American Tower (AMT) 10-Q 27 Jul 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 20, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/
Entity Central Index Key	1,053,507
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		429,177,436

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 770,024	$ 787,161
Restricted cash	143,277	149,281
Short-term investments	1,012	4,026
Accounts receivable, net	322,060	308,369
Prepaid and other current assets	566,386	441,033
Total current assets	1,802,759	1,689,870
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	10,725,707	10,517,258
GOODWILL	5,371,165	5,070,680
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	11,728,666	11,274,611
DEFERRED TAX ASSET	213,582	195,678
DEFERRED RENT ASSET	1,407,478	1,289,530
NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS	888,853	841,523
TOTAL	32,138,210	30,879,150
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	102,726	118,666
Accrued expenses	727,966	620,563
Distributions payable	277,772	250,550
Accrued interest	154,926	157,297
Current portion of long-term obligations	1,732,035	238,806
Unearned revenue	283,486	245,387
Total current liabilities	3,278,911	1,631,269
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	17,509,937	18,294,659
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS	1,026,535	965,507
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	950,299	777,572
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES	1,171,546	1,142,723
Total liabilities	23,937,228	22,811,730
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	1,155,867	1,091,220
EQUITY:
Common stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 437,184,947 and 429,912,536 shares issued; and 429,174,983 and 427,102,510 shares outstanding, respectively	4,372	4,299
Additional paid-in capital	10,165,343	10,043,559
Distributions in excess of earnings	(989,153)	(1,076,965)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,848,803)	(1,999,332)
Treasury stock (8,009,964 and 2,810,026 shares at cost, respectively)	(849,064)	(207,740)
Total American Tower Corporation equity	6,482,709	6,763,895
Noncontrolling interests	562,406	212,305
Total equity	7,045,115	6,976,200
TOTAL	32,138,210	30,879,150
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series A
EQUITY:
Preferred stock: $.01 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized	0	60
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series B
EQUITY:
Preferred stock: $.01 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized	$ 14	$ 14

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	437,184,947	429,912,536
Common stock, shares outstanding	429,174,983	427,102,510
Treasury stock, shares	8,009,964	2,810,026
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage	5.25%	5.25%
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	6,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	6,000,000
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation value	$ 0	$ 600,000
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage	5.50%	5.50%
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,375,000	1,375,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,374,986	1,375,000
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation value	$ 1,374,986	$ 1,375,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
REVENUES:
Property	$ 1,638,175	$ 1,426,192	$ 3,232,239	$ 2,693,843
Services	24,259	16,035	46,433	37,431
Total operating revenues	1,662,434	1,442,227	3,278,672	2,731,274
Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below):
Property (including stock-based compensation expense of $645, $392, $1,300 and $899, respectively)	507,234	452,571	993,401	794,861
Services (including stock-based compensation expense of $201, $255, $424 and $406, respectively)	9,949	7,140	16,490	16,295
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	396,355	397,765	817,495	739,399
Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $24,892, $21,260, $60,236 and $48,681, respectively)	153,148	138,234	317,944	273,549
Other operating expenses	18,839	13,711	25,054	22,511
Total operating expenses	1,085,525	1,009,421	2,170,384	1,846,615
OPERATING INCOME	576,909	432,806	1,108,288	884,659
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $291, $284, $582 and $567, respectively	2,770	2,748	5,470	5,464
Interest income	8,311	6,468	18,238	10,002
Interest expense	(187,028)	(181,036)	(370,723)	(340,916)
(Loss) gain on retirement of long-term obligations	(274)	830	(55,714)	830
Other income (expense) (including unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) of $7,785, ($24,585), $35,736 and $4,777, respectively)	11,782	(25,842)	41,084	(13,634)
Total other expense	(164,439)	(196,832)	(361,645)	(338,254)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	412,470	235,974	746,643	546,405
Income tax provision	(23,980)	(43,510)	(50,743)	(72,634)
NET INCOME	388,490	192,464	695,900	473,771
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(21,439)	(4,914)	(12,769)	(11,062)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS	367,051	187,550	683,131	462,709
Dividends on preferred stock	(22,843)	(26,782)	(49,624)	(53,563)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$ 344,208	$ 160,768	$ 633,507	$ 409,146
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS:
Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 0.38	$ 1.48	$ 0.96
Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.37	$ 1.47	$ 0.95
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BASIC (in shares)	427,298	424,909	427,288	424,484
DILUTED (in shares)	430,487	429,004	430,444	428,529
DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 0.64	$ 0.53	$ 1.26	$ 1.04

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPE5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 25,738	$ 21,907	$ 61,960	$ 49,986
Interest expense	187,028	181,036	370,723	340,916
Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses)	7,785	(24,585)	35,736	4,777
TV Azteca
Interest expense	291	284	582	567
Property
Stock-based compensation expense	645	392	1,300	899
Services
Stock-based compensation expense	201	255	424	406
Selling General Administrative And Development Expense
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 24,892	$ 21,260	$ 60,236	$ 48,681

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 388,490	$ 192,464	$ 695,900	$ 473,771
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $0	(166)	(9)	(300)	65
Reclassification of unrealized gains on cash flow hedges to net income, net of tax of $0	(32)	(57)	(118)	(65)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($1,083), $2,695, $2,422 and $6,883, respectively	(54,461)	(177,966)	239,435	48,326
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(54,659)	(178,032)	239,017	48,326
Comprehensive income	333,831	14,432	934,917	522,097
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(56,094)	12,712	(101,257)	6,610
Comprehensive income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders	$ 277,737	$ 27,144	$ 833,660	$ 528,707

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Reclassification of unrealized gains on cash flow hedges to net income, tax	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,083)	$ 2,695	$ 2,422	$ 6,883

