Crown Castle (CCI) 10-Q 3 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 29, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-16441
Entity Registrant Name	CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	76-0470458
Entity Address, Address Line One	1220 Augusta Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 600
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77057-2261
City Area Code	713
Local Phone Number	570-3000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	CCI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		432,189,646
Entity Central Index Key	0001051470
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 254	$ 232
Restricted cash, current	179	144
Receivables, net	412	431
Prepaid expenses	115	95
Other current assets	216	202
Assets, Current, Total	1,176	1,104
Deferred site rental receivables	1,389	1,408
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $11,090 and $10,803, respectively	15,149	15,162
Operating lease right-of-use assets	6,514	6,464
Goodwill	10,078	10,078
Other intangible assets, net	4,324	4,433
Other assets, net	122	119
Assets, Total	38,752	38,768
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable	187	230
Accrued interest	107	199
Deferred revenues	814	704
Other accrued liabilities	334	378
Current maturities of debt and other obligations	159	129
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	332	329
Liabilities, Current, Total	1,933	1,969
Debt and other long-term obligations	19,713	19,151
Operating lease liabilities	5,856	5,808
Other long-term liabilities	2,327	2,379
Liabilities, Total	$ 29,829	$ 29,307
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 4	$ 4
Additional Paid in Capital	17,917	17,933
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(3)	(4)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	(8,995)	(8,472)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total	8,923	9,461
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 38,752	$ 38,768

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation, property and equipment	$ 11,090	$ 10,803
Common stock, shares outstanding	432	431
Common stock, shares authorized	600	600
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Net revenues:
Site Rental		$ 1,369		$ 1,310
Services and other		116		111
Net Revenues		1,485		1,421
Operating expenses:
Site rental	[1]	381		375
Services and other	[1]	81		99
Selling, general and administrative		164		175
Asset write-down charges		3		4
Acquisition and integration costs		0		5
Depreciation, amortization and accretion		408		399
Total operating expenses		1,037		1,057
Operating income (loss)		448		364
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs		(170)		(175)
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations		(143)	[2]	0
Interest income		1		1
Other income (expense)		(8)		0
Income (loss) before income taxes		128		190
Benefit (provision) for income taxes		(7)		(5)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		121		185
Net gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax		(63)		0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(63)		0
Net income (loss)		58		185
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock		0		(28)	[3]
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders		58		157
Foreign currency translation adjustments		1		(1)	[4]
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	[4]	1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders		$ 59		$ 184
Income (loss) from continuing operations, per share - basic		$ 0.28		$ 0.38
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, per share - basic		(0.15)		0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per share - basic		0.13		0.38
Income (loss) from continuing operations, per share - diluted		0.28		0.38
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, per share - diluted		(0.15)		0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per share - diluted		$ 0.13		$ 0.38
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic		432		416
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted		433		418
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	Inclusive of the write off of respective deferred financing costs.
[3]	See note 7 for information regarding common and preferred stock dividends declared per share.
[4]	See the condensed consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of other comprehensive income (loss).

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 121		$ 185
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	408		399
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	143	[1]	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest, net	3		1
Stock-based compensation expense	33		37
Asset write-down charges	3		4
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	1		1
Other non-cash adjustments, net	10		0
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	(92)		(50)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	(23)		(20)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(31)		2
Decrease (increase) in receivables	18		102
Decrease (increase) in other assets	(10)		(8)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	584		653
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(302)		(447)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(4)		(13)
Other investing activities, net	(5)		(8)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(311)		(468)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	3,237		0
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations	(1,026)		(26)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	(1,789)		0
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	580		1,340
Payments under revolving credit facility	(290)		(595)
Net issuances (repayments) under commercial paper program	(245)		(155)
Payments for financing costs	(29)		0
Purchases of common stock	(67)		(73)
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock	(588)		(513)
Dividends/distributions paid on preferred stock	0		(28)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	(217)		(50)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	56		135
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	381		338
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	438		472
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Effect of exchange rate changes	$ 1		$ (1)
[1]	Inclusive of the write off of respective deferred financing costs.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		Total	Common Stock [Member]	6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]	Dividends/Distributions in Excess of Earnings [Member]
Balance, shares Period Start at Dec. 31, 2019			416
Balance, value Period Start at Dec. 31, 2019		$ 10,489	$ 4	$ 0	$ 17,855	$ (5)	$ (7,365)
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Period Start at Dec. 31, 2019				2
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value		53			53
Purchases and retirement of common stock, value		(73)			(73)
Common stock dividends/distributions	[1]	(504)					504
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock	[1]	(28)					(28)
Net income (loss)		185					185
Balance, shares Period End at Mar. 31, 2020			417
Balance, value Period End at Mar. 31, 2020		$ 10,121	$ 4	$ 0	17,835	(6)	(7,712)
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Period End at Mar. 31, 2020				2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	[2]					(1)
Balance, shares Period Start at Dec. 31, 2020		431	431
Balance, value Period Start at Dec. 31, 2020		$ 9,461	$ 4	$ 0	17,933	(4)	(8,472)
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Period Start at Dec. 31, 2020				0
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value		51			51
Purchases and retirement of common stock, value		(67)			(67)
Common stock dividends/distributions	[1]	(581)					581
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock		0
Net income (loss)		$ 58					58
Balance, shares Period End at Mar. 31, 2021		432	432
Balance, value Period End at Mar. 31, 2021		$ 8,923	$ 4	$ 0	$ 17,917	(3)	$ (8,995)
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Period End at Mar. 31, 2021				0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	[2]	$ 1				$ 1
[1]	See note 7 for information regarding common and preferred stock dividends declared per share.
[2]	See the condensed consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the components of other comprehensive income (loss).

