565.6 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
	(f)	The Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans (defined below), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a credit spread range from 2.25% to 2.50%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 0.75% per annum).
	(g)	If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes (collectively, "2010 Tower Revenue Notes") are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers (of such notes) will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of two series of notes with principal amounts of $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2017, and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million, and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively.
	(h)	The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $90.8 million of principal as of December 31, 2014 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of December 31, 2014 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
	(i)	The WCP securitized notes ("WCP Securitized Notes") were assumed in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The WCP Securitized Notes include a fair value adjustment that increased the debt carrying value by $3.6 million as of December 31, 2014. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
	(j)	The effective yield is approximately 5.6%, inclusive of the fair value adjustment.
	(k)	The Company's capital leases and other obligations relate to land, fiber, vehicles, and other assets and bear interest rates ranging up to 10% and mature in periods ranging from less than one year to approximately 25 years.
	(l)	Consists of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023 (collectively, "2012 Secured Notes").
	The credit agreement governing the the Company's senior credit facility agreement ("2012 Credit Facility") contains financial maintenance covenants. The Company is currently in compliance with these financial maintenance covenants, and based upon current expectations, the Company believes it will continue to comply with its financial maintenance covenants. In addition, certain of the Company's debt agreements also contain restrictive covenants that place restrictions on CCIC or its subsidiaries and may limit the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional debt and liens, purchase the Company's securities, make capital expenditures, dispose of assets, undertake transactions with affiliates, make other investments, pay dividends or distribute excess cash flow.
	Bank Debt
	In January 2012, CCOC entered into the 2012 Credit Facility. The 2012 Credit Facility originally consisted of (1) a $1.5 billion 2012 Revolver with a maturity of January 2017, (2) $500.0 million of Tranche A Term Loans with a maturity of January 2017, and (3) $1.6 billion of Tranche B Term Loans with a maturity of January 2019.
	The 2012 Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of certain equity interests of certain subsidiaries of CCIC, as well as a security interest in CCOC's and certain of its subsidiaries' deposit accounts ($41.4 million as of December 31, 2014) and securities accounts. The 2012 Credit Facility is guaranteed by CCIC and certain of its subsidiaries.
	The following are highlights of the Company's issuances, refinancings, and other activities related to the 2012 Credit Facility since entering into the original agreement:
	•In 2012, the Company:
	◦	utilized the proceeds of the original Tranche A Term Loans and Tranche B Term Loans in part to repay the previously outstanding 2007 Revolver, 2007 term loans and to fund the cash consideration of the WCP Acquisition and NextG Acquisition (see note 3), and
	◦	utilized the borrowings under the 2012 Revolver to partially fund the T-Mobile Acquisition and the repurchase and repayment of the 9% Senior Notes.
	•In 2013, the Company:
	◦	refinanced the then outstanding Tranche B Term Loans with new loans pursuant to the existing credit agreement in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.6 billion,
	◦	borrowed $800.0 million of incremental tranche B term loans ("Incremental Tranche B Term Loans"),
	◦	borrowed $500.0 million of incremental tranche B-2 term loans ("Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans"),
	◦	borrowed $200.0 million of incremental tranche A term loans ("Incremental Tranche A Term Loans"),
	◦extended the maturity of both the Tranche A Term Loans and the 2012 Revolver,
	◦	reduced the interest at a per annum rate under the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans to LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from1.50% to 2.25%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio,
	◦	utilized the proceeds of the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under the 2012 Revolver,
	◦	utilized the borrowings under the 2012 Revolver to partially fund the AT&T Acquisition (see note 3), and
	◦	utilized the proceeds of the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche A Term Loans to repay a portion of the amounts then outstanding under the 2012 Revolver.
	•	In 2014, the Company amended its 2012 Credit Facility to extend the maturity date on a portion of the Tranche B Term Loans, including Incremental Tranche B Term Loans, to January 2021.
	•	See note 18 for a discussion of the increase in the 2012 Revolver capacity to $2.2 billion during January and February 2015.
	Securitized Debt
	The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, the 2009 Securitized Notes, and the WCP Securitized Notes (collectively, "Securitized Debt") are obligations of special purpose entities and their direct and indirect subsidiaries (each an "issuer"), all of which are wholly-owned, indirect subsidiaries of CCIC. The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, 2009 Securitized Notes, and the WCP Securitized Notes are governed by separate indentures. The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are governed by one indenture and consist of multiple series of notes, each with its own anticipated repayment date. The net proceeds of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes were primarily used to repay the portion of the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes not previously purchased and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes not previously purchased, respectively. The WCP Securitized Notes were assumed in connection with the WCP Acquisition in January 2012. Interest is paid monthly on the Securitized Debt.
	The Securitized Debt is paid solely from the cash flows generated by the operation of the towers or third party land interests held directly and indirectly by the issuers of the respective Securitized Debt. The Securitized Debt is secured by, among other things, (1) a security interest in substantially all of the applicable issuers' assignable personal property, (2) a pledge of the equity interests in each applicable issuer, (3) a security interest in the applicable issuers' leases with tenants to lease tower space (space licenses) or third party land interests, and (4) in the case of the WCP Securitized Notes, a perfected first mortgage lien on certain prepaid lease arrangements. The governing instruments of two indirect subsidiaries ("Crown Atlantic" and "Crown GT") of the issuers of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes generally prevent them from issuing debt and granting liens on their assets without the approval of a subsidiary of Verizon Communications. Consequently, while distributions paid by Crown Atlantic and Crown GT will service the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are not obligations of, nor are the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes secured by the cash flows or any other assets of, Crown Atlantic and Crown GT. As of December 31, 2014, the Securitized Debt was collateralized with personal property and equipment with an aggregate net book value of approximately $1.2 billion, exclusive of Crown Atlantic and Crown GT personal property and equipment.
	The excess cash flows from the issuers of the Securitized Debt, after the payment of principal, interest, reserves, expenses, and management fees are distributed to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures. If the Debt Service Coverage Ratio ("DSCR") (as defined in the applicable governing loan agreement) as of the end of any calendar quarter falls to a certain level, then all excess cash flow of the issuers of the applicable debt instrument will be deposited into a reserve account instead of being released to the Company. The funds in the reserve account will not be released to the Company until the DSCR exceeds a certain level for two consecutive calendar quarters. If the DSCR falls below a certain level as of the end of any calendar quarter, then all cash on deposit in the reserve account along with future excess cash flows of the issuers will be applied to prepay the debt with applicable prepayment consideration.
The Company may repay the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes or the 2009 Securitized Notes in whole or in part at any time after the second anniversary of the applicable issuance date, provided such prepayment is accompanied by any applicable prepayment consideration. The Securitized Debt has covenants and restrictions customary for rated securitizations, including provisions prohibiting the issuers from incurring additional indebtedness or further encumbering their assets.
In April 2014, the Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes (as defined below) offering to repay $300.0 million of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes with an anticipated repayment date of January 2015.
Bonds—Senior Notes. In April 2014, CCIC issued $850.0 million of senior notes due in April 2022 ("4.875% Senior Notes"). 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.
The 4.875% Senior Notes and the 5.25% senior notes due 2023 ("5.25% Senior Notes") (collectively, "Senior Notes") are general obligations of CCIC, which rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC. The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all liabilities (including trade payables) of each subsidiary of CCIC and rank pari passu with the other respective high yield bonds of CCIC. The Company used the net proceeds from the 5.25% Senior Notes offering to partially fund the T-Mobile Acquisition.
The Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants with which CCIC and its restricted subsidiaries must comply, subject to a number of exceptions or qualifications, including restrictions on its ability to incur incremental debt, issue preferred stock, guarantee debt, pay dividends, repurchase its capital stock, use assets as security in other transactions, sell assets or merge with or into other companies, or make certain investments. Certain of these restrictions are not applicable if there is no event of default and if the ratio of CCIC's Consolidated Indebtedness (as defined in the respective Senior Notes indenture) to its Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flows (as defined in the respective Senior Notes indenture) is less than or equal to 7.0 to 1.0. The Senior Notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants.
CCIC may redeem the 4.875% Senior Notes or the 5.25% Senior Notes in whole or in part at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus a make whole premium, and accrued and unpaid interest if any.
Bonds—Secured Notes. The "2012 Senior Notes" consist of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023. The 2012 secured notes were issued and are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries of CCIC that had previously issued and guaranteed the 7.75% Secured Notes. The 2012 Secured Notes are secured by a pledge of the equity interests of such subsidiaries. The 2012 Secured Notes are not guaranteed by and are not obligations of CCIC or any of its subsidiaries other than the issuers and guarantors of the 2012 Secured Notes. The 2012 Secured Notes will be paid solely from the cash flows generated from operations of the towers held directly and indirectly by the issuers and the guarantors of such notes. The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2012 Secured Notes to repurchase and redeem the 7.75% Secured Notes and a portion of the 9% Senior Notes. The 2012 Secured Notes may be redeemed at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make whole premium, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
Previously Outstanding Indebtedness
Credit Facility. In January 2012, the Company repaid the previously outstanding 2007 Revolver and term loans pursuant its previously outstanding credit agreement entered into by CCOC.
Bonds—Senior Notes. In May 2014, CCIC redeemed approximately $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.125% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 7.125% senior notes redeemed, plus a make-whole premium, and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds from the 4.875% Senior Notes offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem such previously outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes.
In December 2012, the Company purchased approximately $515.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 9% Senior Notes validly tendered on or prior to the early settlement date. In January 2013, the Company purchased approximately $0.8 million aggregate principal amount of 9% Senior Notes validly tendered after the early settlement date, but on or prior to the expiration date, and then redeemed all of the remaining outstanding 9% Senior Notes (approximately $313.3 million aggregate principal amount). The purchase and redemption of the 9% Senior Notes was funded by borrowings under the 2012 Revolver and proceeds from the issuance of the 2012 Secured Notes.
Bonds—Secured Notes. In December 2012, the Company purchased approximately $670.6 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.75% Secured Notes validly tendered on or prior to the expiration date. In January 2013, all of the remaining then outstanding 7.75% Secured Notes (approximately $294.4 million aggregate principal amount) were redeemed. The purchase and redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the issuance of the 2012 Secured Notes.
Contractual Maturities
The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt or other long-term obligations outstanding at December 31, 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 WCP Securitized Notes. If the Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the Tower Revenue Notes. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not paid in full by their anticipated repayment dates in 2015, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
	Years Ending December 31,
	2015				2016			2017			2018			2019		Thereafter		Total Cash Obligations		Net Unamortized Discounts			Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
Scheduled contractual maturities	$	110,758			$	122,570		$	619,859		$	1,323,951		$	596,083	$	9,147,973	$	11,921,194	$	(333	)	$	11,920,861
Debt Purchases and Redemptions
The following is a summary of the purchases and redemptions of debt during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Year Ending December 31, 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 predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
	Year Ending December 31, 2013
	Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)			Gains (losses)(c)
9% Senior Notes	314,170				332,045			(17,894		)
7.75% Secured Notes(b)	294,362				312,465			(18,103		)
5.25% Senior Notes	30				30			—
Tranche A Term Loans	87,489				87,489			(399		)
Tranche B Term Loans	30,941				30,941			(490		)
Other	—				—			(241		)
Total	$	726,992			$	762,970		$	(37,127	)
(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
(b)	The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.
(c)	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
	Year Ending December 31, 2012
	Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)			Gains (losses)(b)
2007 Term Loans	619,125				619,125			(1,893		)
9% Senior Notes	552,715				589,105			(62,966		)
7.75% Secured Notes	706,045				752,332			(64,989		)
7.5% Senior Notes	51				51			—
WCP Securitized Notes	16,911				18,096			(681		)
Other	—				—			(1,445		)
Total	$	1,894,847			$	1,978,709		$	(131,974	)
(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
(b)	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.

Interest_Rate_Swaps

Interest Rate Swaps	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]
Interest Rate Swaps	Interest Rate Swaps
	The Company had previously entered into interest rate swaps to manage or reduce its interest rate risk, including the use of (1) forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge its exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR on anticipated financings, including refinancings and potential future borrowings or (2) interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate variability on a portion of the Company's floating rate debt. The Company does not enter into interest rate swaps for speculative or trading purposes. As of December 31, 2014, the Company does not have any interest rate swaps outstanding.
	The net pre-tax loss that was reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was $63.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The estimated net pre-tax loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is approximately $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value Disclosures
	The following table shows the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, along with the carrying amounts of the related assets (liabilities). See also note 2.
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	175,620	$	175,620	$	223,394	$	223,394
	Restricted cash	1	152,411		152,411		188,526		188,526
	Liabilities:
	Debt and other obligations	2	$	11,920,861	$	12,286,161	$	11,594,500	$	11,892,587