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 695,900	$ 473,771
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	817,495	739,399
Stock-based compensation expense	61,960	49,986
Loss (gain) on early retirement of long-term obligations	55,714	(830)
Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations	(50,222)	53,464
Decrease in restricted cash	5,659	12,170
Increase in net deferred rent balances	(71,470)	(34,931)
Increase in assets	(101,982)	(32,984)
Increase in liabilities	65,404	51,271
Cash provided by operating activities	1,478,458	1,311,316
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities	(371,512)	(319,427)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(857,220)	(1,216,467)
Payment for Verizon transaction	0	(4,748)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments and other non-current assets	7,196	2,601
Deposits, restricted cash, investments and other	7,025	(5,360)
Cash used for investing activities	(1,214,511)	(1,543,401)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayments of short-term borrowings, net	0	(2,843)
Borrowings under credit facilities	2,508,607	1,397,672
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	1,279,435	2,237,503
Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities, senior notes and capital leases	(3,126,661)	(2,858,415)
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interest holders, net	265,255	(503)
Purchases of common stock	(641,324)	0
Proceeds from stock options and ESPP	82,641	60,361
Distributions paid on common stock	(514,905)	(426,564)
Distributions paid on preferred stock	(53,562)	(53,563)
Payment for early retirement of long-term obligations	(61,764)	(125)
Deferred financing costs and other financing activities	(28,311)	(23,264)
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(290,589)	330,259
Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	9,505	(8,322)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(17,137)	89,852
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	787,161	320,686
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	770,024	410,538
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES (NET OF REFUNDS OF $17,264 AND $14,011, RESPECTIVELY)	60,384	50,413
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST	351,991	288,880
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses for purchases of property and equipment and construction activities	8,696	(36,083)
Purchases of property and equipment under capital leases	$ 21,980	$ 21,651

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Income tax refunds	$ 17,264	$ 14,011

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred StockPreferred Stock - Series AConvertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption	Preferred StockPreferred Stock - Series BConvertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in CapitalPreferred Stock - Series B	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 6,712,818	$ 60	$ 14	$ 4,267	$ (207,740)	$ 9,690,609		$ (1,836,996)	$ (998,535)	$ 61,139
BALANCE (shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		6,000,000	1,375,000	426,695,279	(2,810,026)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation related activity	86,780			$ 13		86,767
Stock-based compensation related activity (shares)				1,331,272
Issuance of common stock-stock purchase plan	3,847					3,847
Issuance of common stock-stock purchase plan (in shares)				44,733
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax	65							65
Reclassification of unrealized gains on cash flow hedges to net income	(65)							(65)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	48,326							65,998		(665)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	65,333
Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders	13									13
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(516)									(516)
Common stock distributions declared	(443,935)								(443,935)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(53,563)								(53,563)
Net income	473,771								462,709	6,739
BALANCE at Jun. 30, 2016	6,840,225	$ 60	$ 14	$ 4,280	$ (207,740)	9,781,223		(1,770,998)	(1,033,324)	66,710
BALANCE (shares) at Jun. 30, 2016		6,000,000	1,375,000	428,071,284	(2,810,026)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	469,448
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2016	6,976,200	$ 60	$ 14	$ 4,299	$ (207,740)	10,043,559		(1,999,332)	(1,076,965)	212,305
BALANCE (shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		6,000,000	1,375,000	429,912,536	(2,810,026)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation related activity	117,248			$ 16		117,232
Stock-based compensation related activity (shares)				1,617,075
Issuance of common stock-stock purchase plan	4,555			$ 1		4,554
Issuance of common stock-stock purchase plan (in shares)				53,062
Conversion of preferred stock	(6)	$ (60)	$ 0	$ 56			$ (2)
Conversion of preferred stock (shares)		(6,000,000)	(14)	5,602,274
Treasury stock activity	(641,324)				$ (641,324)
Treasury stock activity (in shares)					(5,199,938)
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax	(300)							(300)
Reclassification of unrealized gains on cash flow hedges to net income	(118)							(118)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	239,435							150,947		32,710
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	183,657
Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders	314,059									314,059
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(568)									(568)
Common stock distributions declared	(541,757)								(541,757)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(53,562)								(53,562)
Net income	695,900								683,131	3,900
BALANCE at Jun. 30, 2017	7,045,115	$ 0	$ 14	$ 4,372	$ (849,064)	$ 10,165,343		$ (1,848,803)	$ (989,153)	$ 562,406
BALANCE (shares) at Jun. 30, 2017		0	1,374,986	437,184,947	(8,009,964)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	$ 687,031

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES American Tower Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “ATC” or the “Company”) is one of the largest global real estate investment trusts and a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate. The Company’s primary business is the leasing of space on communications sites to wireless service providers, radio and television broadcast companies, wireless data providers, government agencies and municipalities and tenants in a number of other industries. The Company refers to this business as its property operations. Additionally, the Company offers tower-related services in the United States, which the Company refers to as its services operations. These services include site acquisition, zoning and permitting and structural analysis, which primarily support the Company’s site leasing business, including the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites. The Company’s portfolio primarily consists of towers it owns and towers it operates pursuant to long-term lease arrangements, as well as distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks, which provide seamless coverage solutions in certain in-building and certain outdoor wireless environments. In addition to the communications sites in its portfolio, the Company manages rooftop and tower sites for property owners under various contractual arrangements. The Company also holds other telecommunications infrastructure and property interests that it leases to communications service providers and third-party tower operators. American Tower Corporation is a holding company that conducts its operations through its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries and its joint ventures. ATC’s principal domestic operating subsidiaries are American Towers LLC and SpectraSite Communications, LLC. ATC conducts its international operations primarily through its subsidiary, American Tower International, Inc., which in turn conducts operations through its various international holding and operating subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Company operates as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“REIT”). Accordingly, the Company generally is not subject to U.S. federal income taxes on income generated by its REIT operations, including the income derived from leasing space on its towers, as it receives a dividends paid deduction for distributions to stockholders that generally offsets its REIT income and gains. However, the Company remains obligated to pay U.S. federal income taxes on earnings from its domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). In addition, the Company’s international assets and operations, regardless of their designation for U.S. tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted. The use of TRSs enables the Company to continue to engage in certain businesses while complying with REIT qualification requirements. The Company may, from time to time, change the election of previously designated TRSs to be included as part of the REIT. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company’s REIT-qualified businesses included its U.S. tower leasing business, most of its operations in Costa Rica, Germany and Mexico and a majority of its indoor DAS networks business and services segment. The accompanying consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial information included herein is unaudited. However, the Company believes that all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position and results of operations for such periods have been included herein. The consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “ 2016 Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation —The accompanying consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities in which it has a controlling interest. Investments in entities that the Company does not control are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending upon the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company holds a 51% controlling interest, and MTN Group Limited holds a 49% interest, in each of two joint ventures, one in Ghana and one in Uganda. The Company holds a 51% controlling interest, and PGGM holds a 49% noncontrolling interest, in a joint venture (“ATC Europe”) in Europe. In addition, the Company holds an approximate 75% controlling interest, and the South African investors hold an approximate 25% noncontrolling interest, in a subsidiary of the Company in South Africa. In India, the Company holds a 51% controlling interest in ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited (“ATC TIPL”), formerly Viom Networks Limited (“Viom”). Significant Accounting Policies —The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2017 . Accounting Standards Updates —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued new guidance on revenue recognition, which requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance and will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Leases are not included in the scope of this standard. The revenue to which the Company must apply this standard is generally limited to services revenue, certain power and fuel charges and other fees charged to customers. As of June 30, 2017, this revenue was approximately 13% of total revenue. Although the Company is still assessing the impact of this standard on its financial statements, it does not expect changes in the timing of revenue recognition to be material to its financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. The guidance amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including the requirement that lessees recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than twelve months in the statement of financial position. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The standard is required to be applied using a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company (i) has established a multidisciplinary team to assess and implement the new guidance, (ii) expects the guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets due to the recording of right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases in which it is a lessee and which it currently treats as operating leases and (iii) continues to evaluate the impact of the new guidance. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on amounts described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents within the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period balances on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard is required to be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance that clarifies the definition of a business that an entity uses to determine whether a transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition (or disposal) or a business combination. The Company early adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. As a result, the Company expects that more transactions will be accounted for as asset acquisitions instead of business combinations. In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for goodwill impairments. The guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and requires, among other things, recognition of an impairment loss when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The loss recognized is limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for stock-based compensation. The guidance clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and the Company early adopted this guidance during the second quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSET

PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Prepaid and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Prepaid operating ground leases $ 148,744 $ 134,167 Prepaid income tax 130,341 127,142 Unbilled receivables 131,831 57,661 Prepaid assets 51,190 36,300 Value added tax and other consumption tax receivables 23,500 31,570 Other miscellaneous current assets 80,780 54,193 Prepaids and other current assets $ 566,386 $ 441,033

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for each of the Company’s business segments were as follows (in thousands): Property Services Total U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America Balance as of January 1, 2017 $ 3,379,163 $ 1,029,313 $ 150,511 $ 509,705 $ 1,988 $ 5,070,680 Additions and adjustments (1) — 400 224,270 49 — 224,719 Effect of foreign currency translation — 53,285 21,358 1,123 — 75,766 Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ 3,379,163 $ 1,082,998 $ 396,139 $ 510,877 $ 1,988 $ 5,371,165 _______________ (1) Balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments. The Company’s other intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following: As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Estimated Useful Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value (years) (in thousands) Acquired network location intangibles (1) Up to 20 $ 4,854,128 $ (1,404,464 ) $ 3,449,664 $ 4,622,316 $ (1,280,284 ) $ 3,342,032 Acquired tenant-related intangibles 15-20 10,737,949 (2,491,418 ) 8,246,531 10,130,466 (2,224,119 ) 7,906,347 Acquired licenses and other intangibles 3-20 36,576 (7,411 ) 29,165 28,140 (4,827 ) 23,313 Economic Rights, TV Azteca 70 15,925 (12,619 ) 3,306 13,893 (10,974 ) 2,919 Total other intangible assets $ 15,644,578 $ (3,915,912 ) $ 11,728,666 $ 14,794,815 $ (3,520,204 ) $ 11,274,611 _______________ (1) Acquired network location intangibles are amortized over the shorter of the term of the corresponding ground lease taking into consideration lease renewal options and residual value or up to 20 years, as the Company considers these intangibles to be directly related to the tower assets. The acquired network location intangibles represent the value to the Company of the incremental revenue growth that could potentially be obtained from leasing the excess capacity on acquired communications sites. The acquired tenant-related intangibles typically represent the value to the Company of tenant contracts and relationships in place at the time of an acquisition or similar transaction, including assumptions regarding estimated renewals. The Company amortizes its acquired network location intangibles and tenant-related intangibles on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. As of June 30, 2017 , the remaining weighted average amortization period of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding the TV Azteca Economic Rights detailed in note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K, was 16 years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 was $192.2 million and $375.4 million , respectively, and amortization of intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was $185.3 million and $337.1 million , respectively. Based on current exchange rates, the Company expects to record amortization expense as follows over the remaining current year and the five subsequent years (in millions): Fiscal Year Remainder of 2017 $ 376.1 2018 750.4 2019 747.3 2020 728.5 2021 719.1 2022 714.1

ACCRUED EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
ACCRUED EXPENSES	ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accrued property and real estate taxes $ 161,404 $ 138,361 Payroll and related withholdings 57,921 76,141 Accrued rent 50,855 50,951 Amounts payable to tenants 39,508 32,326 Accrued construction costs 29,119 28,587 Accrued income tax payable 20,898 11,551 Other accrued expenses 368,261 282,646 Total accrued expenses $ 727,966 $ 620,563