Statement of Cash Flows, Supple

Statement of Cash Flows, Supplemental Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table is a summary of the Company's supplemental cash flow information: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash payments related to operating lease liabilities (a) $ 137 $ 135 Interest paid 259 223 Income taxes paid — 1 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities: New ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 132 133 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment (18) (18) Purchase of property and equipment under finance leases and installment purchases 4 5 (a) Excludes the Company's contingent payments pursuant to operating leases, which are recorded as expense in the period such contingencies are resolved. The reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within various lines on the condensed consolidated balance sheet to amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is shown below. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Cash and cash equivalents $ 254 $ 232 Restricted cash, current 179 144 Restricted cash reported within other assets, net 5 5 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 438 $ 381

Statement of Cash Flows, Supp_2

Statement of Cash Flows, Supplemental Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table is a summary of the Company's supplemental cash flow information: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash payments related to operating lease liabilities (a) $ 137 $ 135 Interest paid 259 223 Income taxes paid — 1 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities: New ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities 132 133 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment (18) (18) Purchase of property and equipment under finance leases and installment purchases 4 5 (a) Excludes the Company's contingent payments pursuant to operating leases, which are recorded as expense in the period such contingencies are resolved.
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	The reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within various lines on the condensed consolidated balance sheet to amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is shown below. March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Cash and cash equivalents $ 254 $ 232 Restricted cash, current 179 144 Restricted cash reported within other assets, net 5 5 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 438 $ 381

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash payments related to operating lease liabilities	[1]	$ 137	$ 135
Interest Paid		259	223
Income Taxes Paid		0	1
New ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities		132	133
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment		(18)	(18)
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases		4	5
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		254		$ 232
Restricted cash, current		179		144
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent		5		5
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents		$ 438	$ 472	$ 381
[1]	Excludes the Company's contingent payments pursuant to operating leases, which are recorded as expense in the period such contingencies are resolved.

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
General
General	General The information contained in the following notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and related notes thereto, included in the 2020 Form 10-K filed by Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") with the SEC. Capitalized terms used but not defined in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements have the same meaning given to them in the 2020 Form 10-K. References to the "Company" refer to CCIC and its predecessor, as applicable, and their subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "including," and any variation thereof means "including without limitation." The use of the word "or" herein is not exclusive. Unless the context suggests otherwise, references to "U.S." are to the United States of America and Puerto Rico, collectively. The Company owns, operates and leases shared communications infrastructure that is geographically dispersed throughout the U.S., including (1) towers and other structures, such as rooftops (collectively, "towers"), and (2) fiber primarily supporting small cell networks ("small cells") and fiber solutions. The Company's towers, fiber and small cells assets are collectively referred to herein as "communications infrastructure," and the Company's customers on its communications infrastructure are referred to herein as "tenants." The Company's core business is providing access, including space or capacity, to its shared communications infrastructure via long-term contracts in various forms, including lease, license, sublease and service agreements (collectively, "tenant contracts"). The Company's operating segments consist of (1) Towers and (2) Fiber. See note 10. As part of the Company's effort to provide comprehensive communications infrastructure solutions, as an ancillary business, the Company also offers certain services primarily relating to its Towers segment, predominately consisting of (1) site development services primarily relating to existing or new tenant equipment installations, including: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, or zoning and permitting (collectively, "site development services") and (2) tenant equipment installation or subsequent augmentations (collectively, "installation services"). The Company operates as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Company has certain taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). See note 6. Approximately 53% of the Company's towers are leased or subleased or operated and managed under master leases, subleases, and other agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile, including agreements assumed by T-Mobile following its merger with Sprint, completed on April 1, 2020. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the end of their respective lease terms. The Company has no obligation to exercise such purchase options. Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to state fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at March 31, 2021, the condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the condensed consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies No accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 had a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted No new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenues (Notes)

Revenues (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	Revenues Site rental revenues The Company generates site rental revenues from its core business by providing tenants with access, including space or capacity, to its shared communications infrastructure via long-term tenant contracts in various forms, including lease, license, sublease and service agreements. Providing such access over the length of the tenant contract term represents the Company’s sole performance obligation under its tenant contracts. Site rental revenues from the Company's tenant contracts are recognized on a straight-line, ratable basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant tenant contract, which generally ranges from five to 15 years for wireless tenants and three to 20 years for the Company's fiber solutions tenants (including from organizations with high-bandwidth and multi-location demands), regardless of whether the payments from the tenant are received in equal monthly amounts during the life of the tenant contract. Certain of the Company's tenant contracts contain (1) fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the CPI), (2) multiple renewal periods exercisable at the tenant's option and (3) only limited termination rights at the applicable tenant's option through the current term. 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 include current amounts of $163 million included in "Other current assets" and non-current amounts of $1.4 billion included in "Deferred site rental receivables" as of March 31, 2021. Amounts billed or received prior to being earned are deferred and reflected in "Deferred revenues" and "Other long-term liabilities." Amounts to which the Company has an unconditional right to payment, which are related to both satisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations, are recorded within "Receivables, net" on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. Services and other revenues As part of the Company’s effort to provide comprehensive communications infrastructure solutions, as an ancillary business, the Company offers certain services primarily relating to its Towers segment, predominately consisting of (1) site development services and (2) installation services. Upon contract commencement, the Company assesses its services to tenants and identifies performance obligations for each promise to provide a distinct service. The Company may have multiple performance obligations for site development services, which primarily include: structural analysis, zoning, permitting and construction drawings. For each of the above performance obligations, services revenues are recognized at completion of the applicable performance obligation, which represents the point at which the Company believes it has transferred goods or services to the tenant. The revenue recognized is based on an allocation of the transaction price among the performance obligations in a respective contract based on estimated standalone selling price. The volume and mix of site development services may vary among contracts and may include a combination of some or all of the above performance obligations. Payments generally are due within 45 to 60 days and generally do not contain variable-consideration provisions. The transaction price for the Company's tower installation services consists of amounts for (1) permanent improvements to the Company's towers that represent a lease component and (2) the performance of the service. Amounts under the Company's tower installation service agreements that represent a lease component are recognized as site rental revenues on a straight-line basis over the length of the associated estimated lease term. For the performance of the installation service, the Company has one performance obligation, which is satisfied at the time of the applicable installation or augmentation and recognized as services and other revenues. Since performance obligations are typically satisfied prior to receiving payment from tenants, the unconditional right to payment is recorded within "Receivables, net" on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. The vast majority of the Company’s services generally have a duration of one year or less. Additional information on revenues As of both January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021, $2.8 billion of unrecognized revenue was reported in "Deferred revenues" and "Other long-term liabilities" on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, approximately $170 million of the January 1, 2020 unrecognized revenue balance was recognized as revenue. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, approximately $160 million of the January 1, 2020 unrecognized revenue balance was recognized as revenue. The following table is a summary of the non-cancelable contracted amounts owed to the Company by tenants pursuant to tenant contracts in effect as of March 31, 2021. Nine Months Ending December 31, Years Ending December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Contracted amounts (a) $ 3,381 $ 4,228 $ 3,640 $ 2,936 $ 2,443 $ 9,979 $ 26,607 (a) Based on the nature of the contract, tenant contracts are accounted for pursuant to relevant lease accounting (ASC 842) or revenue accounting (ASC 606) guidance. Excludes amounts related to services, as those contracts generally have a duration of one year or less. See note 10 for further information regarding the Company's operating segments.