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic area is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	341,070		$	260,364		$	77,254
	Foreign(a)	47,064			32,165			23,573
		$	388,134		$	292,529		$	100,827
	(a)	Inclusive of income (loss) before income taxes from Australia and Puerto Rico.
	The benefit (provision) for income taxes consists of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	213		$	684		$	229
	Foreign	(10,737		)	(6,732		)	(6,837		)
	State	(4,415		)	(12,305		)	(3,705		)
	Total current	(14,939		)	(18,353		)	(10,313		)
	Deferred:
	Federal	23,070			(164,769		)	65,643
	Foreign	2,901			(6,136		)	42,714
	State	(392		)	(9,370		)	2,017
	Total deferred	25,579			(180,275		)	110,374
	Total tax benefit (provision)	$	10,640		$	(198,628	)	$	100,061
	A reconciliation between the benefit (provision) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the loss before income taxes is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes at statutory rate	$	(135,847	)	$	(102,385	)	$	(35,289	)
	Tax effect of foreign income (losses)	14,277			11,258			8,251
	Tax adjustment related to REIT operations	132,951			—			—
	Tax adjustment related to the REIT election(a)	—			(67,395		)	—
	Expenses for which no federal tax benefit was recognized	(463		)	(9,570		)	(3,874		)
	Valuation allowances	9,000			—			95,072
	State tax (provision) benefit, net of federal	(3,136		)	(14,852		)	(1,097		)
	Foreign tax	(7,836		)	(12,868		)	35,877
	Other	1,694			(2,816		)	1,121
		$	10,640		$	(198,628	)	$	100,061
	(a)	Inclusive of a $39.8 million adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 to reclassify a deferred tax charge from AOCI to the provision for income taxes.
	The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	144,020		$	135,824
	Deferred site rental receivable	35,887			28,074
	Intangible assets	108,689			116,548
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	288,596			280,446
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	148,465			134,123
	Deferred ground lease payable	7,231			7,122
	Accrued liabilities	162,108			148,580
	Receivables allowance	1,538			1,228
	Other	1,278			5,866
	Valuation allowances	(21,038		)	(27,264		)
	Total deferred income tax assets, net	299,582			269,655
	Net deferred income tax asset (liabilities)	$	10,986		$	(10,791	)
	During 2014, the Company reversed $9.0 million of valuation allowance associated with federal NOLs of its TRSs as the Company has determined that these NOLs will be realized.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company completed the steps necessary to qualify to operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and received final approval from the Company's board of directors. As a result, the Company de-recognized the net deferred tax assets and liabilities related to the entities included in the REIT, which resulted in net non-cash income tax charge of $67.4 million in conjunction with the anticipated REIT conversion. Included in the REIT conversion charge of $67.4 million is a $39.8 million adjustment to reclassify a deferred tax charge from AOCI to the provision for income taxes.
	During 2013, in connection with completing the steps necessary to qualify to operate as a REIT, the Company reversed $29.4 million of valuation allowance associated with capital loss carryforwards as the Company generated sufficient capital gains in 2013 to fully realize these capital loss carryforwards. Also, during 2013, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $12.0 million against federal NOLs of its TRSs as the Company determined that a portion of its TRSs federal NOLs more likely than not will not be realized.
	The components of the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
		December 31, 2014									December 31, 2013
	Classification	Gross			Valuation			Net			Gross			Valuation			Net
					Allowance									Allowance
	Federal	$	6,557		$	(3,000	)	$	3,557		$	(7,513	)	$	(12,000	)	$	(19,513	)
	State	462			(16,208		)	(15,746		)	(807		)	(14,547		)	(15,354		)
	Foreign	25,005			(1,830		)	23,175			24,793			(717		)	24,076
	Total	$	32,024		$	(21,038	)	$	10,986		$	16,473		$	(27,264	)	$	(10,791	)
At December 31, 2014, the Company had U.S. federal and state NOLs of approximately $2.2 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, which are available to offset future taxable income. These amounts include $0.2 billion of losses related to stock-based compensation. The Company also had foreign NOLs of $70.0 million. If not utilized, the Company's U.S. federal NOLs expire starting in 2022 and ending in 2032, and the state NOLs expire starting in 2015 and ending in 2034. The foreign NOLs predominately remain available indefinitely provided certain continuity of business requirements are met. The utilization of the NOLs is subject to certain limitations. The Company's U.S. federal and state income tax returns generally remain open to examination by taxing authorities until three years after the applicable NOLs have been used or expired. The remaining valuation allowance relates to federal NOLs and certain state net deferred tax assets (primarily NOLs).
As of December 31, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $8.3 million. The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	21,549		$	19,184
Additions based on current year tax positions	286			2,365
Reductions as a result of the lapse of statute limitations	(6,042		)	—
Reductions as a result of settlements with taxing authorities	(7,460		)	—
Balance at end of year	$	8,333		$	21,549
From time to time, the Company is subject to examinations by various tax authorities in jurisdictions in which the Company has business operations. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the tax jurisdictions resulting from these examinations. At this time, the Company is not subject to an IRS examination.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Equity
	October 2013 Equity Financings
	On October 28, 2013, the Company completed an offering of 41.4 million shares of common stock, which generated net proceeds of approximately $3.0 billion.
	On October 28, 2013, the Company completed an offering of approximately 9.8 million shares of the Company's 4.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share (" Convertible Preferred Stock"), which generated net proceeds of $950.9 million. The holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends, when and if declared by the Company's board of directors, at the rate of 4.50% per annum payable on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing in February 2014, and to, and including, November 1, 2016. The dividends may be paid in cash or, subject to certain limitations, shares of common stock or any combination of cash and shares of common stock. The terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock provide that, unless accumulated dividends have been paid or set aside for payment on all outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods, no dividends may be declared or paid on common stock.
	Unless converted earlier, each outstanding share of the Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically convert on November 1, 2016. Currently, each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will convert into between 1.1080 and 1.3850 shares of common stock, depending on the applicable market value of the common stock and subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. At any time prior to November 1, 2016, holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert all or a portion of their shares into common stock at the minimum conversion rate of 1.1080, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. See note 2.
	The common stock and Convertible Preferred Stock offerings in October 2013 are collectively referred to herein as the "October 2013 Equity Financings."
	The Company used the proceeds from the October 2013 Equity Financings to partially fund the AT&T Acquisition.
	Declaration and Payment of Dividends
	During the year ended December 31, 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)(b)
	Common Stock		May 30, 2014	June 20, 2014	June 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)(b)
	Common Stock		August 8, 2014	September 19, 2014	September 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)(b)
	Common Stock		October 30, 2014	December 19, 2014	December 31, 2014	$	0.82	$	274.5	(a)(b)
	Convertible Preferred Stock		December 31, 2013	January 15, 2014	February 3, 2014	$	1.1625	$	11.4
	Convertible Preferred Stock		March 25, 2014	April 15, 2014	May 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	Convertible Preferred Stock		June 25, 2014	July 15, 2014	August 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	Convertible Preferred Stock		September 26, 2014	October 15, 2014	November 3, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	Convertible Preferred Stock		December 22, 2014	January 15, 2015	February 2, 2015	$	1.125	$	11	(c)
	(a)	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of RSUs.
	(b)	The Company's common stock dividends are considered ordinary in nature for income tax purposes.
	(c)	Represents amount paid on February 2, 2015 based on holders of record on January 15, 2015.
	See note 18.
	Purchases of the Company's Common Stock
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company purchased 0.3 million, 1.4 million, and 0.7 million shares of common stock, respectively, utilizing $21.8 million, $99.5 million, and $36.0 million in cash, respectively.

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation
	Stock Compensation Plans
	Pursuant to stockholder approved plans, the Company has and is permitted to grant stock-based awards to certain employees, consultants or non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has 12.5 million shares available for future issuance pursuant to its 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTI Plan"). Of these shares remaining available for future issuance, approximately 1.0 million may be issued pursuant to outstanding RSUs granted under the LTI Plan.
	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company issued RSAs to certain executives and employees. During the year ended December 31, 2014, in conjunction with the adoption of the LTI Plan, the Company began issuing RSUs to certain executives and employees; each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of common stock subject to satisfaction of the applicable vesting terms. The RSAs and RSUs granted to certain executives and employees include (1) annual performance awards that often include provisions for forfeiture by the employee if certain market performance of the Company's common stock is not achieved, (2) new hire or promotional awards that generally contain only service conditions, or (3) other awards related to specific business initiatives or compensation objectives including retention and merger integration. Generally, such awards vest over periods of approximately three years.
	The following is a summary of the RSA and RSU activity during the year ended December 31, 2014.
		RSAs		RSUs
		(In thousands)		(In thousands)
	Outstanding at the beginning of year	2,282		—
	Granted	—		986
	Vested	(822	)	(20	)
	Forfeited	(20	)	(16	)
	Outstanding at end of year	1,440		950
	The Company granted approximately 1.0 million RSUs to the Company's executives and certain other employees for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company granted approximately 1.0 million shares of RSAs to the Company's executives and certain other employees for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of the grants for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $57.78, $46.37, and $38.82 per share, respectively. The weighted-average requisite service period for the RSUs granted during 2014 was approximately 2.5 years.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted approximately 0.5 million RSUs that time vest over a three-year period. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted approximately 0.5 million RSUs to the Company's executives and certain other employees which may vest on the third anniversary of the grant date based upon the Company's total shareholder returns (defined as share price appreciation plus the value of dividends paid during the performance period) compared to that of selected peer companies. Certain RSA and RSU agreements contain provisions that result in forfeiture by the employee of any unvested shares in the event that the Company's common stock does not achieve certain price targets. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the market performance target is achieved.
	The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the grant-date fair value for the awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, with market conditions.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Risk-free rate	0.7	%	0.4	%		0.4	%
	Expected volatility	22	%	23	%		31	%
	Expected dividend rate	1.93	%	—	%		—	%
	The Company recognized aggregate stock-based compensation expense related to RSAs and RSUs of $45.8 million, $37.8 million, and $32.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The aggregate unrecognized compensation (net of estimated forfeitures) related to RSAs and RSUs at December 31, 2014 is $40.7 million and is estimated to be recognized over a weighted-average period of less than one year.
	The following table is a summary of the awards vested during the three years ended December 31, 2014.
	Years Ended December 31,		Total Shares		Fair Value on
			Vested		Vesting Date
			(In thousands
			of shares)
	2014		842		$	62,686
	2013		978		66,666
	2012		1,974		101,692
	Stock-based Compensation by Segment
	The following table discloses the components of stock-based compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded tax benefits of $6.0 million related to stock-based compensation expense in its TRSs. For the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded tax benefits, exclusive of the change in the valuation allowance and the impact of the REIT election, of $14.5 million and $14.7 million, respectively, related to stock-based compensation expense (see note 10).
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		CCUSA			CCAL				Consolidated
									Total
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Site rental costs of operations	$	6,565		$	—			$	6,565
	Network services and other costs of operations	4,889			—				4,889
	General and administrative expenses	44,977			3,733				48,710
	Total stock-based compensation	$	56,431		$	3,733			$	60,164
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL				Consolidated
									Total
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Site rental costs of operations	$	1,193		$	—			$	1,193
	Network services and other costs of operations	1,799			—				1,799
	General and administrative expenses	36,038			2,758				38,796
	Total stock-based compensation	$	39,030		$	2,758			$	41,788
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL				Consolidated
									Total
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Site rental costs of operations	$	3,401		$	—			$	3,401
	Network services and other costs of operations	2,721			—				2,721
	General and administrative expenses	35,822			5,597				41,419
	Total stock-based compensation	$	41,944		$	5,597			$	47,541

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
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. See note 14 for a discussion of the operating lease commitments. In addition, see note 1 for a discussion of the Company's option to purchase approximately 53% of its towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Pursuant to its ground lease and easement agreements, the Company has the obligation to perform certain asset retirement activities, including requirements upon lease or easement termination to remove wireless infrastructure or remediate the land upon which its wireless infrastructure resides. Accretion expense related to liabilities for retirement obligations amounted to $10.1 million, $8.1 million, and $6.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $16.3 million in asset retirement obligations as a result of the AT&T Acquisition. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, liabilities for retirement obligations were $128.2 million and $118.4 million, respectively, representing the net present value of the estimated expected future cash outlay. As of December 31, 2014, the estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations was approximately $1.2 billion. See note 2.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Operating Leases
	Tenant Leases
	The following table is a summary of the rental cash payments owed to the Company, as a lessor, by tenants pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2014. Generally, the Company's leases with its tenants provide for (1) annual escalations, (2) multiple renewal periods at the tenant's option, and (3) only limited termination rights at the applicable tenant's option through the current term. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining term of tenant leases is approximately seven years, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option. The tenants' rental payments included in the table below are through the current terms with a maximum current term of 20 years and do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options.
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Tenant leases	$	2,703,655	$	2,635,024	$	2,562,704	$	2,474,553	$	2,373,865	$	9,549,658	$	22,299,459
	Operating Leases
	The following table is a summary of rental cash payments owed by the Company, as lessee, to landlords pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2014. The Company is obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for land interests under 80% of its towers. The majority of these lease agreements have (1) certain termination rights that provide for cancellation after a notice period, (2) multiple renewal options at the Company's option, and (3) annual escalations. Lease agreements may also contain provisions for a contingent payment based on revenues or the gross margin derived from the wireless infrastructure located on the leased land interest. Nearly 75% and nearly 90% of the Company's site rental gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 are derived from towers where the land interest under the tower is owned or leased with final expiration dates of greater than 20 years and ten years, respectively, inclusive of renewals at the Company's option. The operating lease payments included in the table below include payments for certain renewal periods at the Company's option up to the estimated wireless infrastructure useful life of 20 years and an estimate of contingent payments based on revenues and gross margins derived from existing tenant leases.
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating leases	$	569,314	$	574,728	$	578,815	$	580,231	$	581,020	$	8,067,093	$	10,951,201
	Rental expense from operating leases was $676.7 million, $513.6 million, and $372.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The rental expense was inclusive of contingent payments based on revenues or gross margin derived from the wireless infrastructure located on the leased land interests of $88.3 million, $73.7 million, and $57.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Operating_Segments_and_Concent

Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risks	Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Operating Segments
	The Company's reportable operating segments are (1) CCUSA, 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 flows 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. Noncontrolling interests primarily represent the noncontrolling shareholders' 22.4% interests in CCAL, the Company's 77.6% majority-owned subsidiary.
	The financial results for the Company's operating segments are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014														Year Ended December 31, 2013												Year Ended December 31, 2012
		CCUSA				CCAL				Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated
													Total												Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	2,866,613			$	140,161			$	—		$	3,006,774		$	2,371,380		$	132,240		$	—		$	2,503,620		$	2,001,049		$	123,141		$	—		$	2,124,190
	Network services and other	672,143				10,967				—			683,110			494,371			24,393			—			518,764			285,287			23,203			—			308,490
	Net revenues	3,538,756				151,128				—			3,689,884			2,865,751			156,633			—			3,022,384			2,286,336			146,344			—			2,432,680
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(b):
	Site rental	906,152				38,514				—			944,666			686,873			38,236			—			725,109			503,661			35,578			—			539,239
	Network services and other	400,454				5,346				—			405,800			304,144			17,543			—			321,687			173,762			15,988			—			189,750
	General and administrative	257,296				25,400				—			282,696			213,519			25,183			—			238,702			184,911			27,661			—			212,572
	Asset write-down charges	14,246				794				—			15,040			13,595			1,268			—			14,863			15,226			322			—			15,548
	Acquisition and integration costs	34,145				897				—			35,042			25,574			431			—			26,005			18,216			82			—			18,298
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	985,781				27,283				—			1,013,064			741,342			32,873			—			774,215			591,428			31,164			—			622,592
	Total operating expenses	2,598,074				98,234				—			2,696,308			1,985,047			115,534			—			2,100,581			1,487,204			110,795			—			1,597,999
	Operating income (loss)	940,682				52,894				—			993,576			880,704			41,099			—			921,803			799,132			35,549			—			834,681
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(573,291		)		(15,020		)		15,020			(573,291		)	(589,630		)	(16,545		)	16,545			(589,630		)	(601,031		)	(19,330		)	19,317			(601,044		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)		—				—			(44,629		)	(37,127		)	—			—			(37,127		)	(131,974		)	—			—			(131,974		)
	Interest income	315				301				—			616			956			399			—			1,355			4,089			467			—			4,556
	Other income (expense)	27,013				(131		)		(15,020		)	11,862			12,643			30			(16,545		)	(3,872		)	13,954			(29		)	(19,317		)	(5,392		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	11,244				(604		)		—			10,640			(191,000		)	(7,628		)	—			(198,628		)	60,144			39,917			—			100,061
	Net income (loss)	361,334				37,440				—			398,774			76,546			17,355			—			93,901			144,314			56,574			—			200,888
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—				8,261				—			8,261			—			3,790			—			3,790			(268		)	12,572			—			12,304
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	361,334			$	29,179			$	—		$	390,513		$	76,546		$	13,565		$	—		$	90,111		$	144,582		$	44,002		$	—		$	188,584
	Capital expenditures	$	758,535			$	21,542			$	—		$	780,077		$	534,809		$	33,001		$	—		$	567,810		$	419,980		$	21,403		$	—		$	441,383
	Total assets (at year end)	$	20,979,775			$	412,781			$	(249,280	)	$	21,143,276		$	20,466,369		$	411,679		$	(283,140	)	$	20,594,908		$	15,969,084		$	440,395		(320,770		)	$	16,088,709
	Goodwill (at year end)	$	5,196,485			$	13,606			$	—		$	5,210,091		$	4,902,950		$	13,476		$	—		$	4,916,426		$	3,116,824		$	3,133		$	—		$	3,119,957
	(a)	Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.
	(b)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
	The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014														Year Ended December 31, 2013												Year Ended December 31, 2012
		CCUSA				CCAL				Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated
													Total												Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	361,334				$	37,440			$	—		$	398,774		$	76,546		$	17,355		$	—		$	93,901		$	144,314		$	56,574		$	—		$	200,888
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	14,246				794				—			15,040			13,595			1,268			—			14,863			15,226			322			—			15,548
	Acquisition and integration costs	34,145				897				—			35,042			25,574			431			—			26,005			18,216			82			—			18,298
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	985,781				27,283				—			1,013,064			741,342			32,873			—			774,215			591,428			31,164			—			622,592
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	19,972				—				—			19,972			15,473			—			—			15,473			14,166			—			—			14,166
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	573,291				15,020				(15,020		)	573,291			589,630			16,545			(16,545		)	589,630			601,031			19,330			(19,317		)	601,044
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629				—				—			44,629			37,127			—			—			37,127			131,974			—			—			131,974
	Interest income	(315		)		(301		)		—			(616		)	(956		)	(399		)	—			(1,355		)	(4,089		)	(467		)	—			(4,556		)
	Other income (expense)	(27,013		)		131				15,020			(11,862		)	(12,643		)	(30		)	16,545			3,872			(13,954		)	29			19,317			5,392
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(11,244		)		604				—			(10,640		)	191,000			7,628			—			198,628			(60,144		)	(39,917		)	—			(100,061		)
	Stock-based compensation expense	56,431				3,733				—			60,164			39,030			2,758			—			41,788			41,785			5,597			—			47,382
	Adjusted EBITDA(b)	$	2,051,257			$	85,601			$	—		$	2,136,858		$	1,715,718		$	78,429		$	—		$	1,794,147		$	1,479,953		$	72,714		$	—		$	1,552,667
	(a)	Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.
	(b)	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
	Geographic Information
	A summary of net revenues by country, based on the location of the Company's subsidiaries, is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	3,535,796			$	2,862,397			$	2,283,088
	Australia	151,128				156,633				146,344
	Other countries	2,960				3,354				3,248
	Total net revenues	$	3,689,884			$	3,022,384			$	2,432,680
	A summary of long-lived assets by country of location is as follows:
		December 31,
	2014				2013
United States	$	8,971,916			$	8,752,151
Australia	165,528				183,646
Other countries	10,867				11,880
Total long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	$	9,148,311			$	8,947,677
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 CCUSA segment).
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
AT&T (a)	25	%		22	%		23	%
Sprint (a)	24	%		27	%		28	%
T-Mobile (a)	21	%		23	%		15	%
Verizon Wireless	17	%		16	%		17	%
Total	87	%		88	%		83	%
(a)	All periods presented are after giving effect to recent customer consolidation activity, including T-Mobile's acquisition of MetroPCS (completed in April 2013), Sprint's acquisition of Clearwire (completed in July 2013), and AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and trade receivables. The Company mitigates its risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents by maintaining such deposits at high credit quality financial institutions and monitoring the credit ratings of those institutions. The Company's restricted cash is predominately held and directed by a trustee (see note 2).
The Company derives the largest portion of its revenues from customers in the wireless communication services 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 tenants, the use of tenant leases with contractually determinable payment terms, or proactive management of past due balances.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	The following table is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	491,076	$	477,395		$	504,494
	Income taxes paid	18,770		15,591			3,375
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	11,407		(1,082		)	32,789
	Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment land purchases	43,609		57,361			25,849
	Conversion of 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	—		—			305,180
	Assumption of WCP Securitized Notes	—		—			336,273