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Outstanding amounts under the Company’s long-term obligations, reflecting discounts, premiums, debt issuance costs and fair value adjustments due to interest rate swaps consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Maturity Date 2013 Credit Facility (1) $ 853,419 $ 539,975 June 28, 2020 Term Loan (1) 994,760 993,936 January 31, 2022 2014 Credit Facility (1) 1,180,000 1,385,000 January 31, 2022 4.500% senior notes (2) 999,301 998,676 January 15, 2018 3.40% senior notes 999,781 999,716 February 15, 2019 7.25% senior notes — 297,032 N/A 2.800% senior notes 745,628 744,917 June 1, 2020 5.050% senior notes 697,684 697,352 September 1, 2020 3.300% senior notes 745,358 744,762 February 15, 2021 3.450% senior notes 644,454 643,848 September 15, 2021 5.900% senior notes 497,584 497,343 November 1, 2021 2.250% senior notes 576,621 572,764 January 15, 2022 4.70% senior notes 696,355 696,013 March 15, 2022 3.50% senior notes 990,066 989,269 January 31, 2023 5.00% senior notes 1,002,582 1,002,742 February 15, 2024 1.375% senior notes 559,995 — April 4, 2025 4.000% senior notes 740,491 739,985 June 1, 2025 4.400% senior notes 495,428 495,212 February 15, 2026 3.375% senior notes 984,093 983,369 October 15, 2026 3.125% senior notes 396,853 396,713 January 15, 2027 3.55% senior notes 742,503 — July 15, 2027 Total American Tower Corporation debt 15,542,956 14,418,624 Series 2013-1A securities (3) 499,233 498,642 March 15, 2018 Series 2013-2A securities (4) 1,291,056 1,290,267 March 15, 2023 Series 2015-1 notes (5) 347,532 347,108 June 15, 2020 Series 2015-2 notes (6) 519,767 519,437 June 16, 2025 2012 GTP notes (7) — 179,459 N/A Unison notes (7) — 132,960 N/A India indebtedness (8) 505,664 549,528 Various India preference shares (9) 25,808 24,537 March 2, 2020 Shareholder loans (10) 102,752 151,045 Various Other subsidiary debt (1) (11) 265,546 286,009 Various Total American Tower subsidiary debt 3,557,358 3,978,992 Other debt, including capital lease obligations 141,658 135,849 Total 19,241,972 18,533,465 Less current portion of long-term obligations (1,732,035 ) (238,806 ) Long-term obligations $ 17,509,937 $ 18,294,659 _______________ (1) Accrues interest at a variable rate. (2) On June 30, 2017, the Company delivered notice of its election to call for redemption all of its outstanding 4.500% senior unsecured notes due 2018 (the “ 4.500% Notes”). The 4.500% Notes will be redeemed at a price equal to the principal amount of the 4.500% Notes plus a make-whole premium calculated pursuant to the terms of the 4.500% Notes indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the redemption date, which has been set for July 31, 2017. (3) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is March 15, 2043. (4) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is March 15, 2048. (5) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is June 15, 2045. (6) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is June 15, 2050. (7) Repaid in full on February 15, 2017. (8) Denominated in Indian Rupees (“INR”). Debt includes India working capital facility, remaining debt assumed by the Company in connection with the Viom Acquisition (as defined in note 9) and debt that has been entered into by ATC TIPL. (9) Mandatorily redeemable preference shares (the “Preference Shares”) classified as debt. On March 2, 2017, ATC TIPL issued the Preference Shares and used the proceeds to redeem the preference shares previously issued by Viom (the “Viom Preference Shares”). The Preference Shares are to be redeemed on March 2, 2020 and have a dividend rate of 10.25% per annum. (10) Reflects balances owed to the Company’s joint venture partners in Ghana and Uganda. The Ghana loan is denominated in Ghanaian Cedi and the Uganda loan is denominated in Ugandan Shillings (“UGX”). Effective January 1, 2017, the Uganda loan, which had an outstanding balance of $80.0 million and accrued interest at a variable rate, was converted by the holder to a new shareholder note for 114.5 billion UGX ( $31.8 million at the time of conversion), bearing interest at a fixed rate of 16.8% per annum. The remaining balance of the Uganda loan was converted into equity. (11) Includes the BR Towers debentures, which are denominated in Brazilian Reais (“BRL”) and amortize through October 15, 2023, the South African credit facility, which is denominated in South African Rand and amortizes through December 17, 2020, the Colombian credit facility, which is denominated in Colombian Pesos and amortizes through April 24, 2021 and the Brazil credit facility, which is denominated in BRL and matures on January 15, 2022. Current portion of long-term obligations— The Company’s current portion of long-term obligations primarily includes (i) $999.3 million under the 4.500% Notes, (ii) $499.2 million under the Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A and (iii) 10.6 billion INR ( $164.2 million ) of India indebtedness. Securitized Debt— Cash flows generated by the sites that secure the securitized debt of the Company are only available for payment of such debt and are not available to pay the Company’s other obligations or the claims of its creditors. However, subject to certain restrictions, the Company holds the right to receive the excess cash flows not needed to pay the securitized debt and other obligations arising out of the securitizations. The securitized debt is the obligation of the issuers thereof or borrowers thereunder, as applicable, and their subsidiaries, and not of the Company or its other subsidiaries. Senior Notes 1.375% Senior Notes Offering— On April 6, 2017, the Company completed a registered public offering of 500.0 million Euros ( $532.2 million at the date of issuance) aggregate principal amount of 1.375% senior unsecured notes due 2025 (the “ 1.375% Notes”). The net proceeds from this offering were approximately 489.8 million Euros (approximately $521.4 million at the date of issuance), after deducting commissions and estimated expenses. The Company used the net proceeds to repay existing indebtedness under its multicurrency senior unsecured revolving credit facility entered into in June 2013, as amended (the “2013 Credit Facility”), and for general corporate purposes. The 1.375% Notes will mature on April 4, 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 1.375% per annum. Accrued and unpaid interest on the 1.375% Notes will be payable in Euros in arrears on April 4 of each year, beginning on April 4, 2018. Interest on the 1.375% Notes will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the period for which interest is being calculated and the actual number of days from and including the last date on which interest was paid on the 1.375% Notes and commenced accruing on April 6, 2017. 3.55% Senior Notes Offering— On June 30, 2017, the Company completed a registered public offering of $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.55% senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the “ 3.55% Notes”). The net proceeds from this offering were approximately $741.8 million , after deducting commissions and estimated expenses. The Company used the net proceeds to repay existing indebtedness under the 2013 Credit Facility. The 3.55% Notes will mature on July 15, 2027 and bear interest at a rate of 3.55% per annum. Accrued and unpaid interest on the 3.55% Notes will be payable in U.S. Dollars semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2018. Interest on the 3.55% Notes is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months and commenced accruing on June 30, 2017. The Company may redeem each series of senior notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. If the Company redeems the 1.375% Notes on or after January 4, 2025 or the 3.55% Notes on or after April 15, 2027, it will not be required to pay a make-whole premium. In addition, if the Company undergoes a change of control and corresponding ratings decline, each as defined in the applicable supplemental indenture, it may be required to repurchase all of the applicable notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any), up to but not including the repurchase date. The notes rank equally with all of the Company’s other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of its subsidiaries. The supplemental indentures contain certain covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to merge, consolidate or sell assets and its (together with its subsidiaries’) ability to incur liens. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that the Company and its subsidiaries may incur certain liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness if the aggregate amount of such liens does not exceed 3.5 x Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the applicable supplemental indenture. Bank Facilities 2013 Credit Facility— During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company borrowed an aggregate of $2.3 billion and repaid an aggregate of $2.0 billion of revolving indebtedness under the 2013 Credit Facility. The Company used the borrowings to fund acquisitions, repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. 2014 Credit Facility— During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company borrowed an aggregate of $200.0 million and repaid an aggregate of $405.0 million of revolving indebtedness under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility entered into in January 2012 and amended and restated in September 2014, as further amended (the “2014 Credit Facility”). As of June 30, 2017 , the key terms under the 2013 Credit Facility, the 2014 Credit Facility and the Company’s unsecured term loan entered into in October 2013, as amended (the “Term Loan”), were as follows: Outstanding Principal Balance (in millions) Undrawn letters of credit (in millions) Maturity Date Current margin over LIBOR (1) Current commitment fee (2) 2013 Credit Facility $ 853.4 $ 4.6 June 28, 2020 (3) 1.250 % 0.150 % 2014 Credit Facility $ 1,180.0 $ 6.4 January 31, 2022 (3) 1.250 % 0.150 % Term Loan $ 1,000.0 $ — January 31, 2022 1.250 % N/A _______________ (1) LIBOR means the London Interbank Offered Rate. (2) Fee on undrawn portion of each credit facility. (3) Subject to two optional renewal periods. Repayment of 2012 GTP Notes and Unison Notes and Redemption of Senior Notes —On February 15, 2017, the Company repaid the $173.5 million remaining principal amount outstanding under the Secured Cellular Site Revenue Notes, Series 2012-2 Class A, Series 2012-2 Class B and Series 2012-2 Class C issued by GTP Cellular Sites, LLC, plus prepayment consideration and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company recorded a loss on retirement of long-term obligations of $1.8 million , which includes prepayment consideration of $7.2 million offset by the remaining portion of the unamortized premium. On February 15, 2017, the Company repaid the $129.0 million principal amount outstanding under the Secured Cellular Site Revenue Notes, Series 2010-2, Class C and Series 2010-2, Class F issued by Unison Ground Lease Funding, LLC, plus prepayment consideration and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company recorded a loss on retirement of long-term obligations of $14.5 million , which includes prepayment consideration of $18.3 million offset by the remaining portion of the unamortized premium. On February 10, 2017, the Company redeemed all of the outstanding 7.25% senior unsecured notes due 2019 (the “ 7.25% Notes”) at a price equal to 112.0854% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, February 10, 2017, for an aggregate redemption price of $341.4 million , including $5.1 million in accrued and unpaid interest. The Company recorded a loss on retirement of long-term obligations of $39.2 million , which includes prepayment consideration of $ 36.3 million and the remaining portion of the unamortized discount and deferred financing costs. Upon completion of the redemption, none of the 7.25% Notes remained outstanding. The repayments and the redemption were funded with borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility and cash on hand.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis —The fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured on a recurring basis at fair value were as follows (in thousands): June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Short-term investments (1) $ 1,012 — — $ 4,026 — — Interest rate swap agreements — — — — $ 3 — Embedded derivative in lease agreement — — $ 12,846 — — $ 13,290 Liabilities: Interest rate swap agreements — $ 23,025 — — $ 24,682 — Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — $ 16,126 — — $ 15,444 _______________ (1) Consists of highly liquid investments with original maturities in excess of three months. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company has made no changes to the methods described in note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K that it used to measure the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements, the embedded derivative in one of its lease agreements and acquisition-related contingent consideration. The changes in fair value during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were not material to the consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company estimated the value of all potential acquisition-related contingent consideration payments to be between zero and $47.6 million . Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Assets Held and Used —The Company’s long-lived assets are recorded at amortized cost and, if impaired, are adjusted to fair value using Level 3 inputs. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record any material asset impairment charges. There were no other items measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2017 or 2016. Fair Value of Financial Instruments —The Company’s financial instruments for which the carrying value reasonably approximates fair value at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its long-term obligations, including the current portion, are based primarily upon reported market values. For long-term debt not actively traded, fair value is estimated using either indicative price quotes or a discounted cash flow analysis using rates for debt with similar terms and maturities. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying value of long-term obligations, including the current portion, was $19.2 billion and $18.5 billion , respectively. As of June 30, 2017 , the fair value of long-term obligations, including the current portion, was $19.8 billion , of which $13.0 billion was measured using Level 1 inputs and $6.8 billion was measured using Level 2 inputs. As of December 31, 2016 , the fair value of long-term obligations, including the current portion, was $18.8 billion , of which $11.8 billion was measured using Level 1 inputs and $7.0 billion was measured using Level 2 inputs.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company provides for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on the estimated effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the full fiscal year. Cumulative adjustments to the Company’s estimate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the estimated annual ETR is determined. Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Company may deduct amounts distributed to stockholders against the income generated by its REIT operations. The Company continues to be subject to income taxes on the income of its TRSs and income taxes in foreign jurisdictions where it conducts operations. In addition, the Company is able to offset certain income by utilizing its net operating losses, subject to specified limitations. The Company provides valuation allowances if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the ETR, if recognized, were approximately $106.2 million and $102.9 million , respectively. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 includes additions to the Company’s existing tax positions of $1.9 million and $3.8 million , respectively, and foreign currency fluctuations of ($0.9 million) and $2.7 million , respectively. Unrecognized tax benefits are expected to change over the next 12 months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this time frame, as described in note 12 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K. The impact of the amount of these changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $11.5 million . The Company recorded penalties and income tax-related interest expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 of $1.0 million and $2.3 million , respectively, and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 of $2.2 million and $5.2 million , respectively. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the total amount of accrued income tax related interest and penalties included in the consolidated balance sheets was $28.1 million and $24.3 million , respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Ghana Revenue Authority issued a clarification to its income tax law, which resulted in a benefit to income tax expense of $11.6 million .