Debt and Other Obligations

Debt and Other Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]
Debt and Other Obligations	Debt and Other Obligations The table below sets forth the Company's debt and other obligations as of March 31, 2021. Original Final Maturity Date (a) Balance as of Balance as of Stated Interest Rate as of March 31, 2021 (a) 3.849% Secured Notes Dec. 2012 Apr. 2023 $ 997 $ 997 3.9 % Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2 July 2009 Aug. 2029 59 60 9.0 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1 May 2015 May 2042 (b) 299 299 3.2 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1 July 2018 July 2043 (b) 249 248 3.7 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2 May 2015 May 2045 (b) 696 695 3.7 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-2 July 2018 July 2048 (b) 743 743 4.2 % Finance leases and other obligations Various Various (c) 231 236 Various (c) Total secured debt $ 3,274 $ 3,278 2016 Revolver Jan. 2016 June 2024 $ 580 (d) $ 290 1.2 % (e) 2016 Term Loan A Jan. 2016 June 2024 (g) 1,237 2,252 1.2 % (e) Commercial Paper Notes Mar. 2021 (f) Apr. 2021 (f)(g) 40 (f) 285 0.4 % 5.250% Senior Notes Oct. 2012 Jan. 2023 (g) — 1,646 5.3 % 3.150% Senior Notes Jan. 2018 July 2023 746 746 3.2 % 3.200% Senior Notes Aug. 2017 Sept. 2024 746 745 3.2 % 1.350% Senior Notes June 2020 July 2025 495 494 1.4 % 4.450% Senior Notes Feb. 2016 Feb. 2026 895 894 4.5 % 3.700% Senior Notes May 2016 June 2026 745 745 3.7 % 1.050% Senior Notes Feb. 2021 July 2026 (g) 989 — 1.1 % 4.000% Senior Notes Feb. 2017 Mar. 2027 496 496 4.0 % 3.650% Senior Notes Aug. 2017 Sept. 2027 994 994 3.7 % 3.800% Senior Notes Jan. 2018 Feb. 2028 991 991 3.8 % 4.300% Senior Notes Feb. 2019 Feb. 2029 593 593 4.3 % 3.100% Senior Notes Aug. 2019 Nov. 2029 544 544 3.1 % 3.300% Senior Notes Apr. 2020 July 2030 737 737 3.3 % 2.250% Senior Notes June 2020 Jan. 2031 1,088 1,088 2.3 % 2.100% Senior Notes Feb. 2021 Apr. 2031 (g) 987 — 2.1 % 2.900% Senior Notes Feb. 2021 Apr. 2041 (g) 1,233 — 2.9 % 4.750% Senior Notes May 2017 May 2047 344 344 4.8 % 5.200% Senior Notes Feb. 2019 Feb. 2049 395 395 5.2 % 4.000% Senior Notes Aug. 2019 Nov. 2049 345 345 4.0 % 4.150% Senior Notes Apr. 2020 July 2050 489 489 4.2 % 3.250% Senior Notes June 2020 Jan. 2051 889 889 3.3 % Total unsecured debt $ 16,598 $ 16,002 Total debt and other obligations 19,872 19,280 Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations 159 129 Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations $ 19,713 $ 19,151 (a) See the 2020 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness. (b) If the respective series of Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to an applicable anticipated repayment date, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective Tower Revenue Notes. As of March 31, 2021, the Tower Revenue Notes have principal amounts of $300 million, $250 million, $700 million and $750 million, with anticipated repayment dates in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2028, respectively. (c) The Company's finance 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. (d) As of March 31, 2021, the undrawn availability under the 2016 Revolver was $4.4 billion. (e) Both the 2016 Revolver and 2016 Term Loan A bear interest, at our option, at either (1) LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 0.875% to 1.750% per annum or (2) an alternate base rate plus a credit spread ranging from 0.000% to 0.750% per annum, in each case, with the applicable credit spread based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating. The Company pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.125% to 0.350%, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating, per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2016 Revolver. (f) Notes under the CP Program may be issued, repaid and re-issued from time to time, with an aggregate principal amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding under the CP Program at any time not to exceed $1.0 billion. The net proceeds of the Commercial Paper Notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the Commercial Paper Notes, when outstanding, may vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The Commercial Paper Notes are issued under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par or, alternatively, can be issued at par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had net issuances of $40 million under the CP Program. At any point in time, the Company intends to maintain available commitments under its 2016 Revolver in an amount at least equal to the amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding. While any outstanding Commercial Paper Notes generally have short-term maturities, the Company classifies the outstanding issuances, when applicable, as long-term based on its ability and intent to refinance the outstanding issuances on a long-term basis. (g) In February 2021, the Company issued $3.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes ("February 2021 Senior Notes"), which consisted of (1) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.050% senior unsecured notes due July 2026, (2) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.100% senior unsecured notes due April 2031 and (3) $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.900% senior unsecured notes due April 2041. The Company used the net proceeds from the February 2021 Senior Notes offering to (1) redeem all of the outstanding 5.250% Senior Notes, (2) repay a portion of the outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (3) repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Term Loan A. Scheduled Principal Payments and Final Maturities The following are the scheduled principal payments and final maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations of the Company outstanding as of March 31, 2021, which do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes. Nine Months Ending Years Ending December 31, Unamortized Adjustments, Net Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Cash Obligations Scheduled principal payments and final maturities $ 161 $ 155 $ 1,988 $ 2,187 $ 525 $ 15,032 $ 20,048 $ (176) $ 19,872 Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Principal Amount Cash Paid (a) Gains (Losses) (b) 5.250% Senior Notes $ 1,650 $ 1,789 $ (143) Total $ 1,650 $ 1,789 $ (143) (a) Exclusive of accrued interest. (b) Inclusive of the write off of respective deferred financing costs. Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Interest expense on debt obligations $ 167 $ 174 Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt 6 5 Capitalized interest (3) (4) Total $ 170 $ 175