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	2014:00:00
	Net revenues	$	875,950		$	916,345		$	930,025		$	967,564
	Operating income (loss)	251,568			230,186			250,292			261,530
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	—			(44,629		)	—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	101,497			34,009			106,937			148,070
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.27		$	0.07		$	0.29		$	0.41
	Diluted	$	0.27		$	0.07		$	0.29		$	0.41
		Three Months Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	2013:00:00
	Net revenues	$	740,060		$	734,928		$	748,977		$	798,419
	Operating income (loss)	235,055			229,961			222,839			233,948
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(35,909		)	(577		)	(1		)	(640		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes(a)	(17,708		)	(36,587		)	(33,959		)	(110,374		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	15,462			52,359			45,836			(23,546		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.05		$	0.18		$	0.16		$	(0.11	)
	Diluted	$	0.05		$	0.18		$	0.16		$	(0.11	)
	(a)	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
	18	Subsequent Events
	Revolver Capacity Increase
	During January and February 2015, the Company amended its 2012 Credit Facility agreement and increased the capacity of the 2012 Revolver to an aggregate revolving commitment of approximately $2.2 billion. All other existing terms of the 2012 Revolver remain unchanged.
	Common Stock Dividend
	On February 12, 2015, the Company declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.82 per share, which was approved by the Company's board of directors. The common stock dividend will be paid on March 31, 2015 to common stock holders of record as of March 20, 2015.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
				Additions		Deductions
		Balance at		Charged to		Credited to		Written Off			Effect of			Balance at
		Beginning		Operations		Operations					Exchange Rate			End of
		of Year									Changes			Year
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable:
	2014	$	7,676	$	3,101	$	—	$	(476	)	$	—		$	10,301
	2013	$	7,726	$	1,351	$	—	$	(1,401	)	$	—		$	7,676
	2012	$	5,891	$	3,673	$	—	$	(1,838	)	$	—		$	7,726
				Additions				Deductions
		Balance at		Charged		Charged to		Credited to			Credited to			Other			Balance at
		Beginning		to		Additional		Operations			Additional			Adjustments(a)			End of
		of Year		Operations		Paid-in Capital					Paid-in Capital						Year
						and Other					and Other
						Comprehensive					Comprehensive
						Income					Income
	Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance:
	2014	$	27,264	$	1,797	$	—	$	(9,106	)	$	—		$	1,083		$	21,038
	2013	$	70,940	$	717	$	—	$	(2,174	)	$	—		$	(42,219	)	$	27,264
	2012	$	228,417	$	—	$	—	$	(166,911	)	$	(5,718	)	$	15,152		$	70,940
	(a)	Inclusive of the effects of exchange rate changes, acquisitions, and the impact of the REIT conversion.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash represents (1) the cash held in reserve by the indenture trustees pursuant to the indenture governing certain of the Company's debt instruments, (2) cash securing performance obligations such as letters of credit, as well as (3) any other cash whose use is limited by contractual provisions. The restriction of rental cash receipts is a critical feature of certain of the Company's debt instruments, due to the applicable indenture trustee's ability to utilize the restricted cash for the payment of (1) debt service costs, (2) ground rents, (3) real estate or personal property taxes, (4) insurance premiums related to towers, (5) other assessments by governmental authorities and potential environmental remediation costs, or (6) a portion of advance rents from tenants. The restricted cash in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures. The Company has classified the increases and decreases in restricted cash as (1) cash provided by financing activities for cash held by indenture trustees based on consideration of the terms of the related indebtedness, although the cash flows have aspects of both financing activities and operating activities, (2) cash provided by investing activities for cash securing performance obligations and restricted cash that is acquired in acquisitions, or (3) cash provided by operating activities for the other remaining restricted cash.
	The following table is a summary of the impact of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows.
		For the years ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Net cash provided by (used from) operating activities	$	6,148		$	(1,637	)		$	11,475
	Net cash provided by (used from) investing activities	$	(44	)	$	8,067			$	(46,282	)	(a)
	Net cash provided by (used from) financing activities	$	30,011		$	385,982		(b)	$	(288,763	)	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of $46.3 million of acquired restricted cash.
	(b)	Inclusive of $316.6 million of cash held by the trustee as of December 31, 2012 and subsequently released to retire the 7.75% Secured Notes in January 2013.
Receivables Allowance	Receivables Allowance
	An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable. The Company uses judgment in estimating this allowance and considers historical collections, current credit status, or contractual provisions. Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are charged either to "site rental costs of operations" or to "network services and other costs of operations," as appropriate; and deductions from the allowance are recorded when specific accounts receivable are written off as uncollectible.
Lease, Policy	Lease Accounting
	General. The Company classifies its leases at inception as either operating leases or capital leases. A lease is classified as a capital lease if at least one of the following criteria are met, subject to certain exceptions noted below: (1) the lease transfers ownership of the leased assets to the lessee, (2) there is a bargain purchase option, (3) the lease term is equal to 75% or more of the economic life of the leased assets, or (4) the present value of the minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90% of the fair value of the leased assets.
	Lessee. Leases for land are evaluated for capital lease treatment if at least one of the first two criteria mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph is present relating to the leased assets. When the Company, as lessee, classifies a lease as a capital lease, it records an asset in an amount equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments under the lease at the beginning of the lease term. Applicable operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as discussed under "costs of operations" below.
	Lessor. If the Company is the lessor of leased property that is part of a larger whole (including with respect to a portion of space on a tower) and for which fair value is not objectively determinable, then such a lease is accounted for as an operating lease. As applicable, operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as discussed under "Revenue Recognition."
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements for land which have no definite life. When the Company purchases fee ownership or perpetual easements for the land previously subject to ground lease, the Company reduces the value recorded as land by the amount of any associated deferred ground lease payable or unamortized above-market leases. Depreciation is computed utilizing the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Depreciation of wireless infrastructure is computed with a useful life equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including optional renewal periods). Additions, renewals, and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed. Interest costs incurred related to the construction of certain property and equipment are capitalized. The carrying value of property and equipment will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.
	Abandonments and write-offs of property and equipment are recorded to "asset write-downs charges" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and were $10.1 million, $10.2 million, and $12.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations
	Pursuant to its ground lease and easement agreements, the Company records obligations to perform asset retirement activities, including requirements to remove wireless infrastructure or remediate the land upon which the Company's wireless infrastructure resides. Asset retirement obligations are included in "other long-term liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The liability accretes as a result of the passage of time and the related accretion expense is included in "depreciation, amortization, and accretion" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as an additional carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the useful life of such asset.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price for an acquired business over the allocated value of the related net assets. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, regardless of whether adverse events or changes in circumstances have occurred. The annual test begins with goodwill and all intangible assets being allocated to applicable reporting units. The Company then performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying amount. If it is concluded that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The two-step goodwill impairment test begins with an estimation of fair value of the reporting unit using an income approach, which looks to the present value of expected future cash flows. The first step, commonly referred to as a "step-one impairment test," is a screen for potential impairment while the second step measures the amount of impairment if there is an indication from the first step that one exists. The Company's measurement of the fair value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit. The Company performed its most recent annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2014, which resulted in no impairments.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are included in "site rental contracts and customer relationships, net" and "other intangible assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and predominately consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) site rental contracts and customer relationships, (2) below-market leases for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, (3) term easement rights for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, or (4) other contractual rights such as trademarks. The site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets are comprised of (1) the current term of the existing leases, (2) the expected exercise of the renewal provisions contained within the existing leases, which automatically occur under contractual provisions, or (3) any associated relationships that are expected to generate value following the expiration of all renewal periods under existing leases.
	The useful lives of intangible assets are estimated based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to benefit the Company and gives consideration to the expected useful life of other assets to which the useful life may relate. Amortization expense for intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each of the intangible assets. The useful life of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible asset is limited by the maximum depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure (20 years), as a result of the interdependency of the wireless infrastructure and site rental leases. In contrast, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are estimated to provide economic benefits for several decades because of the low rate of tenant cancellations and high rate of renewals experienced to date. Thus, while site rental contracts and customer relationships are valued based upon the fair value, which includes assumptions regarding both (1) tenants' exercise of optional renewals contained in the acquired leases and (2) renewals of the acquired leases past the contractual term including exercisable options, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are amortized over a period not to exceed 20 years as a result of the useful life being limited by the depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure.
	The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite useful lives will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company has a dual grouping policy for purposes of determining the unit of account for testing impairment of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets. First, the Company pools the site rental contracts and customer relationships with the related wireless infrastructure assets into portfolio groups for purposes of determining the unit of account for impairment testing. Second and separately, the Company evaluates the site rental contracts and customer relationships by significant tenant or by tenant grouping for individually insignificant tenants, as appropriate. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use or eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset.
Deferred Credits	Deferred Credits
	Deferred credits are included in “deferred revenues” and “other long-term liabilities” on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) below-market tenant leases for contractual interests with tenants on acquired wireless infrastructure, which are amortized to site rental revenues and (2) above-market leases for land interests under the Company's wireless infrastructure, which are amortized to site rental cost of operations.
	Fair value for these deferred credits represents the difference between (1) the stated contractual payments to be made pursuant to the in-place lease and (2) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding lease. Deferred credits are measured over a period equal to the estimated remaining economic lease term considering renewal provisions or economics associated with those renewal provisions, to the extent applicable. Deferred credits are amortized over their respected estimated lease terms at the time of acquisition.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs
	Third-party costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and are included in "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs, and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Site rental revenues are recognized on a monthly basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant lease (generally ranging from five to 15 years), regardless of whether the payments from the tenant are received in equal monthly amounts. The Company's leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the consumer price index ("CPI")). If the payment terms call for fixed escalations, upfront payments, or rent free periods, the revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement. When calculating straight-line rental revenues, the Company considers all fixed elements of tenant contractual escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions contain a variable element in addition to a minimum. The Company's assets related to straight-line site rental revenues are included in "other current assets" and "deferred site rental receivables." Amounts billed or received prior to being earned are deferred and reflected in "deferred revenues" and "other long-term liabilities."
	Network services revenues are recognized after completion of the applicable service. Nearly all of the antenna installation services are billed on a cost-plus profit basis and site development services are billed on a fixed fee basis.
	Sales taxes or value-added taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis.
Cost of Operations	Costs of Operations
	In excess of two-thirds of the Company's site rental costs of operations expenses consist of ground lease expenses, and the remainder includes property taxes, repairs and maintenance expenses, employee compensation or related benefit costs, or utilities. Generally, the ground leases for land are specific to each site and are for an initial term of five years and are renewable for pre-determined periods. The Company also enters into term easements and ground leases in which it prepays the entire term in advance. Ground lease expense is recognized on a monthly basis, regardless of whether the lease agreement payment terms require the Company to make payments annually, quarterly, monthly, or for the entire term in advance. The Company's ground leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the CPI). If the payment terms include fixed escalation provisions, the effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis. The Company calculates the straight-line ground lease expense using a time period that equals or exceeds the remaining depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure asset. Further, when a tenant has exercisable renewal options that would compel the Company to exercise existing ground lease renewal options, the Company has straight-lined the ground lease expense over a sufficient portion of such ground lease renewals to coincide with the final termination of the tenant's renewal options. The Company's non-current liability related to straight-line ground lease expense is included in "other long-term liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company's asset related to prepaid ground leases is included in "prepaid expenses" and "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
Acquisition and Integration Costs	Acquisition and Integration Costs
	All direct or incremental costs related to a business combination are expensed as incurred. Costs include severance, retention bonuses payable to employees of an acquired enterprise, temporary employees to assist with the integration of the acquired operations, or fees paid for services such as consulting, accounting, legal, or engineering reviews. These business combination costs are included in "acquisition and integration costs" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units. The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those unvested restricted stock awards ("RSAs") and unvested restricted stock units ("RSUs") for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. The cumulative effect of a change in the estimated number of RSAs and RSUs for which the requisite service is expected to be or has been rendered is recognized in the period of the change in the estimate. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the awards vest. A discussion of the Company's valuation techniques and related assumptions and estimates used to measure the Company's stock-based compensation is as follows:
	Valuation. The fair value of RSAs and RSUs without market conditions is determined based on the number of shares relating to such RSAs and RSUs and the quoted price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of RSAs and RSUs with market conditions granted using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Company's determination of the fair value of RSAs and RSUs with market conditions on the date of grant is affected by its common stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex or subjective variables. The determination of fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation requires the input of subjective assumptions, and other reasonable assumptions could provide differing results.
	Amortization Method. The Company amortizes the fair value of all RSAs and RSUs on a straight-line basis for each separately vesting tranche of the award (graded vesting schedule) over the requisite service periods.
	Expected Volatility. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock.
	Expected Dividend Rate. The expected dividend rate at the date of grant is based on the then-current dividend yield.
	Risk-Free Rate. The Company bases the risk-free rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.
	Forfeitures. The Company uses historical data and management's judgment about the future employee turnover rates to estimate the number of shares for which the requisite service period will not be rendered.
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:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	492,437		$	490,385			$	491,694
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	22,190			25,120				23,324
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(3,628		)	8,541				21,297
	Amortization of interest rate swaps	63,148			64,928				65,239
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(856		)	656				(510		)
	Total	$	573,291		$	589,630			$	601,044
	The Company amortizes deferred financing costs, discounts, premiums, and purchase price adjustments on long-term debt over the estimated term of the related borrowing using the effective interest yield method. Discounts or purchase price adjustments are presented as a reduction to the related debt obligation on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
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 is generally entitled to a deduction for dividends that it pays and therefore is not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its 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 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 the Company's tax basis on January 1, 2014.  This gain can be offset by any remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs").
	During 2013, the Company de-recognized substantially all of its previously recorded U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets and liabilities in connection with completing the steps necessary to qualify to operate as a REIT and receiving final approval from the Company's board of directors. The de-recognized U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets related to the entities included in the REIT, because the expected recovery or settlement of the related assets and liabilities would not result in a taxable or deductible amount in the future.
	For the Company's TRSs, the Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is "more likely than not" that the asset will not be realized. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when it is "more likely than not" that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews the recoverability of deferred tax assets each quarter and based upon projections of future taxable income, reversing deferred tax liabilities or other known events that are expected to affect future taxable income, records a valuation allowance for assets that do not meet the "more likely than not" realization threshold. Valuation allowances may be reversed if related deferred tax assets are deemed realizable based upon changes in facts and circumstances that impact the recoverability of the asset.
	The Company recognizes a tax position if it is "more likely than not" that it will be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company reports penalties and tax-related interest expense as a component of the benefit (provision) for income taxes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has not recorded any penalties related to its income tax positions.
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 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 RSAs and RSUs as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock (as defined in note 11), as determined under the if-converted method.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	390,513		$	90,111			$	188,584
	Dividends on preferred stock	(43,988		)	(11,363		)		(2,629		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	346,525		$	78,748			$	185,955
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,302			298,083				289,285
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to RSAs and RSUs	963			1,210				1,985
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,265			299,293				291,270
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	1.04		$	0.26			$	0.64
	Diluted	$	1.04		$	0.26			$	0.64
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 12.5 million and 13.2 million common share equivalents related to the Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively, 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 the end of each such year. See notes 11 and 12.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company's international operations use the local currency as their functional currency. The Company translates the results of these international operations using the applicable average exchange rate for the period, and translates the assets and liabilities using the applicable exchange rate at the end of the period. The cumulative effect of changes in the exchange rate is recorded as "foreign currency translation adjustments" in other comprehensive income (loss). See note 15.
Fair Values	Fair Values
	The Company's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are (1) Level 1 — quoted prices (unadjusted) in active and accessible markets, (2) Level 2 — observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets but corroborated by market data, and (3) Level 3 — unobservable inputs and are not corroborated by market data. The Company evaluates fair value hierarchy level classifications quarterly, and transfers between levels are effective at the end of the quarterly period.
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines fair value of its debt securities based on indicative quotes (that is non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if applicable. There were no changes since December 31, 2013 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values. See note 9 for a further discussion of fair values.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	The Company had previously entered into interest rate swaps to manage or reduce its interest rate risk. Derivative financial instruments were entered into for periods that matched the related underlying exposures. The Company can designate derivative financial instruments as hedges. The Company can also enter into derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges.
	Derivatives were recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative was designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative was recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity, captioned "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)," and recognized as increases or decreases to "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" when the hedged item affects earnings. If a hedge ceased to qualify for hedge accounting, any change in the fair value of the derivative since the date it ceased to qualify was recorded to "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps." However, any amounts previously recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" would remain there until the original forecasted transaction affected earnings. In situations where it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses that have been recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" are immediately reclassified to earnings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	No accounting pronouncements adopted during the year ended December 31, 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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table is a summary of the impact of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows.
		For the years ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Net cash provided by (used from) operating activities	$	6,148		$	(1,637	)		$	11,475
	Net cash provided by (used from) investing activities	$	(44	)	$	8,067			$	(46,282	)	(a)
	Net cash provided by (used from) financing activities	$	30,011		$	385,982		(b)	$	(288,763	)	(b)
	(a)	Inclusive of $46.3 million of acquired restricted cash.
	(b)	Inclusive of $316.6 million of cash held by the trustee as of December 31, 2012 and subsequently released to retire the 7.75% Secured Notes in January 2013.
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Interest expense on debt obligations	$	492,437		$	490,385			$	491,694
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	22,190			25,120				23,324
	Amortization of adjustments on long-term debt	(3,628		)	8,541				21,297
	Amortization of interest rate swaps	63,148			64,928				65,239
	Other, net of capitalized interest	(856		)	656				(510		)
	Total	$	573,291		$	589,630			$	601,044
Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	390,513		$	90,111			$	188,584
	Dividends on preferred stock	(43,988		)	(11,363		)		(2,629		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders	$	346,525		$	78,748			$	185,955
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	332,302			298,083				289,285
	Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to RSAs and RSUs	963			1,210				1,985
	Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	333,265			299,293				291,270
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	1.04		$	0.26			$	0.64
	Diluted	$	1.04		$	0.26			$	0.64