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Plans —The Company maintains equity incentive plans that provide for the grant of stock-based awards to its directors, officers and employees. The 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Plan”), provides for the grant of non-qualified and incentive stock options, as well as restricted stock units, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. Exercise prices for non-qualified and incentive stock options are not less than the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Equity awards typically vest ratably, generally over four years for time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock options and three years for performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”). Stock options generally expire ten years from the date of grant. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company had the ability to grant stock-based awards with respect to an aggregate of 8.4 million shares of common stock under the 2007 Plan. In addition, the Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) pursuant to which eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock on the last day of each bi-annual offering period at a 15% discount from the lower of the closing market value on the first or last day of such offering period. The offering periods run from June 1 through November 30 and from December 1 through May 31 of each year. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded and capitalized the following stock-based compensation expense (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense $ 25,738 $ 21,907 $ 61,960 $ 49,986 Stock-based compensation expense capitalized as property and equipment $ 444 $ 104 $ 970 $ 762 Stock Options —As of June 30, 2017 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $18.3 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years . The Company’s option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was as follows: Number of Options Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 7,269,376 Granted 6,534 Exercised (1,182,551 ) Forfeited (21,611 ) Expired — Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 6,071,748 Restricted Stock Units— As of June 30, 2017 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs granted under the 2007 Plan was $131.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years . Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units— During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s Compensation Committee granted an aggregate of 154,520 PSUs (the “2017 PSUs”) and 169,340 PSUs (the “2016 PSUs”), respectively, to its executive officers and established the performance metrics for these awards. Threshold, target and maximum parameters were established for the metrics for a three -year performance period with respect to the 2017 PSUs and the 2016 PSUs, and for each year in the three -year performance period with respect to PSUs granted to executive officers in 2015 (the “2015 PSUs”), and will be used to calculate the number of shares that will be issuable when each award vests, which may range from zero to 200% of the target amounts. At the end of each three -year performance period, the number of shares that vest will depend on the degree of achievement against the pre-established performance goals. PSUs will be paid out in common stock at the end of each performance period, subject generally to the executive’s continued employment. In the event of the executive’s death, disability or qualifying retirement, PSUs will be paid out pro rata in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement. PSUs will accrue dividend equivalents prior to vesting, which will be paid out only in respect of shares that actually vest. Restricted Stock Units and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units —The Company’s RSU and PSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was as follows: RSUs PSUs Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 (1) 1,663,743 242,757 Granted (2) 818,539 177,897 Vested (644,004 ) — Forfeited (42,668 ) — Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 1,795,610 420,654 _______________ (1) PSUs consist of the shares issuable for the 2015 PSUs at the end of the three -year performance cycle based on achievement against the performance metric for the first and second year’s performance periods and the target number of shares issuable at the end of the three -year performance period for the 2016 PSUs. (2) PSUs consist of the target number of shares issuable at the end of the three -year performance cycle attributable to the third year’s performance period for the 2015 PSUs, or 23,377 shares, and the target number of shares issuable at the end of the three -year performance cycle for the 2017 PSUs, or 154,520 shares. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company recorded $6.0 million and $11.6 million , respectively, in stock-based compensation expense for equity awards in which the performance goals had been established and were probable of being achieved. The remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards at June 30, 2017 was $32.5 million based on the Company’s current assessment of the probability of achieving the performance goals. The weighted average period over which the cost will be recognized is approximately two years .