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value Disclosures Level in Fair Value Hierarchy March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Assets: Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 254 $ 254 $ 232 $ 232 Restricted cash, current and non-current 1 184 184 149 149 Liabilities: Total debt and other obligations 2 19,872 20,718 19,280 21,302

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company operates 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 net taxable income that is currently distributed to its stockholders. The Company also may be subject to certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on its income and assets, including (1) taxes on any undistributed income, (2) taxes related to the TRSs, (3) franchise taxes, (4) property taxes, and (5) transfer taxes. In addition, the Company could under 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 of 1986, as amended, to maintain qualification for taxation as a REIT. The Company's TRS assets and operations 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) are 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate predominately due to the Company's REIT status, including the dividends paid deduction.

Per Share Information

Per Share Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Per Share Information	Per Share InformationBasic 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, diluted net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share, is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable upon (1) the vesting of restricted stock units as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) conversion of the Company's previously outstanding 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, as applicable, as determined under the if-converted method. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 121 $ 185 Dividends on preferred stock — (28) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders for basic and diluted computations $ 121 $ 157 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (63) $ — Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders $ 58 $ 157 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in millions): Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding 432 416 Effect of assumed dilution from potential issuance of common shares relating to restricted stock units 1 2 Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 433 418 Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share: Income (loss) from continuing operations, basic $ 0.28 $ 0.38 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, basic (0.15) — Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—basic $ 0.13 $ 0.38 Income (loss) from continuing operations, diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.38 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, diluted (0.15) — Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.38 Dividends/distributions declared per share of common stock $ 1.33 $ 1.20 Dividends/distributions declared per share of preferred stock $ — $ 17.1875 During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted one million restricted stock units to the Company's executives and certain other employees pursuant to its 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, approximately 14.5 million common share equivalents related to the previously outstanding 6.875% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock were excluded from the dilutive common shares because the impact of such conversion would be anti-dilutive, based on the Company's common stock price as of March 31, 2020.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Shareholder Litigation In February and March 2020, putative securities class action suits were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against the Company and certain of its current officers. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired stock of the Company between February 26, 2018 and February 26, 2020. The allegations concern allegedly false or misleading statements or other alleged failures to disclose information about the Company's business, operations and prospects. The plaintiffs seek monetary damages and the award of the plaintiffs' costs and expenses incurred. In December 2020, the cases were consolidated as In re Crown Castle International Corp. Securities Litigation , No. 2:20-cv-02156 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Company is currently unable to determine the likelihood of an outcome or estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any. The Company believes the putative class action is without merit and intends to defend itself vigorously. During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, against the Company's then-current directors and certain of its current officers and the Company as a nominal defendant. Each complaint alleges, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and false or misleading statements. The derivative plaintiffs seek, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, costs and expenses, restitution from the defendants, and an order requiring the Company to implement certain corporate governance reforms. As a nominal defendant, no monetary relief is sought against the Company itself. In June 2020, the derivative lawsuits were consolidated as In re Crown Castle International Corp. Derivative Litigation , C.A. No. 20-00606-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The consolidated derivative action is currently stayed pending the resolution of any motion to dismiss In re Crown Castle International Corp. Securities Litigation in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Durham Lawsuits The Company has received notices of claims and has been named as one of several defendants in lawsuits stemming from an April 2019 gas leak explosion in Durham, North Carolina, which occurred near an area where the Company's subcontractors were installing fiber. The explosion resulted in two fatalities, physical injuries (some of which were serious), and property damage to surrounding buildings and businesses. Currently, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an outcome or estimate a range of possible losses, if any, related to these lawsuits. New York State Department of Transportation In 2019, the State of New York passed legislation authorizing the Department of Transportation ("NYSDOT") to enter into agreements with any fiber provider for the use and occupancy of the state right-of-way for fiber optic lines. The legislation authorizes the NYSDOT to charge a fee of up to fair market value for such use and occupancy. To date, the Company has paid fees relating to newly deployed fiber lines but has not been required to pay, and has not recognized any costs in connection with, any fees relating to previously deployed fiber lines. The Company believes that the legislation violates both federal and state law and is evaluating its legal options regarding any use and occupancy fees that may be assessed on previously deployed fiber. Currently, the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an outcome or reasonably estimate the amount of fees, if any, that it may be required to pay as a result of the legislation. Other Matters

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Declaration and Payment of Dividends During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the following dividends/distributions were declared or paid: Equity Type Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividends Per Share Aggregate Common Stock February 18, 2021 March 15, 2021 March 31, 2021 $ 1.33 $ 581 (a) (a) Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units, which will be paid when and if the restricted stock units vest. Purchases of the Company's Common Stock For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company purchased 0.4 million shares of its common stock utilizing $67 million in cash. The shares of common stock purchased relate to shares withheld in connection with the payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of restricted stock units. 2018 "At-the-Market" Stock Offering Program The Company previously maintained an "at-the-market" stock offering program through which it had the right to issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million ("2018 ATM Program"). The Company terminated its previously outstanding 2018 ATM Program in March 2021 with the entire gross sales price of $750 million remaining unsold. 2021 "At-the-Market" Stock Offering Program In March 2021, the Company established a new "at-the-market" stock offering program through which it may issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750 million ("2021 ATM Program"). Sales under the 2021 ATM Program may be made by means of ordinary brokers' transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or, subject to the Company's specific instructions, at negotiated prices. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from any sales under the 2021 ATM Program for general corporate purposes, which may include (1) the funding of future acquisitions or investments or (2) the repayment or repurchase of any outstanding indebtedness. The Company has not sold any shares of common stock under the 2021 ATM Program.