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Tabl

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule Purchase Price Allocation	AT&T Acquisition
	During October 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with AT&T, to acquire rights to towers which, as of December 31, 2014, comprised approximately 22% of the Company's towers for $4.827 billion in cash at closing ("AT&T Acquisition"). On December 16, 2013, the Company closed on the acquisition. See note 1 for further discussion of the terms of the AT&T master prepaid lease, including the related purchase option. The Company utilized net proceeds from the October 2013 Equity Financings (as defined in note 11), and additional borrowings under the 2012 Revolver and term loans to fund the AT&T Acquisition, as well as cash on hand. The final purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition is shown below.
	Current assets	$	21,543
	Property and equipment	1,891,721
	Goodwill	1,902,777
	Other intangible assets, net	1,175,217
	Other assets	67,063
	Current liabilities	(10,677		)
	Other long-term liabilities	(221,045		)	(a)
	Net assets acquired	$	4,826,599		(b)(c)
	(a)Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.
	(b)	Changes between the final purchase price allocation and the preliminary purchase price allocation as presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 primarily relate to (1) a $134.2 million increase to goodwill, (2) a $104.9 million decrease to other intangible assets, net (3) a $73.7 million decrease to property and equipment, and (4) a $63.8 million increase to other assets. The effect of the change in the purchase price allocation on the Company's statement of operations is immaterial for the periods presented.
	(c)No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 10.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following table presents the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the AT&T Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2012, and the 2012 Acquisitions were completed as of January 1, 2011 for the periods presented below. The unaudited pro forma amounts are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Net revenues	$	3,420,736		(a)	$	3,124,010	(a)(b)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	242,617		(c)(d)(f)	$	15,566	(c)(d)(f)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	$	(178,663	)	(d)(e)	$	134,487	(d)(e)
	Net income (loss)	$	63,954		(c)(d)(f)	$	150,053	(c)(d)(f)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share	$	0.05			$	0.28
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share	$	0.05			$	0.27
	(a)	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $211.1 million and $220.6 million, respectively, 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)	For the year ended December 31, 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $148.9 million that the Company expects to recognize from T-Mobile under T-Mobile's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the T-Mobile Acquisition.
	(c)	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to depreciation and amortization of $218.3 million and $353.2 million, respectively, related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition and 2012 Acquisitions.
	(d)	For the AT&T Acquisition, pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financings as well as the October 2013 Equity Financings.  For the 2012 Acquisitions, pro forma amounts exclude any impact from debt financings that occurred through 2012 due to (1) such financings have been conducted for multiple purposes, including to lower the Company's average cost of debt, to refinance and extend certain of its debt, as well as to provide funds to finance a portion of such acquisitions and (2) such financings having not been conducted concurrently with the 2012 Acquisitions they subsequently funded in part and the fungible nature of the cash makes impracticable a determination of whether, or what portion of, the purchase prices of such acquisitions were funded with the proceeds of such financings.
	(e)	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the pro forma adjustments reflects the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made related to the Company's REIT election. See note 10.
	(f)	Inclusive of $23.7 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of aggregate acquisition and integration costs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to the AT&T Acquisition and 2012 Acquisitions.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Major Classes of Property and Equipment	The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
		Estimated Useful Lives	December 31,
			2014			2013
	Land(a)	—	$	1,542,276		$	1,305,942
	Buildings	40 years	72,517			70,497
	Towers and small cells	1-20 years	12,251,175			11,717,453
	Information technology assets and other	2-7 years	214,058			185,699
	Construction in process	—	507,066			401,042
	Total gross property and equipment		14,587,092			13,680,633
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(5,438,781		)	(4,732,956		)
	Total property and equipment, net		$	9,148,311		$	8,947,677
	(a)	Includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	3,119,957
	Additions due to AT&T Acquisition (a)	1,768,535
	Additions due to other acquisitions	25,194
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations and other adjustments	2,740
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,916,426
	Adjustments to AT&T Acquisition purchase price allocation (a)	134,242
	Additions due to other acquisitions	159,952
	Effect of exchange rate fluctuations and other adjustments	(529		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	5,210,091
	(a)	The purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunity in the acquired tower portfolio. See note 3.
Intangible Assets	The following is a summary of the Company's intangible assets. See note 3 for further discussion of the Company's acquisitions.
		As of December 31, 2014									As of December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Value				Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
	Site rental contracts and customer relationships	$	4,660,082		(a)	$	(1,347,947	)	$	3,312,135	$	4,761,605	$	(1,111,262	)	$	3,650,343
	Other intangible assets	509,824				(106,259		)	403,565		486,751		(79,229		)	407,522
	Total	$	5,169,906			$	(1,454,206	)	$	3,715,700	$	5,248,356	$	(1,190,491	)	$	4,057,865
	(a)	Inclusive of adjustments made during 2014 related to the AT&T Acquisition purchase price allocation. See note 3.
Schedule of Amortization Expense	Amortization expense related to intangible assets is classified as follows on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss):
		For Years Ended December 31,
	Classification	2014				2013			2012
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	$	245,614			$	204,042		$	177,163
	Site rental costs of operations	22,105				10,197			3,352
	Total amortization expense	$	267,719			$	214,239		$	180,515
Site Rental Contracts and Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense	The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets (inclusive of those recorded as an increase to "site rental costs of operations") for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2019 is as follows:
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015				2016			2017		2018		2019
	Estimated annual amortization	$	259,272			$	259,026		$	258,438	$	256,669	$	254,980

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	The following is a summary of the components of "other long-term liabilities" as presented on the consolidated balance sheet. See also note 2.
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Deferred rental revenues		$	610,742		$	350,474
	Deferred ground lease payable		425,321			357,419
	Above market leases for land interests, net		272,694			276,319
	Deferred credits, net		222,460			244,537
	Asset retirement obligation (see note 13)		128,153			118,403
	Other long-term liabilities		328			2,767
			$	1,659,698		$	1,349,919
Schedule of Above Market Leases	The estimated amortization expense related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers recorded to site rental costs of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2019 is as follows:
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015			2016			2017		2018		2019
	Above-market leases for land interests	$	23,031		$	22,362		$	21,206	$	20,287	$	19,289
Amortization of below-market tenant leases	The following table summarizes the estimated annual amounts related to below-market tenant leases expected to be amortized into site rental revenues for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2019 are as follows:
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015			2016			2017		2018		2019
	Below-market tenant leases	$	27,877		$	27,657		$	24,746	$	21,985	$	19,493

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Tab

Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments
		Original		Contractual		Outstanding Balance as of December 31,						Stated
		Issue Date		Maturity								Interest Rate
				Date								as of
												December 31,
						2014			2013			2014		(a)
	Bank debt – variable rate:
	2012 Revolver	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	(d)	$	695,000	(b)	$	374,000		1.9	%	(c)
	Tranche A Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	(d)	645,938			662,500			1.9	%	(c)
	Tranche B Term Loans	Jan. 2012		Jan. 2019/2021	(e)	2,835,509			2,864,150			3	%	(f)
	Total bank debt					4,176,447			3,900,650
	Securitized debt – fixed rate:
	January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Jan. 2010		2037-2040	(g)	1,600,000			1,900,000			6	%	(g)
	August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes	Aug. 2010		2035-2040	(g)	1,550,000			1,550,000			4.5	%	(g)
	2009 Securitized Notes	Jul-09		2019/2029	(h)	160,822			179,792			7.5	%
	WCP Securitized Notes	Jan. 2010		Nov. 2040	(i)	262,386			286,171			5.7	%	(j)
	Total securitized debt					3,573,208			3,915,963
	Bonds – fixed rate:
	7.125% Senior Notes	Oct. 2009		Nov. 2019		—			498,332			N/A
	5.25% Senior Notes	Oct. 2012		Jan. 2023		1,649,969			1,649,970			5.3	%
	2012 Secured Notes	Dec. 2012		2017/2023	(l)	1,500,000			1,500,000			3.4	%
	4.875% Senior Notes	Apr. 2014		Apr. 2022		846,062			—			4.9	%
	Total bonds					3,996,031			3,648,302
	Other:
	Capital leases and other obligations	Various		Various	(k)	175,175			129,585			Various		(k)
	Total debt and other obligations					11,920,861			11,594,500
	Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations					113,335			103,586
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations					$	11,807,526		$	11,490,914
	(a)	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
	(b)	As of December 31, 2014, the undrawn availability under the senior secured revolving credit facility ("2012 Revolver") was $805.0 million. See note 18.
	(c)	The 2012 Revolver and tranche A term loans ("Tranche A Term Loans"), including the Incremental Tranche A Term Loans (as defined below) bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%, based on the CCOC total net leverage ratio. The Company pays a commitment fee of approximately 0.25% per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2012 Revolver.
	(d)	The maturity dates for the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are either November 2018 or January 2019, contingent upon the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans (as defined below). If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans is greater than $500.0 million, the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are due November 2018. If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans is less than or equal to $500.0 million, the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are due January 2019.
	(e)	As of December 31, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans (defined below) and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans (defined below), consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $565.6 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
	(f)	The Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans (defined below), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a credit spread range from 2.25% to 2.50%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 0.75% per annum).
	(g)	If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes (collectively, "2010 Tower Revenue Notes") are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers (of such notes) will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of two series of notes with principal amounts of $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2017, and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million, and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively.
	(h)	The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $90.8 million of principal as of December 31, 2014 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of December 31, 2014 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
	(i)	The WCP securitized notes ("WCP Securitized Notes") were assumed in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The WCP Securitized Notes include a fair value adjustment that increased the debt carrying value by $3.6 million as of December 31, 2014. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
	(j)	The effective yield is approximately 5.6%, inclusive of the fair value adjustment.
	(k)	The Company's capital leases and other obligations relate to land, fiber, vehicles, and other assets and bear interest rates ranging up to 10% and mature in periods ranging from less than one year to approximately 25 years.
	(l)	Consists of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023 (collectively, "2012 Secured Notes").
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Contractual Maturities
	The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt or other long-term obligations outstanding at December 31, 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 WCP Securitized Notes. If the Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the Tower Revenue Notes. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not paid in full by their anticipated repayment dates in 2015, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the Excess Cash Flow of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015				2016			2017			2018			2019		Thereafter		Total Cash Obligations		Net Unamortized Discounts			Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
	Scheduled contractual maturities	$	110,758			$	122,570		$	619,859		$	1,323,951		$	596,083	$	9,147,973	$	11,921,194	$	(333	)	$	11,920,861
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt	Debt Purchases and Redemptions
	The following is a summary of the purchases and redemptions of debt during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Year Ending December 31, 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 predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
		Year Ending December 31, 2013
		Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)			Gains (losses)(c)
	9% Senior Notes	314,170				332,045			(17,894		)
	7.75% Secured Notes(b)	294,362				312,465			(18,103		)
	5.25% Senior Notes	30				30			—
	Tranche A Term Loans	87,489				87,489			(399		)
	Tranche B Term Loans	30,941				30,941			(490		)
	Other	—				—			(241		)
	Total	$	726,992			$	762,970		$	(37,127	)
	(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
	(b)	The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.
	(c)	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
		Year Ending December 31, 2012
		Principal Amount				Cash Paid(a)			Gains (losses)(b)
	2007 Term Loans	619,125				619,125			(1,893		)
	9% Senior Notes	552,715				589,105			(62,966		)
	7.75% Secured Notes	706,045				752,332			(64,989		)
	7.5% Senior Notes	51				51			—
	WCP Securitized Notes	16,911				18,096			(681		)
	Other	—				—			(1,445		)
	Total	$	1,894,847			$	1,978,709		$	(131,974	)
	(a)	Exclusive of accrued interest.
	(b)	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures
Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	The following table shows the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, along with the carrying amounts of the related assets (liabilities). See also note 2.
		Level in Fair Value Hierarchy	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1	$	175,620	$	175,620	$	223,394	$	223,394
	Restricted cash	1	152,411		152,411		188,526		188,526
	Liabilities:
	Debt and other obligations	2	$	11,920,861	$	12,286,161	$	11,594,500	$	11,892,587