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTER

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests —On April 21, 2016, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., acquired a 51% controlling ownership interest in Viom, a telecommunications infrastructure company that owns and operates wireless communications towers and indoor DAS networks in India (the “Viom Acquisition”). In connection with the Viom Acquisition, the Company, through one of its subsidiaries, entered into a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) with Viom and the following remaining Viom shareholders: Tata Sons Limited, Tata Teleservices Limited, IDFC Private Equity Fund III, Macquarie SBI Investments Pte Limited and SBI Macquarie Infrastructure Trust (collectively, the “Remaining Shareholders”). The Shareholders Agreement provides for, among other things, put options held by certain of the Remaining Shareholders, which allow the Remaining Shareholders to sell outstanding shares of ATC TIPL, and call options held by the Company, which allow the Company to buy the noncontrolling shares of ATC TIPL. The put options, which are not under the Company’s control, cannot be separated from the noncontrolling interests. As a result, the combination of the noncontrolling interests and the redemption feature require classification as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheet, separate from equity. Given the provisions governing the put rights, the redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded outside of permanent equity at their redemption value. The noncontrolling interests become redeemable after the passage of time, and therefore, the Company records the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interests at the greater of (i) the initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interests’ share of net income or loss and foreign currency translation adjustments, and (ii) the redemption value. If required, the Company will adjust the redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value on each balance sheet date with changes in redemption value recognized as an adjustment to Distributions in excess of earnings. The put options may be exercised, requiring the Company to purchase the Remaining Shareholders’ equity interests, on specified dates beginning April 1, 2018 through March 31, 2021. The price of the put options will be based on the fair market value of the exercising Remaining Shareholder’s interest in the Company’s India operations at the time the option is exercised. Put options held by certain of the Remaining Shareholders are subject to a floor price of 216 INR per share. The changes in Redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Balance as of January 1, 2017 $ 1,091,220 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 8,869 Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests 55,778 Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ 1,155,867