Operating Segments

Operating Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments	Operating Segments The Company's operating segments consist of (1) Towers and (2) Fiber. The Towers segment provides access, including space or capacity, to the Company's approximately 40,000 towers geographically dispersed throughout the U.S. The Towers segment also reflects certain ancillary services relating to the Company's towers, predominately consisting of site development services and installation services. The Fiber segment provides access, including space or capacity, to the Company's approximately 80,000 route miles of fiber primarily supporting small cell networks and fiber solutions geographically dispersed throughout the U.S. The measurements of profit or loss used by the Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the performance of its operating segments are (1) segment site rental gross margin, (2) segment services and other gross margin and (3) segment operating profit. The Company defines segment site rental gross margin as segment site rental revenues less segment site rental cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in consolidated cost of operations. The Company defines segment services and other gross margin as segment services and other revenues less segment services and other cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense recorded in consolidated cost of operations. The Company defines segment operating profit as segment site rental gross margin plus segment services and other gross margin, and segment other operating (income) expense, less selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the respective segment. All of these measurements of profit or loss are exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion, which are shown separately. The following tables set forth the Company's segment operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Costs that are directly attributable to Towers and Fiber are assigned to those respective segments. Additionally, certain costs are shared across segments and are reflected in the Company's segment measures through allocations that management believes to be reasonable. The "Other" column (1) represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as 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, gains (losses) on foreign currency swaps, interest income, other income (expense), income (loss) from discontinued operations, and stock-based compensation expense, and (2) reconciles segment operating profit to income (loss) before income taxes, as the amounts are not utilized in assessing each segment’s performance. The "Other" total assets balance includes corporate assets such as cash and cash equivalents which have not been allocated to specific segments. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company's operating segments. Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Segment site rental revenues $ 895 $ 474 $ 1,369 $ 867 $ 443 $ 1,310 Segment services and other revenues 111 5 116 108 3 111 Segment revenues 1,006 479 1,485 975 446 1,421 Segment site rental cost of operations 212 161 373 214 152 366 Segment services and other cost of operations 76 3 79 95 2 97 Segment cost of operations (a)(b) 288 164 452 309 154 463 Segment site rental gross margin 683 313 996 653 291 944 Segment services and other gross margin 35 2 37 13 1 14 Segment selling, general and administrative expenses (b) 25 45 70 24 51 75 Segment operating profit (loss) 693 270 963 642 241 883 Other selling, general and administrative expenses $ 66 66 $ 70 70 Stock-based compensation expense 33 33 36 36 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 408 408 399 399 Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 170 170 175 175 Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes (c) 158 158 13 13 Income (loss) before income taxes $ 128 $ 190 Capital expenditures $ 51 $ 237 $ 14 $ 302 $ 105 $ 328 $ 14 $ 447 Total assets (at period end) $ 22,080 $ 15,771 $ 901 $ 38,752 $ 22,234 $ 15,520 $ 862 $ 38,616 (a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately. (b) Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation of $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million for both of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $28 million and $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent EventsOn April 26, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with the ATO to pay approximately $63 million (A$83 million) to settle the previously-disclosed outstanding audit of the Australian tax consequences of the Company’s 2015 sale of Crown Castle Australia Holdings Pty Ltd ("CCAL"), formerly a 77.6% owned Australian subsidiary of the Company ("ATO Settlement"). The sale of CCAL generated approximately $1.2 billion in net proceeds to the Company, and resulted in a gain from the disposal of discontinued operations of $979 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.The ATO Settlement was reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company recognized the ATO settlement as a charge within discontinued operations in its condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as this amount represents a reduction to the gain from the disposal of discontinued operations previously reported during the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, the ATO Settlement was recorded within "Other accrued liabilities" on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent accounting prounouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements No accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 had a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted No new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted are expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenues (Tables)

Revenues (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Contractual Revenue	The following table is a summary of the non-cancelable contracted amounts owed to the Company by tenants pursuant to tenant contracts in effect as of March 31, 2021. Nine Months Ending December 31, Years Ending December 31, 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Contracted amounts (a) $ 3,381 $ 4,228 $ 3,640 $ 2,936 $ 2,443 $ 9,979 $ 26,607 (a) Based on the nature of the contract, tenant contracts are accounted for pursuant to relevant lease accounting (ASC 842) or revenue accounting (ASC 606) guidance. Excludes amounts related to services, as those contracts generally have a duration of one year or less.