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic area is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	341,070		$	260,364		$	77,254
	Foreign(a)	47,064			32,165			23,573
		$	388,134		$	292,529		$	100,827
	(a)	Inclusive of income (loss) before income taxes from Australia and Puerto Rico.
Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes	The benefit (provision) for income taxes consists of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	213		$	684		$	229
	Foreign	(10,737		)	(6,732		)	(6,837		)
	State	(4,415		)	(12,305		)	(3,705		)
	Total current	(14,939		)	(18,353		)	(10,313		)
	Deferred:
	Federal	23,070			(164,769		)	65,643
	Foreign	2,901			(6,136		)	42,714
	State	(392		)	(9,370		)	2,017
	Total deferred	25,579			(180,275		)	110,374
	Total tax benefit (provision)	$	10,640		$	(198,628	)	$	100,061
Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation between the benefit (provision) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the loss before income taxes is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes at statutory rate	$	(135,847	)	$	(102,385	)	$	(35,289	)
	Tax effect of foreign income (losses)	14,277			11,258			8,251
	Tax adjustment related to REIT operations	132,951			—			—
	Tax adjustment related to the REIT election(a)	—			(67,395		)	—
	Expenses for which no federal tax benefit was recognized	(463		)	(9,570		)	(3,874		)
	Valuation allowances	9,000			—			95,072
	State tax (provision) benefit, net of federal	(3,136		)	(14,852		)	(1,097		)
	Foreign tax	(7,836		)	(12,868		)	35,877
	Other	1,694			(2,816		)	1,121
		$	10,640		$	(198,628	)	$	100,061
	(a)	Inclusive of a $39.8 million adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 to reclassify a deferred tax charge from AOCI to the provision for income taxes.
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	144,020		$	135,824
	Deferred site rental receivable	35,887			28,074
	Intangible assets	108,689			116,548
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	288,596			280,446
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	148,465			134,123
	Deferred ground lease payable	7,231			7,122
	Accrued liabilities	162,108			148,580
	Receivables allowance	1,538			1,228
	Other	1,278			5,866
	Valuation allowances	(21,038		)	(27,264		)
	Total deferred income tax assets, net	299,582			269,655
	Net deferred income tax asset (liabilities)	$	10,986		$	(10,791	)
Jurisdictional Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
		December 31, 2014									December 31, 2013
	Classification	Gross			Valuation			Net			Gross			Valuation			Net
					Allowance									Allowance
	Federal	$	6,557		$	(3,000	)	$	3,557		$	(7,513	)	$	(12,000	)	$	(19,513	)
	State	462			(16,208		)	(15,746		)	(807		)	(14,547		)	(15,354		)
	Foreign	25,005			(1,830		)	23,175			24,793			(717		)	24,076
	Total	$	32,024		$	(21,038	)	$	10,986		$	16,473		$	(27,264	)	$	(10,791	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	21,549		$	19,184
	Additions based on current year tax positions	286			2,365
	Reductions as a result of the lapse of statute limitations	(6,042		)	—
	Reductions as a result of settlements with taxing authorities	(7,460		)	—
	Balance at end of year	$	8,333		$	21,549

Stockholders_Equity_Dividends_

Stockholders' Equity Dividends Declared (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Dividends Declared [Abstract]
Dividends Declared	During the year ended December 31, 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)(b)
	Common Stock		May 30, 2014	June 20, 2014	June 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)(b)
	Common Stock		August 8, 2014	September 19, 2014	September 30, 2014	$	0.35	$	117.2	(a)(b)
	Common Stock		October 30, 2014	December 19, 2014	December 31, 2014	$	0.82	$	274.5	(a)(b)
	Convertible Preferred Stock		December 31, 2013	January 15, 2014	February 3, 2014	$	1.1625	$	11.4
	Convertible Preferred Stock		March 25, 2014	April 15, 2014	May 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	Convertible Preferred Stock		June 25, 2014	July 15, 2014	August 1, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	Convertible Preferred Stock		September 26, 2014	October 15, 2014	November 3, 2014	$	1.125	$	11
	Convertible Preferred Stock		December 22, 2014	January 15, 2015	February 2, 2015	$	1.125	$	11	(c)
	(a)	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of RSUs.
	(b)	The Company's common stock dividends are considered ordinary in nature for income tax purposes.
	(c)	Represents amount paid on February 2, 2015 based on holders of record on January 15, 2015.

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity	The following is a summary of the RSA and RSU activity during the year ended December 31, 2014.
		RSAs		RSUs
		(In thousands)		(In thousands)
	Outstanding at the beginning of year	2,282		—
	Granted	—		986
	Vested	(822	)	(20	)
	Forfeited	(20	)	(16	)
	Outstanding at end of year	1,440		950
Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value	The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the grant-date fair value for the awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, with market conditions.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Risk-free rate	0.7	%	0.4	%		0.4	%
	Expected volatility	22	%	23	%		31	%
	Expected dividend rate	1.93	%	—	%		—	%
Summary of Restricted Stock Vested	The following table is a summary of the awards vested during the three years ended December 31, 2014.
	Years Ended December 31,		Total Shares		Fair Value on
			Vested		Vesting Date
			(In thousands
			of shares)
	2014		842		$	62,686
	2013		978		66,666
	2012		1,974		101,692
Stock Based Compensation Expense	The following table discloses the components of stock-based compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded tax benefits of $6.0 million related to stock-based compensation expense in its TRSs. For the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded tax benefits, exclusive of the change in the valuation allowance and the impact of the REIT election, of $14.5 million and $14.7 million, respectively, related to stock-based compensation expense (see note 10).
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		CCUSA			CCAL				Consolidated
									Total
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Site rental costs of operations	$	6,565		$	—			$	6,565
	Network services and other costs of operations	4,889			—				4,889
	General and administrative expenses	44,977			3,733				48,710
	Total stock-based compensation	$	56,431		$	3,733			$	60,164
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		CCUSA			CCAL				Consolidated
									Total
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Site rental costs of operations	$	1,193		$	—			$	1,193
	Network services and other costs of operations	1,799			—				1,799
	General and administrative expenses	36,038			2,758				38,796
	Total stock-based compensation	$	39,030		$	2,758			$	41,788
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		CCUSA			CCAL				Consolidated
									Total
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Site rental costs of operations	$	3,401		$	—			$	3,401
	Network services and other costs of operations	2,721			—				2,721
	General and administrative expenses	35,822			5,597				41,419
	Total stock-based compensation	$	41,944		$	5,597			$	47,541

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Tenant Leases	Tenant Leases
	The following table is a summary of the rental cash payments owed to the Company, as a lessor, by tenants pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2014. Generally, the Company's leases with its tenants provide for (1) annual escalations, (2) multiple renewal periods at the tenant's option, and (3) only limited termination rights at the applicable tenant's option through the current term. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining term of tenant leases is approximately seven years, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option. The tenants' rental payments included in the table below are through the current terms with a maximum current term of 20 years and do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options.
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Tenant leases	$	2,703,655	$	2,635,024	$	2,562,704	$	2,474,553	$	2,373,865	$	9,549,658	$	22,299,459
Operating Leases	Operating Leases
	The following table is a summary of rental cash payments owed by the Company, as lessee, to landlords pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2014. The Company is obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for land interests under 80% of its towers. The majority of these lease agreements have (1) certain termination rights that provide for cancellation after a notice period, (2) multiple renewal options at the Company's option, and (3) annual escalations. Lease agreements may also contain provisions for a contingent payment based on revenues or the gross margin derived from the wireless infrastructure located on the leased land interest. Nearly 75% and nearly 90% of the Company's site rental gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2014 are derived from towers where the land interest under the tower is owned or leased with final expiration dates of greater than 20 years and ten years, respectively, inclusive of renewals at the Company's option. The operating lease payments included in the table below include payments for certain renewal periods at the Company's option up to the estimated wireless infrastructure useful life of 20 years and an estimate of contingent payments based on revenues and gross margins derived from existing tenant leases.
		Years Ending December 31,
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
	Operating leases	$	569,314	$	574,728	$	578,815	$	580,231	$	581,020	$	8,067,093	$	10,951,201

Operating_Segments_and_Concent1

Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Financial Results of Operating Segments	The financial results for the Company's operating segments are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014														Year Ended December 31, 2013												Year Ended December 31, 2012
		CCUSA				CCAL				Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated
													Total												Total												Total
	Net revenues:
	Site rental	$	2,866,613			$	140,161			$	—		$	3,006,774		$	2,371,380		$	132,240		$	—		$	2,503,620		$	2,001,049		$	123,141		$	—		$	2,124,190
	Network services and other	672,143				10,967				—			683,110			494,371			24,393			—			518,764			285,287			23,203			—			308,490
	Net revenues	3,538,756				151,128				—			3,689,884			2,865,751			156,633			—			3,022,384			2,286,336			146,344			—			2,432,680
	Operating expenses:
	Costs of operations(b):
	Site rental	906,152				38,514				—			944,666			686,873			38,236			—			725,109			503,661			35,578			—			539,239
	Network services and other	400,454				5,346				—			405,800			304,144			17,543			—			321,687			173,762			15,988			—			189,750
	General and administrative	257,296				25,400				—			282,696			213,519			25,183			—			238,702			184,911			27,661			—			212,572
	Asset write-down charges	14,246				794				—			15,040			13,595			1,268			—			14,863			15,226			322			—			15,548
	Acquisition and integration costs	34,145				897				—			35,042			25,574			431			—			26,005			18,216			82			—			18,298
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	985,781				27,283				—			1,013,064			741,342			32,873			—			774,215			591,428			31,164			—			622,592
	Total operating expenses	2,598,074				98,234				—			2,696,308			1,985,047			115,534			—			2,100,581			1,487,204			110,795			—			1,597,999
	Operating income (loss)	940,682				52,894				—			993,576			880,704			41,099			—			921,803			799,132			35,549			—			834,681
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	(573,291		)		(15,020		)		15,020			(573,291		)	(589,630		)	(16,545		)	16,545			(589,630		)	(601,031		)	(19,330		)	19,317			(601,044		)
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(44,629		)		—				—			(44,629		)	(37,127		)	—			—			(37,127		)	(131,974		)	—			—			(131,974		)
	Interest income	315				301				—			616			956			399			—			1,355			4,089			467			—			4,556
	Other income (expense)	27,013				(131		)		(15,020		)	11,862			12,643			30			(16,545		)	(3,872		)	13,954			(29		)	(19,317		)	(5,392		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	11,244				(604		)		—			10,640			(191,000		)	(7,628		)	—			(198,628		)	60,144			39,917			—			100,061
	Net income (loss)	361,334				37,440				—			398,774			76,546			17,355			—			93,901			144,314			56,574			—			200,888
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	—				8,261				—			8,261			—			3,790			—			3,790			(268		)	12,572			—			12,304
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$	361,334			$	29,179			$	—		$	390,513		$	76,546		$	13,565		$	—		$	90,111		$	144,582		$	44,002		$	—		$	188,584
	Capital expenditures	$	758,535			$	21,542			$	—		$	780,077		$	534,809		$	33,001		$	—		$	567,810		$	419,980		$	21,403		$	—		$	441,383
	Total assets (at year end)	$	20,979,775			$	412,781			$	(249,280	)	$	21,143,276		$	20,466,369		$	411,679		$	(283,140	)	$	20,594,908		$	15,969,084		$	440,395		(320,770		)	$	16,088,709
	Goodwill (at year end)	$	5,196,485			$	13,606			$	—		$	5,210,091		$	4,902,950		$	13,476		$	—		$	4,916,426		$	3,116,824		$	3,133		$	—		$	3,119,957
	(a)	Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.
	(b)	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA	The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014														Year Ended December 31, 2013												Year Ended December 31, 2012
		CCUSA				CCAL				Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated			CCUSA			CCAL			Elim(a)			Consolidated
													Total												Total												Total
	Net income (loss)	361,334				$	37,440			$	—		$	398,774		$	76,546		$	17,355		$	—		$	93,901		$	144,314		$	56,574		$	—		$	200,888
	Adjustments to increase (decrease) net income (loss):
	Asset write-down charges	14,246				794				—			15,040			13,595			1,268			—			14,863			15,226			322			—			15,548
	Acquisition and integration costs	34,145				897				—			35,042			25,574			431			—			26,005			18,216			82			—			18,298
	Depreciation, amortization and accretion	985,781				27,283				—			1,013,064			741,342			32,873			—			774,215			591,428			31,164			—			622,592
	Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments	19,972				—				—			19,972			15,473			—			—			15,473			14,166			—			—			14,166
	Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	573,291				15,020				(15,020		)	573,291			589,630			16,545			(16,545		)	589,630			601,031			19,330			(19,317		)	601,044
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	44,629				—				—			44,629			37,127			—			—			37,127			131,974			—			—			131,974
	Interest income	(315		)		(301		)		—			(616		)	(956		)	(399		)	—			(1,355		)	(4,089		)	(467		)	—			(4,556		)
	Other income (expense)	(27,013		)		131				15,020			(11,862		)	(12,643		)	(30		)	16,545			3,872			(13,954		)	29			19,317			5,392
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(11,244		)		604				—			(10,640		)	191,000			7,628			—			198,628			(60,144		)	(39,917		)	—			(100,061		)
	Stock-based compensation expense	56,431				3,733				—			60,164			39,030			2,758			—			41,788			41,785			5,597			—			47,382
	Adjusted EBITDA(b)	$	2,051,257			$	85,601			$	—		$	2,136,858		$	1,715,718		$	78,429		$	—		$	1,794,147		$	1,479,953		$	72,714		$	—		$	1,552,667
	(a)	Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.
	(b)	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
Summary of Net Revenue by Country	A summary of net revenues by country, based on the location of the Company's subsidiaries, is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	3,535,796			$	2,862,397			$	2,283,088
	Australia	151,128				156,633				146,344
	Other countries	2,960				3,354				3,248
	Total net revenues	$	3,689,884			$	3,022,384			$	2,432,680
Summary of Long-Lived Assets by Country of Location	A summary of long-lived assets by country of location is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	United States	$	8,971,916			$	8,752,151
	Australia	165,528				183,646
	Other countries	10,867				11,880
	Total long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	$	9,148,311			$	8,947,677
A Summary of the Percentage of the Consolidated Revenues for Those Customers Accounting for More than 10% of the Consolidated Revenues	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 CCUSA segment).
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	AT&T (a)	25	%		22	%		23	%
	Sprint (a)	24	%		27	%		28	%
	T-Mobile (a)	21	%		23	%		15	%
	Verizon Wireless	17	%		16	%		17	%
	Total	87	%		88	%		83	%
	(a)	All periods presented are after giving effect to recent customer consolidation activity, including T-Mobile's acquisition of MetroPCS (completed in April 2013), Sprint's acquisition of Clearwire (completed in July 2013), and AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	The following table is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
	Interest paid	$	491,076	$	477,395		$	504,494
	Income taxes paid	18,770		15,591			3,375
	Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	11,407		(1,082		)	32,789
	Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment land purchases	43,609		57,361			25,849
	Conversion of 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	—		—			305,180
	Assumption of WCP Securitized Notes	—		—			336,273