EQUITY

EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
EQUITY	EQUITY Series A Preferred St ock—In May 2014, the Company issued 6,000,000 shares of its 5.25% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). During the three months ended June 30, 2017, all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock converted at a rate of 0.9337 per share into an aggregate of 5,602,153 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Designations governing the Series A Preferred Stock. The Company paid cash in lieu of fractional shares of the Company’s common stock. These payments were recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital. On May 15, 2017, the Company paid the final dividend of $7.9 million to holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on May 1, 2017. Series B Preferred Stock —The Company has 13,749,860 depositary shares, each representing a 1/10th interest in a share of its 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) outstanding, after giving effect to the early conversion of 140 depositary shares at the option of the holder at a conversion rate of 0.8687 per depositary share in May 2017. The Company paid cash in lieu of fractional shares of the Company’s common stock. This payment was recorded as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital. The Series B Preferred Stock was issued in March 2015. Unless converted or redeemed earlier, each share of the Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert on February 15, 2018, into between 8.6870 and 10.4244 shares of the Company’s common stock, depending on the applicable market value of the Company’s common stock and subject to anti-dilution adjustments. Subject to certain restrictions, at any time prior to February 15, 2018, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock may elect to convert all or a portion of their shares into common stock at the minimum conversion rate then in effect. Dividends on shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are payable on a cumulative basis when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors at an annual rate of 5.50% on the liquidation preference of $1,000.00 per share (and, correspondingly, $100.00 per share with respect to the depositary shares) on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2015 to, and including, February 15, 2018. The Company may pay dividends in cash or, subject to certain limitations, in shares of common stock or any combination of cash and shares of common stock. The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock provide that, unless full cumulative dividends have been paid or set aside for payment on all outstanding Series B Preferred Stock for all prior dividend periods, no dividends may be declared or paid on common stock. Sales of Equity Securities —The Company receives proceeds from the sale of its equity securities pursuant to the ESPP and upon exercise of stock options granted under its equity incentive plan. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company received an aggregate of $82.6 million in proceeds upon exercises of stock options and sales pursuant to the ESPP. Stock Repurchase Program —In March 2011, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock (the “2011 Buyback”). During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company resumed the 2011 Buyback and repurchased 5,199,938 shares of its common stock thereunder for an aggregate of $641.3 million , including commissions and fees. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had repurchased a total of 11,456,842 shares of its common stock under the 2011 Buyback for an aggregate of $1.0 billion , including commissions and fees. Under the 2011 Buyback, the Company is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices in accordance with securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, the Company makes purchases pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which allows the Company to repurchase shares during periods when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. The Company expects to fund any further repurchases of its common stock through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings under its credit facilities. Purchases under the 2011 Buyback are subject to the Company having available cash to fund repurchases. Distributions —During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company declared or paid the following cash distributions: Declaration Date Payment Date Record Date Distribution per share Aggregate Payment Amount (in millions) Common Stock December 14, 2016 January 13, 2017 December 28, 2016 $ 0.58 $ 247.7 March 9, 2017 April 28, 2017 April 12, 2017 $ 0.62 $ 264.3 June 1, 2017 July 14, 2017 June 19, 2017 $ 0.64 $ 274.7 Series A Preferred Stock January 13, 2017 February 15, 2017 February 1, 2017 $ 1.3125 $ 7.9 April 13, 2017 May 15, 2017 May 1, 2017 $ 1.3125 $ 7.9 Series B Preferred Stock January 13, 2017 February 15, 2017 February 1, 2017 $ 13.75 $ 18.9 April 13, 2017 May 15, 2017 May 1, 2017 $ 13.75 $ 18.9 The Company accrues distributions on unvested restricted stock units, which are payable upon vesting. As of June 30, 2017 , the amount accrued for distributions payable related to unvested restricted stock units was $6.6 million . During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company paid $2.9 million of distributions upon the vesting of restricted stock units. To maintain its qualification for taxation as a REIT, the Company expects to continue paying distributions, the amount, timing and frequency of which will be determined, and subject to adjustment, by the Company’s Board of Directors.

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE The following table sets forth basic and diluted net income per common share computational data (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders $ 367,051 $ 187,550 $ 683,131 $ 462,709 Dividends on preferred stock (22,843 ) (26,782 ) (49,624 ) (53,563 ) Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders 344,208 160,768 633,507 409,146 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 427,298 424,909 427,288 424,484 Dilutive securities 3,189 4,095 3,156 4,045 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 430,487 429,004 430,444 428,529 Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share $ 0.81 $ 0.38 $ 1.48 $ 0.96 Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share $ 0.80 $ 0.37 $ 1.47 $ 0.95 Shares Excluded From Dilutive Effect —The following shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive (in thousands, on a weighted average basis): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Restricted stock — — — 1 Stock options 5 1,120 33 1,974 Preferred stock 14,528 17,444 16,041 17,444

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation —The Company periodically becomes involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of Company management, after consultation with counsel, there are no matters currently pending that would, in the event of an adverse outcome, materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Verizon Transaction —In March 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with various operating entities of Verizon Communications Inc. (“Verizon”) that provides for the lease, sublease or management of 11,286 wireless communications sites commencing March 27, 2015. The average term of the lease or sublease for all sites at the inception of the agreement was approximately 28 years , assuming renewals or extensions of the underlying ground leases for the sites. The Company has the option to purchase the leased sites in tranches, subject to the applicable lease, sublease or management rights upon its scheduled expiration. Each tower is assigned to an annual tranche, ranging from 2034 to 2047, which represents the outside expiration date for the sublease rights to the towers in that tranche. The purchase price for each tranche is a fixed amount stated in the lease for such tranche plus the fair market value of certain alterations made to the related towers. The aggregate purchase option price for the towers leased and subleased is approximately $5.0 billion . Verizon will occupy the sites as a tenant for an initial term of ten years with eight optional successive five -year terms; each such term shall be governed by standard master lease agreement terms established as a part of the transaction. AT&T Transaction —The Company has an agreement with SBC Communications Inc., a predecessor entity to AT&T Inc. (“AT&T”), that currently provides for the lease or sublease of approximately 2,350 towers commencing between December 2000 and August 2004. Substantially all of the towers are part of the Company’s 2013 securitization transaction. The average term of the lease or sublease for all sites at the inception of the agreement was approximately 27 years , assuming renewals or extensions of the underlying ground leases for the sites. The Company has the option to purchase the sites subject to the applicable lease or sublease upon its expiration. Each tower is assigned to an annual tranche, ranging from 2013 to 2032, which represents the outside expiration date for the sublease rights to that tower. The purchase price for each site is a fixed amount stated in the lease for that site plus the fair market value of certain alterations made to the related tower by AT&T. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company has purchased an aggregate of 77 of the subleased towers upon expiration of the applicable agreement. The aggregate purchase option price for the remaining towers leased and subleased is $796.9 million and will accrete at a rate of 10% per annum through the applicable expiration of the lease or sublease of a site. For all such sites purchased by the Company prior to June 30, 2020, AT&T will continue to lease the reserved space at the then-current monthly fee, which shall escalate in accordance with the standard master lease agreement for the remainder of AT&T’s tenancy. Thereafter, AT&T shall have the right to renew such lease for up to four successive five -year terms. For all such sites purchased by the Company subsequent to June 30, 2020, AT&T has the right to continue to lease the reserved space for successive one -year terms at a rent equal to the lesser of the agreed upon market rate or the then-current monthly fee, which is subject to an annual increase based on changes in the U.S. Consumer Price Index. ALLTEL Transaction —In December 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with ALLTEL Communications, LLC, a predecessor entity to Verizon Wireless, to acquire towers through a 15 -year sublease agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, as amended, with Verizon Wireless, the Company acquired rights to approximately 1,800 towers in tranches between April 2001 and March 2002. The Company has the option to purchase each tower at the expiration of the applicable sublease. The Company exercised the purchase options for approximately 1,523 towers in a single closing, which occurred on December 8, 2016. The Company has provided notice to the tower owner, Verizon’s assignee, of its intent to exercise the purchase options related to the 243 remaining towers. As of June 30, 2017 , the purchase price per tower was $42,844 payable in cash or, at the tower owner’s option, with 769 shares of the Company’s common stock per tower. The aggregate cash purchase option price for the subleased towers was $10.4 million as of June 30, 2017 . Other Contingencies —The Company is subject to income tax and other taxes in the geographic areas where it operates, and periodically receives notifications of audits, assessments or other actions by taxing authorities. In certain jurisdictions, taxing authorities may issue preliminary notices or assessments while audits are being conducted. These preliminary notices or assessments do not represent amounts that the Company is obligated to pay and are often not reflective of the actual tax liability for which the Company will ultimately be liable. The Company evaluates the circumstances of each notification or assessment based on the information available and records a liability for any potential outcome that is probable or more likely than not unfavorable if the liability is also reasonably estimable. On December 5, 2016, the Company received an income tax assessment of Essar Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited (“ETIPL”) for the fiscal year ending 2008 in the amount of 4.75 billion INR ( $69.8 million on the date of assessment) related to capital contributions. The Company is challenging the assessment before India’s tax authorities and estimates that there is a more likely than not probability that the Company’s position will be sustained. Accordingly, no such liability has been recorded. Additionally, the assessment was made with respect to transactions that took place in the tax year commencing in 2007, prior to the Company’s acquisition of ETIPL. Under the Company’s definitive acquisition agreement of ETIPL, the seller is obligated to indemnify and defend the Company with respect to any tax-related liability that may arise from activities prior to March 31, 2010. Tenant Leases —The Company’s lease agreements with its tenants vary depending upon the region and the industry of the tenant, and generally have initial terms of ten years with multiple renewal terms at the option of the tenant. Future minimum rental receipts expected from tenants under non-cancellable operating lease agreements in effect at June 30, 2017 were as follows (in millions): Remainder of 2017 $ 2,540 2018 4,897 2019 4,662 2020 4,367 2021 3,898 Thereafter 13,196 Total $ 33,560 Lease Obligations —The Company leases certain land, office and tower space under operating leases that expire over various terms. Many of the leases contain renewal options with specified increases in lease payments upon exercise of the renewal option. Escalation clauses present in operating leases, excluding those tied to a consumer price index or other inflation-based indices, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the leases. Future minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases include payments for certain renewal periods at the Company’s option because failure to renew could result in a loss of the applicable communications sites and related revenues from tenant leases, thereby making it reasonably assured that the Company will renew the leases. Such payments at June 30, 2017 are as follows (in millions): Remainder of 2017 $ 464 2018 882 2019 847 2020 802 2021 758 Thereafter 6,516 Total $ 10,269