Debt and Other Obligations (Tab

Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	The table below sets forth the Company's debt and other obligations as of March 31, 2021. Original Final Maturity Date (a) Balance as of Balance as of Stated Interest Rate as of March 31, 2021 (a) 3.849% Secured Notes Dec. 2012 Apr. 2023 $ 997 $ 997 3.9 % Secured Notes, Series 2009-1, Class A-2 July 2009 Aug. 2029 59 60 9.0 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-1 May 2015 May 2042 (b) 299 299 3.2 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-1 July 2018 July 2043 (b) 249 248 3.7 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2015-2 May 2015 May 2045 (b) 696 695 3.7 % Tower Revenue Notes, Series 2018-2 July 2018 July 2048 (b) 743 743 4.2 % Finance leases and other obligations Various Various (c) 231 236 Various (c) Total secured debt $ 3,274 $ 3,278 2016 Revolver Jan. 2016 June 2024 $ 580 (d) $ 290 1.2 % (e) 2016 Term Loan A Jan. 2016 June 2024 (g) 1,237 2,252 1.2 % (e) Commercial Paper Notes Mar. 2021 (f) Apr. 2021 (f)(g) 40 (f) 285 0.4 % 5.250% Senior Notes Oct. 2012 Jan. 2023 (g) — 1,646 5.3 % 3.150% Senior Notes Jan. 2018 July 2023 746 746 3.2 % 3.200% Senior Notes Aug. 2017 Sept. 2024 746 745 3.2 % 1.350% Senior Notes June 2020 July 2025 495 494 1.4 % 4.450% Senior Notes Feb. 2016 Feb. 2026 895 894 4.5 % 3.700% Senior Notes May 2016 June 2026 745 745 3.7 % 1.050% Senior Notes Feb. 2021 July 2026 (g) 989 — 1.1 % 4.000% Senior Notes Feb. 2017 Mar. 2027 496 496 4.0 % 3.650% Senior Notes Aug. 2017 Sept. 2027 994 994 3.7 % 3.800% Senior Notes Jan. 2018 Feb. 2028 991 991 3.8 % 4.300% Senior Notes Feb. 2019 Feb. 2029 593 593 4.3 % 3.100% Senior Notes Aug. 2019 Nov. 2029 544 544 3.1 % 3.300% Senior Notes Apr. 2020 July 2030 737 737 3.3 % 2.250% Senior Notes June 2020 Jan. 2031 1,088 1,088 2.3 % 2.100% Senior Notes Feb. 2021 Apr. 2031 (g) 987 — 2.1 % 2.900% Senior Notes Feb. 2021 Apr. 2041 (g) 1,233 — 2.9 % 4.750% Senior Notes May 2017 May 2047 344 344 4.8 % 5.200% Senior Notes Feb. 2019 Feb. 2049 395 395 5.2 % 4.000% Senior Notes Aug. 2019 Nov. 2049 345 345 4.0 % 4.150% Senior Notes Apr. 2020 July 2050 489 489 4.2 % 3.250% Senior Notes June 2020 Jan. 2051 889 889 3.3 % Total unsecured debt $ 16,598 $ 16,002 Total debt and other obligations 19,872 19,280 Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations 159 129 Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations $ 19,713 $ 19,151 (a) See the 2020 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness. (b) If the respective series of Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to an applicable anticipated repayment date, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective Tower Revenue Notes. As of March 31, 2021, the Tower Revenue Notes have principal amounts of $300 million, $250 million, $700 million and $750 million, with anticipated repayment dates in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2028, respectively. (c) The Company's finance 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. (d) As of March 31, 2021, the undrawn availability under the 2016 Revolver was $4.4 billion. (e) Both the 2016 Revolver and 2016 Term Loan A bear interest, at our option, at either (1) LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 0.875% to 1.750% per annum or (2) an alternate base rate plus a credit spread ranging from 0.000% to 0.750% per annum, in each case, with the applicable credit spread based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating. The Company pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.125% to 0.350%, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating, per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2016 Revolver. (f) Notes under the CP Program may be issued, repaid and re-issued from time to time, with an aggregate principal amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding under the CP Program at any time not to exceed $1.0 billion. The net proceeds of the Commercial Paper Notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the Commercial Paper Notes, when outstanding, may vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The Commercial Paper Notes are issued under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par or, alternatively, can be issued at par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had net issuances of $40 million under the CP Program. At any point in time, the Company intends to maintain available commitments under its 2016 Revolver in an amount at least equal to the amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding. While any outstanding Commercial Paper Notes generally have short-term maturities, the Company classifies the outstanding issuances, when applicable, as long-term based on its ability and intent to refinance the outstanding issuances on a long-term basis. (g) In February 2021, the Company issued $3.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes ("February 2021 Senior Notes"), which consisted of (1) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.050% senior unsecured notes due July 2026, (2) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.100% senior unsecured notes due April 2031 and (3) $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.900% senior unsecured notes due April 2041. The Company used the net proceeds from the February 2021 Senior Notes offering to (1) redeem all of the outstanding 5.250% Senior Notes, (2) repay a portion of the outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (3) repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Term Loan A.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following are the scheduled principal payments and final maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations of the Company outstanding as of March 31, 2021, which do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes. Nine Months Ending Years Ending December 31, Unamortized Adjustments, Net Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Cash Obligations Scheduled principal payments and final maturities $ 161 $ 155 $ 1,988 $ 2,187 $ 525 $ 15,032 $ 20,048 $ (176) $ 19,872
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	Purchases and Redemptions of Long-Term Debt The following is a summary of purchases and redemptions of long-term debt during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Principal Amount Cash Paid (a) Gains (Losses) (b) 5.250% Senior Notes $ 1,650 $ 1,789 $ (143) Total $ 1,650 $ 1,789 $ (143) (a) Exclusive of accrued interest. (b) Inclusive of the write off of respective deferred financing costs.
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Interest expense on debt obligations $ 167 $ 174 Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt 6 5 Capitalized interest (3) (4) Total $ 170 $ 175

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	Level in Fair Value Hierarchy March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Assets: Cash and cash equivalents 1 $ 254 $ 254 $ 232 $ 232 Restricted cash, current and non-current 1 184 184 149 149 Liabilities: Total debt and other obligations 2 19,872 20,718 19,280 21,302

Per Share Information (Tables)

Per Share Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 121 $ 185 Dividends on preferred stock — (28) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to CCIC common stockholders for basic and diluted computations $ 121 $ 157 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (63) $ — Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders $ 58 $ 157 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in millions): Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding 432 416 Effect of assumed dilution from potential issuance of common shares relating to restricted stock units 1 2 Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 433 418 Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per common share: Income (loss) from continuing operations, basic $ 0.28 $ 0.38 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, basic (0.15) — Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—basic $ 0.13 $ 0.38 Income (loss) from continuing operations, diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.38 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, diluted (0.15) — Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders—diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.38 Dividends/distributions declared per share of common stock $ 1.33 $ 1.20 Dividends/distributions declared per share of preferred stock $ — $ 17.1875

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends Declared	Declaration and Payment of Dividends During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the following dividends/distributions were declared or paid: Equity Type Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividends Per Share Aggregate Common Stock February 18, 2021 March 15, 2021 March 31, 2021 $ 1.33 $ 581 (a) (a) Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units, which will be paid when and if the restricted stock units vest.

Operating Segments Operating Se

Operating Segments Operating Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Towers Fiber Other Consolidated Segment site rental revenues $ 895 $ 474 $ 1,369 $ 867 $ 443 $ 1,310 Segment services and other revenues 111 5 116 108 3 111 Segment revenues 1,006 479 1,485 975 446 1,421 Segment site rental cost of operations 212 161 373 214 152 366 Segment services and other cost of operations 76 3 79 95 2 97 Segment cost of operations (a)(b) 288 164 452 309 154 463 Segment site rental gross margin 683 313 996 653 291 944 Segment services and other gross margin 35 2 37 13 1 14 Segment selling, general and administrative expenses (b) 25 45 70 24 51 75 Segment operating profit (loss) 693 270 963 642 241 883 Other selling, general and administrative expenses $ 66 66 $ 70 70 Stock-based compensation expense 33 33 36 36 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 408 408 399 399 Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs 170 170 175 175 Other (income) expenses to reconcile to income (loss) before income taxes (c) 158 158 13 13 Income (loss) before income taxes $ 128 $ 190 Capital expenditures $ 51 $ 237 $ 14 $ 302 $ 105 $ 328 $ 14 $ 447 Total assets (at period end) $ 22,080 $ 15,771 $ 901 $ 38,752 $ 22,234 $ 15,520 $ 862 $ 38,616 (a) Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately. (b) Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation of $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million for both of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $28 million and $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