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	2014:00:00
	Net revenues	$	875,950		$	916,345		$	930,025		$	967,564
	Operating income (loss)	251,568			230,186			250,292			261,530
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	—			(44,629		)	—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	101,497			34,009			106,937			148,070
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.27		$	0.07		$	0.29		$	0.41
	Diluted	$	0.27		$	0.07		$	0.29		$	0.41
		Three Months Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	2013:00:00
	Net revenues	$	740,060		$	734,928		$	748,977		$	798,419
	Operating income (loss)	235,055			229,961			222,839			233,948
	Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	(35,909		)	(577		)	(1		)	(640		)
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes(a)	(17,708		)	(36,587		)	(33,959		)	(110,374		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	15,462			52,359			45,836			(23,546		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
	Basic	$	0.05		$	0.18		$	0.16		$	(0.11	)
	Diluted	$	0.05		$	0.18		$	0.16		$	(0.11	)
	(a)	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	5 years
Subject to Capital Lease with Sprint, TMO, or AT&T [Member]
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	53.00%
Leased or Operated Under Sprint Agreement [Member]
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	32
Purchase Option Price	2,300
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	16.00%
Leased or Operated Under T-Mobile Agreement [Member]
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	28
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	15.00%
T-Mobile [Member]
Purchase Option Price	2,000
AT&T lease or sublease in accordance with TMO Agreement [Member]
Purchase Option Price	405
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	1.00%
AT&T Transaction, Leased and Operated Sites [Member]
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	28
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	22.00%
AT&T [Member]
Purchase Option Price	4,200
AT&T Prior to 2025 in accordance with TMO agreement [Member]
Purchase Option Price	10
CCUSA [Member]
Tower Count	40,000
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	96.00%
CCAL [Member]
Tower Count	1,800
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	4.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	years
Net cash provided by (used from) operating activities	$6,148,000	($1,637,000)		$11,475,000
Net cash provided by (used from) investing activities	-44,000	8,067,000		-46,282,000	[1]
Net cash provided by (used from) financing activities	30,011,000	385,982,000	[2]	-288,763,000	[2]
Useful life of site rental contracts and customer relationships (years)	20 years
Revenue recognition, non-cancelable lease term, minimum (years)	5
Revenue recognition, non-cancelable lease term, maximum (years)	15
Portion of company site rental costs that are ground lease expenses	0.667
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	5 years
Percentage of tax position that is likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement	50.00%
Asset write-down charges	15,040,000	14,863,000		15,548,000
Construction in Process	60,400,000	52,200,000
Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
Estimated useful life, maximum, in years	20 years
Wireless Infrastructure [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful life, maximum, in years	20 years
Acquired [Member]
Net cash provided by (used from) investing activities				46,300,000
Restricted Cash Held By Trustee [Member] [Member]
Net cash provided by (used from) financing activities		316,600,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Asset write-down charges	$10,100,000	$10,200,000		$12,000,000
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	12.5	13.2
[1]	Inclusive of $46.3 million of acquired restricted cash.
[2]	Inclusive of $316.6 million of cash held by the trustee as of December 31, 2012 and subsequently released to retire the 7.75% Secured Notes in January 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interest expense on debt obligations	$492,437	$490,385	$491,694
Amortization of deferred financing costs	22,190	25,120	23,324
Amortization of discounts on long-term debt	-3,628	8,541	21,297
Amortization of interest rate swaps	63,148	64,928	65,239
Other, net of capitalized interest	-856	656	-510
Total	$573,291	$589,630	$601,044

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Per Share Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	$148,070	$106,937	$34,009	$101,497	($23,546)	$45,836	$52,359	$15,462	$390,513	$90,111	$188,584
Dividends on preferred stock									-43,988	-11,363	-2,629
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders									$346,525	$78,748	$185,955
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding									332,302,000	298,083,000	289,285,000
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding									333,265,000	299,293,000	291,270,000
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.41	$0.29	$0.07	$0.27	($0.11)	$0.16	$0.18	$0.05	$1.04	$0.26	$0.64
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.41	$0.29	$0.07	$0.27	($0.11)	$0.16	$0.18	$0.05	$1.04	$0.26	$0.64
4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share:
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)									12,500,000	13,200,000
Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards									963,000	1,210,000	1,985,000

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net impact of acquisitions on revenue			$17,900,000		$143,300,000
Net revenues			3,420,736,000	[1]	3,124,010,000	[1],[2]
Income (loss) before income taxes			242,617,000	[3],[4],[5]	15,566,000	[3],[4],[5]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes			-178,663,000	[5],[6]	134,487,000	[5],[6]
Net income (loss)			63,954,000	[3],[4],[5]	150,053,000	[3],[4],[5]
Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share			$0.05		$0.28
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share			$0.05		$0.27
Net impact of acquisitions on net income			8,900,000		12,600,000
Acquisition and integration costs	35,042,000		26,005,000		18,298,000
Land Interests Acquired [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	354,000,000
land interests acquired	1,200
Wireless Capital Partners, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ground lease related assets					2,300
Consideration transferred					214,700,000
NextG Networks Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred					1,000,000,000
T-Mobile [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred					2,500,000,000
AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred			4,827,000,000
Purchase price allocation	4,826,599,000	[7],[8]
ATT, TMO, WCP, and NextG Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration costs			23,700,000		15,500,000
Total T-Mobile Towers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tower count as a percentage of total towers					17.00%
AT&T Transaction, Leased and Operated Sites [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	22.00%
Pro forma revenue adjustments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, pro forma adjustment					148,900,000
Pro forma revenue adjustments [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, pro forma adjustment			211,100,000		220,600,000
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, pro forma adjustment			218,300,000		353,200,000
WCP Securitized Notes [Member] | Wireless Capital Partners, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation					336,300,000
Deferred Lease Revenue [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	-221,045,000	[9]
Other Assets [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	67,063,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	-10,677,000
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	1,175,217,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	21,543,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	1,891,721,000
Goodwill [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation	1,902,777,000
Restricted cash, current and non-current [Member] | Wireless Capital Partners, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocation					39,200,000
Other Assets [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	63,800,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	73,700,000
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	104,900,000
Goodwill [Member] | AT&T [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustments to purchase price allocation	$134,200,000
[1]	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $211.1 million and $220.6 million, respectively, 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]	For the year ended December 31, 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to increase net revenues of $148.9 million that the Company expects to recognize from T-Mobile under T-Mobile's contracted lease of space on the towers acquired in the T-Mobile Acquisition.
[3]	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounts are inclusive of pro forma adjustments to depreciation and amortization of $218.3 million and $353.2 million, respectively, related to property and equipment and intangibles recorded as a result of the AT&T Acquisition and 2012 Acquisitions.
[4]	Inclusive of $23.7 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of aggregate acquisition and integration costs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to the AT&T Acquisition and 2012 Acquisitions.
[5]	For the AT&T Acquisition, pro forma amounts include the impact of the interest expense associated with the related debt financings as well as the October 2013 Equity Financings. For the 2012 Acquisitions, pro forma amounts exclude any impact from debt financings that occurred through 2012 due to (1) such financings have been conducted for multiple purposes, including to lower the Company's average cost of debt, to refinance and extend certain of its debt, as well as to provide funds to finance a portion of such acquisitions and (2) such financings having not been conducted concurrently with the 2012 Acquisitions they subsequently funded in part and the fungible nature of the cash makes impracticable a determination of whether, or what portion of, the purchase prices of such acquisitions were funded with the proceeds of such financings.
[6]	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the pro forma adjustments reflects the federal statutory rate and an estimated state rate. No adjustment was made related to the Company's REIT election. See note 10.
[7]	No deferred taxes were recorded as a result of the Company's REIT election. See note 10.
[8]	Changes between the final purchase price allocation and the preliminary purchase price allocation as presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 primarily relate to (1) a $134.2 million increase to goodwill, (2) a $104.9 million decrease to other intangible assets, net (3) a $73.7 million decrease to property and equipment, and (4) a $63.8 million increase to other assets. The effect of the change in the purchase price allocation on the Company's statement of operations is immaterial for the periods presented.
[9]	Inclusive of above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers.

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	$14,587,092,000		$13,680,633,000
Less: accumulated depreciation	-5,438,781,000		-4,732,956,000
Total property and equipment, net	9,148,311,000		8,947,677,000
Depreciation expense	757,400,000		562,100,000		438,900,000
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	4,400,000,000
Accumulated Depreciation on Capital Lease Assets	883,500,000
Land owned in fee and perpetual easements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	1,542,276,000	[1]	1,305,942,000	[1]
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	72,517,000		70,497,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	12,251,175,000		11,717,453,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Information technology assets and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	214,058,000		185,699,000
Construction in Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property and equipment	$507,066,000		$401,042,000
Minimum [Member] | Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Information technology assets and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Maximum [Member] | Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Information technology assets and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
[1]	Includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$5,169,906,000		$5,248,356,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	-1,454,206,000		-1,190,491,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	3,715,700,000		4,057,865,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			20 years
Amortization expense	267,719,000		214,239,000		180,515,000
2015	259,272,000
2016	259,026,000
2017	258,438,000
2018	256,669,000
2019	254,980,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	4,916,426,000		3,119,957,000
Goodwill	5,210,091,000		4,916,426,000		3,119,957,000
Site Rental Contracts and Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	4,660,082,000	[1]	4,761,605,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	-1,347,947,000		-1,111,262,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	3,312,135,000		3,650,343,000
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount			1,200,000,000
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	509,824,000		486,751,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	-106,259,000		-79,229,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	403,565,000		407,522,000
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount			100,000,000
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	245,614,000		204,042,000		177,163,000
Site Rental Costs of Operations [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	22,105,000		10,197,000		3,352,000
AT&T [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Additions due to acquisitions			1,768,535,000	[2]
Adjustments to AT&T Acquisition purchase price allocation	134,242,000	[2]
Other Acquired Goodwill [Domain]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Additions due to acquisitions	159,952,000		25,194,000
Effect of exchange rates on goodwill [Domain]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Additions due to acquisitions	($529,000)		$2,740,000
[1]	Inclusive of adjustments made during 2014 related to the AT&T Acquisition purchase price allocation. See note 3.
[2]	The purchase price allocation for the AT&T Acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill at CCUSA primarily because of the anticipated growth opportunity in the acquired tower portfolio. See note 3

Other_Liabilities_Details

Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	$1,659,698,000	$1,349,919,000
Amortization of Below Market Lease	29,500,000	29,600,000	20,800,000
Accrued Payroll and Other Compensation	74,200,000	60,000,000
customer prepaid rent [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	610,742,000	350,474,000
deferred ground lease payable [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	425,321,000	357,419,000
Above Market Leases [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	272,694,000	276,319,000
Amortization of Above Market Leases	24,200,000	7,200,000	3,400,000
deferred credits [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	222,460,000	244,537,000
asset retirement obligations [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	128,153,000	118,403,000
Other Liabilities [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Liabilities, non-current	328,000	2,767,000
Amortization expense, 2015 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of above-market leases by year	23,031,000
Amortization expense, 2016 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of above-market leases by year	22,362,000
Amortization expense, 2017 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of above-market leases by year	21,206,000
Amortization expense, 2018 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of above-market leases by year	20,287,000
Amortization expense, 2019 [Member] [Domain]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of above-market leases by year	19,289,000
Amortization expense, 2015 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of below-market tenant leases by year	27,877,000
Amortization expense, 2016 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of below-market tenant leases by year	27,657,000
Amortization expense, 2017 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of below-market tenant leases by year	24,746,000
Amortization expense, 2018 [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of below-market tenant leases by year	21,985,000
Amortization expense, 2019 [Member] [Domain]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Expected amortization of below-market tenant leases by year	$19,493,000

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Ind

Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	$11,920,861,000		$11,594,500,000
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations	113,335,000		103,586,000
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations	11,807,526,000		11,490,914,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	800,000,000		726,992,000		1,894,847,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	11,921,194,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	836,899,000	[1]	762,970,000	[1]	1,978,709,000	[1]
Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7Point125 Percent Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	500,000,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	533,909,000	[1]
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	300,000,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	302,990,000	[1]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Bank Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	4,176,447,000		3,900,650,000
Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	3,573,208,000		3,915,963,000
High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	3,996,031,000		3,648,302,000
CCOC [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.25%
Debt instrument credit spread LIBOR rate minimum	0.75%
CCOC [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
2012 Revolver borrowing capacity [Member] | 2012 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	2,200,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	350,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, increase (decrease)	5.00%
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			314,170,000		552,715,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt			332,045,000	[1]	589,105,000	[1]
Incremental Term Loan B [Member] | CCOC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	800,000,000
Incremental Term Loan B2 [Member] [Member] | CCOC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	500,000,000
Incremental Term Loan A2 [Member] | CCOC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	200,000,000
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes Second Tranche [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	90,800,000
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes Second Tranche [Member] | 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	70,000,000
WCP Securitized Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					16,911,000
Effective yield rate, inclusive of purchase price adjustments	5.60%
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt					18,096,000	[1]
Interest rate, increase (decrease)	5.00%
WCP Securitized Notes [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Nov-10
Contractual maturity date	Nov. 2040	[2]
Total debt and other obligations	262,386,000		286,171,000
Stated interest rate	5.70%	[3],[4]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	3,600,000
Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Availability on revolver	805,000,000
2012 Revolver [Member] | Bank Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Jan-12
Contractual maturity date	Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	[5]
Total debt and other obligations	695,000,000	[6]	374,000,000
Stated interest rate	1.90%	[3],[7]
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			87,489,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt			87,489,000	[1]
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche A [Member] | Bank Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Jan-12
Contractual maturity date	Nov. 2018/Jan. 2019	[5]
Total debt and other obligations	645,938,000		662,500,000
Stated interest rate	1.90%	[3],[7]
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche A [Member] | 2018 [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	500,000,000
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche A [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	500,000,000
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			30,941,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt			30,941,000	[1]
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member] | Bank Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Jan-12
Contractual maturity date	Jan. 2019/2021	[8]
Total debt and other obligations	2,835,509,000		2,864,150,000
Stated interest rate	3.00%	[3],[9]
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	565,600,000
Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	2,300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Jan-10
Contractual maturity date	2037-2040	[10]
Total debt and other obligations	1,600,000,000		1,900,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.00%	[10],[3]
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Aug-10
Contractual maturity date	2035-2040	[10]
Total debt and other obligations	1,550,000,000		1,550,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.50%	[10],[3]
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					619,125,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt					619,125,000	[1]
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Jul-09
Contractual maturity date	2019/2029	[11]
Total debt and other obligations	160,822,000		179,792,000
Stated interest rate	7.50%	[3]
Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7Point125 Percent Senior Notes [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Oct-09
Contractual maturity date	Nov. 2019
Total debt and other obligations	0		498,332,000
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated	N/A	[3]
Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					51,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt					51,000	[1]
Five and One Fourth Senior Notes [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Oct-12
Contractual maturity date	Jan. 2023
Total debt and other obligations	1,649,969,000		1,649,970,000
Stated interest rate	5.30%	[3]
2012 Secured Notes [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	1,000,000,000
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual maturity date	Various	[12]
Total debt and other obligations	175,175,000		129,585,000
Original Debt Issuance Date	Various
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated	Various	[12],[3]
Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.00%
2012 secured notes tranche A [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	500,000,000
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			294,362,000	[13]	706,045,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt			312,465,000	[1],[13]	752,332,000	[1]
2012 Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			30,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt			30,000	[1]
2012 Secured Notes [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Dec-12
Contractual maturity date	2017/2023	[14]
Total debt and other obligations	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.40%	[3]
Fixed Rate - 4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original issue date	1-Apr-14
Contractual maturity date	Apr. 2022
Total debt and other obligations			0
4.875% Senior Notes [Member] | High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	846,060,000
Stated interest rate	4.88%	[3]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	850,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	250,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$1,000,000,000
[1]	Exclusive of accrued interest.
[2]	The WCP securitized notes ("WCP Securitized Notes") were assumed in connection with the WCP Acquisition. The WCP Securitized Notes include a fair value adjustment that increased the debt carrying value by $3.6 million as of December 31, 2014. The anticipated repayment date is 2015 for each class. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their anticipated repayment dates, the applicable interest rate increases by an additional approximately 5% per annum. If the WCP Securitized Notes are not repaid in full by their rapid amortization date of 2017, monthly principal payments commence using the excess cash flows of the issuers of the WCP Securitized Notes.
[3]	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.
[4]	The effective yield is approximately 5.6%, inclusive of the fair value adjustment.
[5]	The maturity dates for the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are either November 2018 or January 2019, contingent upon the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans (as defined below). If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans is greater than $500.0 million, the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are due November 2018. If the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans is less than or equal to $500.0 million, the 2012 Revolver and Tranche A Term Loans are due January 2019.
[6]	As of December 31, 2014, the undrawn availability under the senior secured revolving credit facility ("2012 Revolver") was $805.0 million. See note 18.
[7]	The 2012 Revolver and tranche A term loans ("Tranche A Term Loans"), including the Incremental Tranche A Term Loans (as defined below) bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%, based on the CCOC total net leverage ratio. The Company pays a commitment fee of approximately 0.25% per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2012 Revolver.
[8]	As of December 31, 2014, the Company's Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans (defined below) and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans (defined below), consist of $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount due January 2021 and $565.6 million aggregate principal amount due January 2019.
[9]	The Tranche B Term Loans, including the Incremental Tranche B Term Loans and the Incremental Tranche B-2 Term Loans (defined below), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a credit spread range from 2.25% to 2.50%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 0.75% per annum).
[10]	If the respective series of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes (collectively, "2010 Tower Revenue Notes") are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers (of such notes) will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of two series of notes with principal amounts of $350.0 million and $1.3 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2017, and 2020, respectively. The August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes consist of three series of notes with principal amounts of $250.0 million, $300.0 million, and $1.0 billion, having anticipated repayment dates in 2015, 2017, and 2020, respectively.
[11]	The 2009 Securitized Notes consist of $90.8 million of principal as of December 31, 2014 that amortizes through 2019, and $70.0 million of principal as of December 31, 2014 that amortizes during the period beginning in 2019 and ending in 2029.
[12]	The Company's capital leases and other obligations relate to land, fiber, vehicles, and other assets and bear interest rates ranging up to 10% and mature in periods ranging from less than one year to approximately 25 years.
[13]	The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.
[14]	Consists of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.381% secured notes due 2017 and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.849% secured notes due 2023 (collectively, "2012 Secured Notes").

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Tex

Debt and Other Obligations (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	$11,920,861,000		$11,594,500,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	800,000,000		726,992,000	1,894,847,000
Principal balance outstanding on debt instruments	11,921,194,000
Cash and equivalents	175,620,000		223,394,000	441,364,000	80,120,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description	7.0 to 1.0
WCP Securitized Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, increase (decrease)	5.00%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount				16,911,000
Effective yield rate, inclusive of purchase price adjustments	5.60%
Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Availability on revolver	805,000,000
Variable Rate Revolver 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument credit spread LIBOR rate minimum	1.50%
Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	2.25%
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, increase (decrease)	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
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	350,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	250,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,000,000,000
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	175,175,000		129,585,000
Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.00%
Contractual maturity date, start	1 year
Contractual maturity date, end	25 years
High Yield Bonds - Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption pricing percentage of principal amount			100.00%
Collateralized [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, PPE Collaterized Amount	1,200,000,000
CCOC [Member] | Incremental Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	800,000,000
CCOC [Member] | Incremental Term Loan B2 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	500,000,000
CCOC [Member] | Incremental Term Loan A2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	200,000,000
2012 secured notes tranche A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	500,000,000
2012 Credit Facility [Member] | CCOC [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	500,000,000
2012 Credit Facility [Member] | CCOC [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,600,000,000
2012 Credit Facility [Member] | CCOC [Member] | Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total revolving commitment	1,500,000,000
High Yield Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	3,996,031,000		3,648,302,000
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7Point125 Percent Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	0		498,332,000
Repayments of Debt	500,000,000
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	846,060,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	850,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.88%	[1]
Issuance of debt obligation [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	839,000,000
2012 Revolver [Member] | Collateralized [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	41,400,000
2012 secured notes tranche B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt and other obligations	1,000,000,000
Minimum [Member] | High Yield Bonds - Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt to Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio	7
2012 Revolver borrowing capacity [Member] | 2012 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	2,200,000,000
Tendered After the Early Tender Date [Member] | Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 9 Percent Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Tender Offer Amount	313,300,000
Amount redeemed after tender [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt			294,400,000
Amount redeemed after tender [Member] | Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 9 Percent Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Tender Offer Amount	800,000
Amount validly tendered [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Tender Offer Amount	670,600,000
Amount validly tendered [Member] | Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 9 Percent Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Tender Offer Amount	$515,500,000
[1]	Represents the weighted-average stated interest rate.

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Sch

Debt and Other Obligations (Scheduled Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	$110,758
2016	122,570
2017	619,859
2018	1,323,951
2019	596,083
Thereafter	9,147,973
Total Cash Obligations	11,921,194
Unamortized Discounts	-333
Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding	$11,920,861

Debt_and_Other_Obligations_Deb

Debt and Other Obligations (Debt Purchases and Repayments) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

($800,000,000)

($726,992,000)

($1,894,847,000)

Cash Paid

836,899,000

[1]

762,970,000

[1]

1,978,709,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

0

0

-44,629,000

0

-640,000

-1,000

-577,000

-35,909,000

-44,629,000

[2]

-37,127,000

[3]

-131,974,000

[4]

Write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts

7,700,000

48,100,000

2012 Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-30,000

Cash Paid

30,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

0

[3]

Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-619,125,000

Cash Paid

619,125,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-1,893,000

[4]

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-314,170,000

-552,715,000

Cash Paid

332,045,000

[1]

589,105,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-17,894,000

[3]

-62,966,000

[4]

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-294,362,000

[5]

-706,045,000

Cash Paid

312,465,000

[1],[5]

752,332,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-18,103,000

[3],[5]

-64,989,000

[4]

Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7.5% Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-51,000

Cash Paid

51,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

0

[4]

WCP Securitized Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-16,911,000

Cash Paid

18,096,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-681,000

[4]

2012 Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-241,000

[3]

-1,445,000

[4]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche A [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-87,489,000

Cash Paid

87,489,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-399,000

[3]

Variable Rate 2012 Term Loans Tranche B [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-30,941,000

Cash Paid

30,941,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-490,000

[3]

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-300,000,000

Cash Paid

302,990,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

-3,740,000

[2]

Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7Point125 Percent Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Principal Amount

-500,000,000

Cash Paid

533,909,000

[1]

Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations

($40,889,000)

[2]

[1]

Exclusive of accrued interest.

[2]

The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.

[3]

The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.

[4]

Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.

[5]

The redemption of the 7.75% Secured Notes was funded by the release of restricted cash.

Interest_Rate_Swaps_Details

Interest Rate Swaps (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Refinancings of Debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Income (loss) recognized in income discontinuation of hedge accounts	($63.10)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Estimated amount expected to be reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during next twelve months	($18.70)

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$175,620,000	$223,394,000	$441,364,000	$80,120,000
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	175,620,000	223,394,000
Restricted cash, carrying value	152,411,000	188,526,000
Restricted cash, fair value		188,526,000
Debt and other obligations, carrying amount	11,920,861,000	11,594,500,000
Debt and other obligations, fair value	12,286,161,000	11,892,587,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	1
Restricted cash, carrying value	1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt and other obligations, carrying amount	$2

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation allowance, increase (decrease)	($9,000,000)	$0	($95,072,000)
Federal tax benefits	-213,000	-684,000	-229,000
non-cash income tax charge in conjunction with REIT conversion		67,400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	8,300,000
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards	200,000,000
U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards	2,200,000,000
U.S. Federal [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	31-Dec-22
U.S. Federal [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	31-Dec-32
State [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards	900,000,000
State [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	31-Dec-15
State [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	31-Dec-34
Foreign [Member]
Operating loss carryforwards	70,000,000
Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation allowance, increase (decrease)	$9,000,000	$12,000,000

Income_Taxes_Income_Loss_from_

Income Taxes (Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	$341,070		$260,364		$77,254
Foreign	47,064	[1]	32,165	[1]	23,573	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$388,134		$292,529		$100,827
[1]	Inclusive of income (loss) before income taxes from Australia and Puerto Rico.

Income_Taxes_Benefit_Provision

Income Taxes (Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current Federal									$213	$684	$229
Current Foreign									-10,737	-6,732	-6,837
Current State									-4,415	-12,305	-3,705
Total current									-14,939	-18,353	-10,313
Deferred Federal									23,070	-164,769	65,643
Deferred Foreign									2,901	-6,136	42,714
Deferred State									-392	-9,370	2,017
Total deferred									25,579	-180,275	110,374
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes	$110,374	[1]	$33,959	[1]	$36,587	[1]	$17,708	[1]	$10,640	($198,628)	$100,061
[1]	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.

Income_Taxes_Effective_Tax_Rat

Income Taxes (Effective Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes at statutory rate									($135,847,000)		($102,385,000)		($35,289,000)
Tax effect of foreign income (losses)									14,277,000		11,258,000		8,251,000
Tax adjustment related to REIT operations									132,951,000		0		0
Tax adjustment related to the REIT conversion									0	[1]	-67,395,000	[1]	0	[1]
Expenses for which no federal tax benefit was recognized									-463,000		-9,570,000		-3,874,000
Valuation allowances									9,000,000		0		95,072,000
State tax (provision) benefit, net of federal									-3,136,000		-14,852,000		-1,097,000
Foreign tax									-7,836,000		-12,868,000		35,877,000
Other									1,694,000		-2,816,000		1,121,000
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes	110,374,000	[2]	33,959,000	[2]	36,587,000	[2]	17,708,000	[2]	10,640,000		-198,628,000		100,061,000
REIT tax adjustment to reclassify a deferred tax charge from AOCI											39,800,000
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowances											($29,400,000)
[1]	Inclusive of a $39.8 million adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 to reclassify a deferred tax charge from AOCI to the provision for income taxes.
[2]	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and equipment	$144,020	$135,824
Deferred site rental receivable	35,887	28,074
Intangible assets	108,689	116,548
Total deferred income tax liabilities		-10,791
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	288,596	280,446
Net operating loss carryforwards	148,465	134,123
Deferred ground lease payable	7,231	7,122
Accrued liabilities	162,108	148,580
Receivable allowance	1,538	1,228
Other	1,278	5,866
Valuation allowance, asset	-21,038	-27,264
Total deferred income tax assets, net	299,582	269,655
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$10,986	($10,791)

Income_Taxes_Jurisdictional_Co

Income Taxes (Jurisdictional Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross, asset	$32,024	$16,473
Valuation allowance, asset	-21,038	-27,264
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	10,986	-10,791
U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross, asset	6,557	-7,513
Valuation allowance, asset	-3,000	-12,000
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	3,557	-19,513
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross, asset	462	-807
Valuation allowance, asset	-16,208	-14,547
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	-15,746	-15,354
Foreign [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross, asset	25,005	24,793
Valuation allowance, asset	-1,830	-717
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$23,175	$24,076

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Unre

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$21,549	$19,184
Additions based on current year tax positions	286	2,365
Reductions as a result of the lapse of statute limitations	-6,042
Reductions as a result of settlements with taxing authorities	-7,460
Balance at end of year	$8,333	$21,549

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Dividends on preferred stock	$44,354	$0	$2,481

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2013

Dividends Per Share, Common Stock

$0.82

$0.35

$0.35

$0.35

Dividends Per Share, Convertible Preferred Stock

$1.13

$1.13

$1.13

$1.16

Aggregate Payment Amount, Common Stock

$274,500,000

[1],[2]

$117,200,000

[1],[2]

$117,200,000

[1],[2]

$117,200,000

[1],[2]

$626,074,000

Aggregate Payment Amount, Convertible Preferred Stock

11,000,000

11,000,000

11,000,000

11,400,000

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

2,980,586,000

4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

0.01

Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

0

950,886,000

0

Purchases of common stock, value

21,800,000

99,500,000

36,000,000

Common Stock

Declaration Date

30-Oct-14

8-Aug-14

30-May-14

20-Feb-14

Record Date

19-Dec-14

19-Sep-14

20-Jun-14

20-Mar-14

Payment Date

31-Dec-14

30-Sep-14

30-Jun-14

31-Mar-14

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

41,400,000

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

414,000

Purchases of common stock, shares

-292,874

-1,429,461

-700,070

4.5% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

9,775,000

Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

98,000

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Declaration Date

22-Dec-14

26-Sep-14

25-Jun-14

25-Mar-14

31-Dec-13

Record Date

15-Oct-14

15-Jul-14

15-Apr-14

15-Jan-14

15-Jan-15

Payment Date

3-Nov-14

1-Aug-14

1-May-14

3-Feb-14

Minimum [Member]

Conversion factor, Preferred Stock

1.108

Maximum [Member]

Conversion factor, Preferred Stock

1.385

Paid subsequent to year end [Member]

Dividends Per Share, Convertible Preferred Stock

1.125

Aggregate Payment Amount, Convertible Preferred Stock

11,000,000

[3]

Paid subsequent to year end [Member] | Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Payment Date

2-Feb-15

[1]

The Company's common stock dividends are considered ordinary in nature for income tax purposes.

[2]

Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of RSUs.

[3]

Represents amount paid on February 2, 2015 based on holders of record on January 15, 2015.