General Business (Details)

General Business (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO or AT&T [Member]
Purchase Option, Percentage of Towers	53.00%

Revenues (Details)

Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue Recognition Non-cancelable Lease Term for Wireless Tenants		five to 15 years
Revenue Recognition for Fiber Solutions Tenants		three to 20 years
Deferred site rental receivables		$ 1,389		$ 1,408
Revenue, Performance Obligation, Description of Payment Terms		45 to 60 days
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount		$ 2,800		$ 2,800
Revenue Recognized on Deferred Revenues		170	$ 160
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, remaining nine months	[1]	3,381
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, in Two Years	[1]	4,228
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, in Three Years	[1]	3,640
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, in Four Years	[1]	2,936
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, in Five Years	[1]	2,443
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, Thereafter	[1]	9,979
Contracted Amounts Receivable from Customers, Total	[1]	26,607
Other Current Assets [Member]
Deferred site rental receivables		163
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Deferred site rental receivables		$ 1,400
[1]	Based on the nature of the contract, tenant contracts are accounted for pursuant to relevant lease accounting (ASC 842) or revenue accounting (ASC 606) guidance. Excludes amounts related to services, as those contracts generally have a duration of one year or less.

Debt and Other Obligations (Ind

Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 19,872		$ 19,280
Less: current maturities of debt and other obligations		159		129
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations		19,713		19,151
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.222% due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		300
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.663% due 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		700
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 3.720% due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		250
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 4.241% due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 750
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt July 2018 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease)		5.00%
2016 Revolver [Member] | Bank Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1],[2]	1.20%
Finance Lease Obligations and Other [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[3]	$ 231		236
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 5.250% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	5.30%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[4]	$ 0		1,646
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 4.450% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.50%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 895		894
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 4.000% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.00%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 496		496
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 4.750% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.80%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 344		344
High Yield Bonds [Member] | August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.200% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 746		745
High Yield Bonds [Member] | June 2020 Senior Unsecured 1.350% Notes [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	1.40%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 495		494
High Yield Bonds [Member] | August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.650% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.70%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 994		994
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 3.150% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 746		746
High Yield Bonds [Member] | 3.800% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.80%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 991		991
High Yield Bonds [Member] | February 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.300% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.30%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 593		593
High Yield Bonds [Member] | February 2019 Senior Unsecured 5.200% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	5.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 395		395
High Yield Bonds [Member] | August 2019 Senior Unsecured 3.100% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.10%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 544		544
High Yield Bonds [Member] | August 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.000% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.00%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 345		345
High Yield Bonds [Member] | April 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.300% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.30%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 737		737
High Yield Bonds [Member] | June 2020 Senior Unsecured 2.250% Notes [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	2.30%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 1,088		1,088
High Yield Bonds [Member] | April 2020 Senior Unsecured 4.150% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 489		489
High Yield Bonds [Member] | June 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.250% Notes [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.30%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 889		889
High Yield Bonds [Member] | February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	2.10%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[4]	$ 987		0
High Yield Bonds [Member] | February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	2.90%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[4]	$ 1,233		0
High Yield Bonds [Member] | February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	1.10%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[4]	$ 989		0
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.7% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.70%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 745		745
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		16,598		16,002
Securitized Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 3,274		3,278
Securitized Debt [Member] | 2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.222% due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[5]	$ 299		299
Securitized Debt [Member] | 2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.663% due 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.70%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[5]	$ 696		695
Securitized Debt [Member] | 2018 Tower Revenue Notes 3.720% due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.70%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[5]	$ 249		248
Securitized Debt [Member] | 2018 Tower Revenue Notes 4.241% due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	4.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[5]	$ 743		743
Securitized Debt [Member] | 3.849% Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	3.90%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 997		997
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes A-2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	9.00%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 59		60
Bank Debt [Member] | 2016 Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[1],[2]	1.20%
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 1,237	[4]	2,252
Bank Debt [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	[2]	0.40%
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper - Outstanding		$ 40
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		0.75%
Maximum [Member] | Finance Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		10.00%
Maximum [Member] | Finance Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range		25 years
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Finance Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range		one year
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		1.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		0.875%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount		$ 4,400
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations		$ 580	[6]	290
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.35%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.125%
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	[7]	$ 40	[4]	$ 285
Commercial Paper - Maximum Available		$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		397 days
[1]	Both the 2016 Revolver and 2016 Term Loan A bear interest, at our option, at either (1) LIBOR plus a credit spread ranging from 0.875% to 1.750% per annum or (2) an alternate base rate plus a credit spread ranging from 0.000% to 0.750% per annum, in each case, with the applicable credit spread based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating. The Company pays a commitment fee ranging from 0.125% to 0.350%, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating, per annum on the undrawn available amount under the 2016 Revolver.
[2]	See the 2020 Form 10-K, including note 7, for additional information regarding the maturity and principal amortization provisions and interest rates relating to the Company's indebtedness.
[3]	The Company's finance 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.
[4]	In February 2021, the Company issued $3.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes ("February 2021 Senior Notes"), which consisted of (1) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.050% senior unsecured notes due July 2026, (2) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.100% senior unsecured notes due April 2031 and (3) $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.900% senior unsecured notes due April 2041. The Company used the net proceeds from the February 2021 Senior Notes offering to (1) redeem all of the outstanding 5.250% Senior Notes, (2) repay a portion of the outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and (3) repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Term Loan A.
[5]	If the respective series of Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to an applicable anticipated repayment date, then Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the respective Tower Revenue Notes. As of March 31, 2021, the Tower Revenue Notes have principal amounts of $300 million, $250 million, $700 million and $750 million, with anticipated repayment dates in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2028, respectively.
[6]	As of March 31, 2021, the undrawn availability under the 2016 Revolver was $4.4 billion.
[7]	Notes under the CP Program may be issued, repaid and re-issued from time to time, with an aggregate principal amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding under the CP Program at any time not to exceed $1.0 billion. The net proceeds of the Commercial Paper Notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The maturities of the Commercial Paper Notes, when outstanding, may vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The Commercial Paper Notes are issued under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par or, alternatively, can be issued at par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had net issuances of $40 million under the CP Program. At any point in time, the Company intends to maintain available commitments under its 2016 Revolver in an amount at least equal to the amount of Commercial Paper Notes outstanding. While any outstanding Commercial Paper Notes generally have short-term maturities, the Company classifies the outstanding issuances, when applicable, as long-term based on its ability and intent to refinance the outstanding issuances on a long-term basis.