Stockbased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance (in shares)	12.5
Vesting Performance Period	three
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$6	$14.50	$14.70
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance (in shares)	1
Shares granted, number of shares		1
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$57.78	$46.37	$38.82
Weighted-average requisite service period (years)	2 years 6 months
Restricted stock or unit expense	45.8	37.8	32.7
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	5 years
Performance Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted, number of shares	0.5
Time Vesting Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted, number of shares	0.5
Time Vesting Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Time Vesting Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted, number of shares		1
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$40.70
Period for recognition	1 year

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, number of shares	2,282,000
Shares outstanding at the end of year, number of shares	1,440,000	2,282,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-822,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares	20,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	986,000
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, number of shares	0
Shares outstanding at the end of year, number of shares	950,000	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-20,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares	16,000

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-based Compensation (Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Risk-free rate	0.70%	0.40%	0.40%
Expected volatility	22.00%	23.00%	31.00%
Expected dividend rate	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Vested) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total shares vested	842	978	1,974
Fair value on vesting date	$62,686	$66,666	$101,692

Stockbased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$6,000,000	$14,500,000	$14,700,000
Stock-based compensation expense	60,164,000	41,788,000	47,541,000
CCUSA [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	56,431,000	39,030,000	41,944,000
CCAL [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	3,733,000	2,758,000	5,597,000
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	6,565,000	1,193,000	3,401,000
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	6,565,000	1,193,000	3,401,000
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member] | CCAL [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0
Network Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	4,889,000	1,799,000	2,721,000
Network Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	4,889,000	1,799,000	2,721,000
Network Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member] | CCAL [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	48,710,000	38,796,000	41,419,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	44,977,000	36,038,000	35,822,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | CCAL [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$3,733,000	$2,758,000	$5,597,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Accretion expense	$10,100,000	$8,100,000	$6,500,000
Other long-term liabilities	1,659,698,000	1,349,919,000
Estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be paid relating to asset retirement obligations	1,200,000,000
ATT, TMO, WCP, and NextG Acquisitions [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in asset retirement obligations		16,300,000
asset retirement obligations [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$128,153,000	$118,403,000
Subject to Capital Lease with Sprint, TMO, or AT&T [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]
Tower count as a percentage of total towers	53.00%

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining term of tenant leases	7 years
Maximum Current Term	20 years
Tenant Leases 2015	$2,703,655,000
Tenant Leases 2016	2,635,024,000
Tenant Leases 2017	2,562,704,000
Tenant Leases 2018	2,474,553,000
Tenant Leases 2019	2,373,865,000
Tenant Leases thereafter	9,549,658,000
Total tenant leases	22,299,459,000
Percentage of wireless infrastructure that has non-cancelable operating leases	80.00%
Operating Leases, Owned Land Under Tower, Expiration Term	20 years
Operating Leases, Leased Land Under Tower, Expiration Term	10 years
Operating leases 2015	569,314,000
Operating leases 2016	574,728,000
Operating leases 2017	578,815,000
Operating leases 2018	580,231,000
Operating leases 2019	581,020,000
Operating leases thereafter	8,067,093,000
Total operating leases	10,951,201,000
Rental expense from operating leases	676,700,000	513,600,000	372,300,000
Contingent rental payments	$88,300,000	$73,700,000	$57,600,000
Greater than 10 Years, Inclusive of Renewals at the Company's Option [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Percentage of site rental gross margin that is derived from towers where the lease for the land has a final expiration date	90.00%
Greater than 20 Years, Inclusive of Renewals at the Company's Option [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Percentage of site rental gross margin that is derived from towers where the lease for the land has a final expiration date	75.00%

Operating_Segments_and_Concent2

Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Financial Results for the Company's Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Net revenues:
Site rental														$3,006,774		$2,503,620		$2,124,190
Network services and other														683,110		518,764		308,490
Net revenues	967,564		930,025	916,345	875,950	798,419		748,977		734,928		740,060		3,689,884		3,022,384		2,432,680
Costs of Operations:
Site rental														944,666	[1]	725,109	[1]	539,239	[1]
Network services and other														405,800	[1]	321,687	[1]	189,750	[1]
General and administrative														282,696		238,702		212,572
Asset write-down charges														15,040		14,863		15,548
Acquisition and integration costs														35,042		26,005		18,298
Depreciation, amortization and accretion														1,013,064		774,215		622,592
Total operating expenses														2,696,308		2,100,581		1,597,999
Operating income (loss)	261,530		250,292	230,186	251,568	233,948		222,839		229,961		235,055		993,576		921,803		834,681
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs														-573,291		-589,630		-601,044
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0		0	-44,629	0	-640		-1		-577		-35,909		-44,629	[2]	-37,127	[3]	-131,974	[4]
Interest income														616		1,355		4,556
Other income (expense)														11,862		-3,872		-5,392
Benefit (provision) for income taxes						110,374	[5]	33,959	[5]	36,587	[5]	17,708	[5]	10,640		-198,628		100,061
Net income (loss)														398,774		93,901		200,888
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest														8,261		3,790		12,304
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	148,070		106,937	34,009	101,497	-23,546		45,836		52,359		15,462		390,513		90,111		188,584
Capital expenditures														780,077		567,810		441,383
Total assets (at year end)	21,143,276					20,594,908								21,143,276		20,594,908		16,088,709
Goodwill	5,210,091					4,916,426								5,210,091		4,916,426		3,119,957
CCUSA [Member]
Net revenues:
Site rental														2,866,613		2,371,380		2,001,049
Network services and other														672,143		494,371		285,287
Net revenues														3,538,756		2,865,751		2,286,336
Costs of Operations:
Site rental														906,152	[1]	686,873	[1]	503,661	[1]
Network services and other														400,454	[1]	304,144	[1]	173,762	[1]
General and administrative														257,296		213,519		184,911
Asset write-down charges														14,246		13,595		15,226
Acquisition and integration costs														34,145		25,574		18,216
Depreciation, amortization and accretion														985,781		741,342		591,428
Total operating expenses														2,598,074		1,985,047		1,487,204
Operating income (loss)														940,682		880,704		799,132
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs														-573,291		-589,630		-601,031
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations														-44,629		-37,127		-131,974
Interest income														315		956		4,089
Other income (expense)														27,013		12,643		13,954
Benefit (provision) for income taxes														11,244		-191,000		60,144
Net income (loss)														361,334		76,546		144,314
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest														0		0		-268
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders														361,334		76,546		144,582
Capital expenditures														758,535		534,809		419,980
Total assets (at year end)	20,979,775					20,466,369								20,979,775		20,466,369		15,969,084
Goodwill	5,196,485					4,902,950								5,196,485		4,902,950		3,116,824
CCAL [Member]
Net revenues:
Site rental														140,161		132,240		123,141
Network services and other														10,967		24,393		23,203
Net revenues														151,128		156,633		146,344
Costs of Operations:
Site rental														38,514	[1]	38,236	[1]	35,578	[1]
Network services and other														5,346	[1]	17,543	[1]	15,988	[1]
General and administrative														25,400		25,183		27,661
Asset write-down charges														794		1,268		322
Acquisition and integration costs														897		431		82
Depreciation, amortization and accretion														27,283		32,873		31,164
Total operating expenses														98,234		115,534		110,795
Operating income (loss)														52,894		41,099		35,549
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs														-15,020		-16,545		-19,330
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations														0		0		0
Interest income														301		399		467
Other income (expense)														-131		30		-29
Benefit (provision) for income taxes														-604		-7,628		39,917
Net income (loss)														37,440		17,355		56,574
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest														8,261		3,790		12,572
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders														29,179		13,565		44,002
Capital expenditures														21,542		33,001		21,403
Total assets (at year end)	412,781					411,679								412,781		411,679		440,395
Goodwill	13,606					13,476								13,606		13,476		3,133
Elimination [Member]
Net revenues:
Site rental														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Network services and other														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Net revenues														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Costs of Operations:
Site rental														0	[1],[6]	0	[6]	0	[1],[6]
Network services and other														0	[1],[6]	0	[6]	0	[1],[6]
General and administrative														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Asset write-down charges														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Acquisition and integration costs														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Depreciation, amortization and accretion														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Total operating expenses														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Operating income (loss)														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs														15,020	[6]	16,545	[6]	19,317	[6]
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Interest income														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Other income (expense)														-15,020	[6]	-16,545	[6]	-19,317	[6]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Net income (loss)														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Capital expenditures														0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Total assets (at year end)	-249,280	[6]				-283,140	[6]							-249,280	[6]	-283,140	[6]	-320,770	[6]
Goodwill	$0	[6]				$0	[6]							$0	[6]	$0	[6]	$0	[6]
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[3]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
[4]	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.
[5]	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.
[6]	Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.

Operating_Segments_and_Concent3

Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Adjusted for EBITDA) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net income (loss)													$398,774		$93,901		$200,888
Asset write-down charges													15,040		14,863		15,548
Acquisition and integration costs													35,042		26,005		18,298
Depreciation, amortization and accretion													1,013,064		774,215		622,592
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments													19,972		15,473		14,166
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs													573,291		589,630		601,044
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0	0	44,629	0	640		1		577		35,909		44,629	[1]	37,127	[2]	131,974	[3]
Interest income													-616		-1,355		-4,556
Other income (expense)													-11,862		3,872		5,392
Benefit (provision) for income taxes					-110,374	[4]	-33,959	[4]	-36,587	[4]	-17,708	[4]	-10,640		198,628		-100,061
Stock-based compensation expense													60,164		41,788		47,382
Adjusted EBITDA													2,136,858	[5]	1,794,147	[5]	1,552,667	[5]
CCUSA [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net income (loss)													361,334		76,546		144,314
Asset write-down charges													14,246		13,595		15,226
Acquisition and integration costs													34,145		25,574		18,216
Depreciation, amortization and accretion													985,781		741,342		591,428
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments													19,972		15,473		14,166
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs													573,291		589,630		601,031
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations													44,629		37,127		131,974
Interest income													-315		-956		-4,089
Other income (expense)													-27,013		-12,643		-13,954
Benefit (provision) for income taxes													-11,244		191,000		-60,144
Stock-based compensation expense													56,431		39,030		41,785
Adjusted EBITDA													2,051,257	[5]	1,715,718	[5]	1,479,953	[5]
CCAL [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	22.40%												22.40%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	77.60%												77.60%
Net income (loss)													37,440		17,355		56,574
Asset write-down charges													794		1,268		322
Acquisition and integration costs													897		431		82
Depreciation, amortization and accretion													27,283		32,873		31,164
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments													0		0		0
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs													15,020		16,545		19,330
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations													0		0		0
Interest income													-301		-399		-467
Other income (expense)													131		-30		29
Benefit (provision) for income taxes													604		7,628		-39,917
Stock-based compensation expense													3,733		2,758		5,597
Adjusted EBITDA													85,601	[5]	78,429	[5]	72,714	[5]
Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net income (loss)													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Asset write-down charges													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Acquisition and integration costs													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Depreciation, amortization and accretion													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs													-15,020	[6]	-16,545	[6]	-19,317	[6]
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Interest income													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Other income (expense)													15,020	[6]	16,545	[6]	19,317	[6]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Stock-based compensation expense													0	[6]	0	[6]	0	[6]
Adjusted EBITDA													$0	[5],[6]	$0	[5],[6]	$0	[5],[6]
[1]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[2]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
[3]	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.
[4]	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.
[5]	The above reconciliation excludes line items included in the Company's Adjusted EBITDA definition which are not applicable for the periods shown.
[6]	Elimination of inter-company borrowings and related interest expense.

Operating_Segments_and_Concent4

Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Geographic Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net revenues	$967,564	$930,025	$916,345	$875,950	$798,419	$748,977	$734,928	$740,060	$3,689,884	$3,022,384	$2,432,680
United States long-lived assets	9,148,311				8,947,677				9,148,311	8,947,677
United States [Member]
Net revenues									3,535,796	2,862,397	2,283,088
United States long-lived assets	8,971,916				8,752,151				8,971,916	8,752,151
Australia [Member]
Net revenues									151,128	156,633	146,344
United States long-lived assets	165,528				183,646				165,528	183,646
Other Countries [Member]
Net revenues									2,960	3,354	3,248
United States long-lived assets	$10,867				$11,880				$10,867	$11,880

Operating_Segments_and_Concent5

Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Major Customers) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Percentage of the consolidated revenues	87.00%		88.00%		83.00%
Long-Lived Assets	$9,148,311		$8,947,677
AT&T [Member]
Percentage of the consolidated revenues	25.00%	[1]	22.00%	[1]	23.00%	[1]
Sprint [Member]
Percentage of the consolidated revenues	24.00%	[1]	27.00%	[1]	28.00%	[1]
Verizon Wireless [Member]
Percentage of the consolidated revenues	17.00%		16.00%		17.00%
T-Mobile [Member]
Percentage of the consolidated revenues	21.00%	[1]	23.00%	[1]	15.00%	[1]
United States [Member]
Long-Lived Assets	8,971,916		8,752,151
Australia [Member]
Long-Lived Assets	165,528		183,646
Other Countries [Member]
Long-Lived Assets	$10,867		$11,880
[1]	All periods presented are after giving effect to recent customer consolidation activity, including T-Mobile's acquisition of MetroPCS (completed in April 2013), Sprint's acquisition of Clearwire (completed in July 2013), and AT&T's acquisition of Leap Wireless (completed in March 2014).

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$491,076	$477,395	$504,494
Income taxes paid (refund)	18,770	15,591	3,375
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment	11,407	-1,082	32,789
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases	43,609	57,361	25,849
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock	0	0	305,180
Assumption of WCP Securitized Notes	$0	$0	$336,273

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net revenues	$967,564	$930,025	$916,345	$875,950	$798,419		$748,977		$734,928		$740,060		$3,689,884		$3,022,384		$2,432,680
Operating income (loss)	261,530	250,292	230,186	251,568	233,948		222,839		229,961		235,055		993,576		921,803		834,681
Benefit (provision) for income taxes					-110,374	[1]	-33,959	[1]	-36,587	[1]	-17,708	[1]	-10,640		198,628		-100,061
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	0	0	-44,629	0	-640		-1		-577		-35,909		-44,629	[2]	-37,127	[3]	-131,974	[4]
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders	148,070	106,937	34,009	101,497	-23,546		45,836		52,359		15,462		390,513		90,111		188,584
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.41	$0.29	$0.07	$0.27	($0.11)		$0.16		$0.18		$0.05		$1.04		$0.26		$0.64
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.41	$0.29	$0.07	$0.27	($0.11)		$0.16		$0.18		$0.05		$1.04		$0.26		$0.64
Tax adjustment related to the REIT conversion													$0	[5]	$67,395	[5]	$0	[5]
[1]	Inclusive of the tax adjustment related to the REIT election of 67.4 million. See also note 10.
[2]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments and are inclusive of $7.7 million related to the write off of deferred financing costs and discounts.
[3]	The losses predominately relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.
[4]	Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.
[5]	Inclusive of a $39.8 million adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 to reclassify a deferred tax charge from AOCI to the provision for income taxes.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.82	$0.35	$0.35	$0.35
Paid subsequent to year end [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.82
2012 Revolver [Member] | 2012 Revolver borrowing capacity [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$2,200				2,200
Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	30-Oct-14	8-Aug-14	30-May-14	20-Feb-14
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	31-Dec-14	30-Sep-14	30-Jun-14	31-Mar-14
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	19-Dec-14	19-Sep-14	20-Jun-14	20-Mar-14
Common Stock [Member] | Dividend Declared [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared					12-Feb-15
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid					31-Mar-15
Dividends Payable, Date of Record					20-Mar-15

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$7,676		$7,726		$5,891
Charged to operations	3,101		1,351		3,673
Credited to operations	0		0		0
Written off	-476		-1,401		-1,838
Effect of exchange rate changes or Other adjustments	0		0		0
Balance at end of year	10,301		7,676		7,726
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	27,264		70,940		228,417
Charged to operations	1,797		717		0
Credited to operations	0		0		0
Written off	-9,106		-2,174		-166,911
Effect of exchange rate changes or Other adjustments	0		0		-5,718
Valuation allowance and reserves, other adjustments	1,083	[1]	-42,219	[1]	15,152	[1]
Balance at end of year	$21,038		$27,264		$70,940
[1]	Inclusive of the effects of exchange rate changes, acquisitions, and the impact of the REIT conversion.