Debt and Other Obligations (Com

Debt and Other Obligations (Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization	$ 167	$ 174
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt	6	5
Capitalized interest	(3)	(4)
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs	$ 170	$ 175

Debt and Other Obligations Cont

Debt and Other Obligations Contractual Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, remaining nine months	$ 161
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two	155
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three	1,988
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four	2,187
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five	525
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, after Year Five	15,032
Total Cash Obligations	20,048
Unamortized Adjustments, Net	(176)
Debt and Finance Lease Obligations	$ 19,872	$ 19,280

Debt and Other Obligations Exti

Debt and Other Obligations Extinguishment of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 1,650
Cash paid	[1]	1,789
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations		(143)	[2]	$ 0
5.250% Senior Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Principal amount		1,650
Cash paid	[1]	1,789
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	[2]	$ 143
[1]	Exclusive of accrued interest.
[2]	Inclusive of the write off of respective deferred financing costs.

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 254	$ 232
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	254	232
Restricted Cash	184	149
Restricted Cash Fair Value Disclosure		149
Long-term debt and other obligations, carrying amount	19,872	19,280
Long-term debt and other obligations, fair value	$ 20,718	$ 21,302

Per Share Information (Reconcil

Per Share Information (Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 121	$ 185
Dividends/distributions on preferred stock	0	(28)	[1]
Net income (loss)	58	185
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(63)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders for basic and diluted computations	$ 58	$ 157
Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding	432	416
Effect of assumed dilution from potential issuance of common shares relating to restricted stock units	1	2
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	433	418
Income (loss) from continuing operations, per share - basic	$ 0.28	$ 0.38
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, per share - basic	(0.15)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per share - basic	0.13	0.38
Income (loss) from continuing operations, per share - diluted	0.28	0.38
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, per share - diluted	(0.15)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, per share - diluted	0.13	0.38
Dividends/distributions declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	1.33	1.20
Dividends/distributions declared per share of preferred stock	$ 0	$ 17.1875
Preferred Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		14.5
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		14.5
[1]	See note 7 for information regarding common and preferred stock dividends declared per share.

Per Share Information Stock Iss

Per Share Information Stock Issued During Period, Restricted Stock Award (Details) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021shares
Restricted stock units granted [Abstract]
Restricted stock award granted	1

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitment and Contingencies (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO or AT&T [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Purchase Option, Percentage of Towers	53.00%

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid		$ 1.33
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	[1]	$ 581
Common stock repurchased during period, shares		0.4
Purchases of common stock		$ (67)	$ (73)
Availability Under ATM		$ 750
Common Stock [Member]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared		Feb. 18, 2021
Dividends Payable, Date of Record		Mar. 15, 2021
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid		Mar. 31, 2021
[1]	Inclusive of dividends accrued for holders of unvested restricted stock units, which will be paid when and if the restricted stock units vest.

Operating Segments Operating _2

Operating Segments Operating Segments Table (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Tower Count		40,000
Fiber Miles		80,000
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments		$ 5
Site Rental		1,369	$ 1,310
Services and other		116	111
Segment Revenues		1,485	1,421
Segment site rental cost of operations	[1]	381	375
Services and other	[1]	81	99
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses		164	175
Stock-based compensation expense		33	37
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net		408	399
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs		170	175
Income (loss) before income taxes		128	190
Capital expenditures		302	447
Total Assets		38,752		$ 38,768
Segments [Domain]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Site Rental		1,369	1,310
Services and other		116	111
Segment Revenues		1,485	1,421
Segment site rental cost of operations		373	366
Services and other		79	97
Segment cost of operations	[2],[3]	452	463
Segment site rental gross margin		996	944
Segment services gross margin		37	14
Segment General and Administrative Expenses [Line Items]	[3]	70	75
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses		66	70
Segment Operating Profit		963	883
Stock-based compensation expense		33	36
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net		408	399
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs		170	175
Other expenses to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	[4]	158	13
Income (loss) before income taxes		128	190
Capital expenditures		302	447
Total Assets		38,752	38,616
Segment cost of operations share-based compensation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		5	6
Towers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Site Rental		895	867
Services and other		111	108
Segment Revenues		1,006	975
Segment site rental cost of operations		212	214
Services and other		76	95
Segment cost of operations	[2],[3]	288	309
Segment site rental gross margin		683	653
Segment services gross margin		35	13
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses	[3]	25	24
Segment Operating Profit		693	642
Capital expenditures		51	105
Total Assets		22,080	22,234
Fiber [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Site Rental		474	443
Services and other		5	3
Segment Revenues		479	446
Segment site rental cost of operations		161	152
Services and other		3	2
Segment cost of operations	[2],[3]	164	154
Segment site rental gross margin		313	291
Segment services gross margin		2	1
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses	[3]	45	51
Segment Operating Profit		270	241
Capital expenditures		237	328
Total Assets		15,771	15,520
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment selling, general and administrative expenses		66	70
Segment Operating Profit
Stock-based compensation expense		33	36
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net		408	399
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs		170	175
Other expenses to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	[4]	158	13
Capital expenditures		14	14
Total Assets		901	862
Segment G&A share-based compensation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 28	$ 30
[1]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[2]	Exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately.
[3]	Segment cost of operations excludes (1) stock-based compensation of $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and (2) prepaid lease purchase price adjustments of $5 million for both of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Selling, general and administrative expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $28 million and $30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
[4]	See condensed consolidated statement of operations for further information.

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Apr. 26, 2021USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2021AUD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary					$ 1,200
Net gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax			$ (63)	$ 0	$ 979
ATO Tax Settlement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments for Taxing Authority Settlements	$ 63	$ 83