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS Impact of current year acquisitions —The Company typically acquires communications sites from wireless carriers or other tower operators and subsequently integrates those sites into its existing portfolio of communications sites. The financial results of the Company’s acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 from the date of the respective acquisition. The date of acquisition, and by extension the point at which the Company begins to recognize the results of an acquisition, may depend on, among other things, the receipt of contractual consents, the commencement and extent of leasing arrangements and the timing of the transfer of title or rights to the assets, which may be accomplished in phases. Sites acquired from communications service providers may never have been operated as a business and may instead have been utilized solely by the seller as a component of its network infrastructure. An acquisition may or may not involve the transfer of business operations or employees. The Company evaluates each of its acquisitions under the accounting guidance framework to determine whether an acquisition is treated as an asset acquisition or a business combination. For those transactions treated as asset acquisitions, the purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired, with no recognition of goodwill. For those acquisitions accounted for as business combinations, the Company recognizes acquisition and merger related expenses in the period in which they are incurred and services are received; for transactions accounted for as asset acquisitions, these costs are capitalized as part of the purchase price. Acquisition and merger related costs may include finder’s fees, advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration and general administrative costs directly related to the transaction. Integration costs include incremental and non-recurring costs necessary to convert data, retain employees and otherwise enable the Company to operate new businesses or assets efficiently. The Company records acquisition and merger related expenses for business combinations, as well as integration costs for all acquisitions, in Other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded acquisition and merger related expenses for business combinations and integration costs as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Acquisition and merger related expenses $ 2,397 $ 5,735 $ 8,082 $ 6,720 Integration costs $ 3,808 $ 3,234 $ 8,378 $ 6,505 The Company also recorded a purchase price refund of $21.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017. This refund related to an acquisition in Brazil in 2014 for which the measurement period has closed. 2017 Transactions The estimated aggregate impact of the 2017 acquisitions on the Company’s revenues and gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was approximately $18.0 million and $15.2 million , respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was approximately $26.3 million and $22.0 million , respectively. The revenues and gross margin amounts also reflect incremental revenues from the addition of new tenants to such sites subsequent to the transaction date. FPS Towers France— On February 15, 2017, ATC Europe acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of FPS Towers (“FPS”) from Antin Infrastructure Partners and the individuals party to the purchase agreement (the “FPS Acquisition”), for total consideration of 727.2 million Euros ( $771.2 million at the date of acquisition). FPS owns and operates nearly 2,500 wireless tower sites in France. The Company made a loan to fund 225.0 million Euros ( $238.6 million at the date of acquisition) of the total consideration. The remainder of the purchase price of 502.2 million Euros ( $532.6 million at the date of acquisition) was funded by the Company and PGGM in proportion to their respective interests in ATC Europe. The Company funded its portion of the purchase price with borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility and cash on hand. The acquisition is consistent with the Company’s strategy to expand in selected geographic areas. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and is subject to post-closing adjustments. Other Acquisitions— During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company acquired a total of 174 communications sites in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico and Nigeria for an aggregate purchase price of $101.1 million . Of the aggregate purchase price, $1.0 million is reflected in Accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017. These acquisitions were accounted for as asset acquisitions. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase prices for fiscal year 2017 acquisitions based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands): EMEA Other FPS Towers France (1) Current assets $ 31,048 $ 4,511 Non-current assets 9,142 2,022 Property and equipment 113,981 30,804 Intangible assets (2): Tenant-related intangible assets 400,901 53,635 Network location intangible assets 164,441 12,670 Other intangible assets 7,954 — Current liabilities (29,326 ) (1,539 ) Deferred tax liability (134,488 ) — Other non-current liabilities (16,703 ) (999 ) Net assets acquired 546,950 101,104 Goodwill (3) 224,270 — Fair value of net assets acquired 771,220 101,104 Debt assumed — — Purchase Price $ 771,220 $ 101,104 _______________ (1) Accounted for as a business combination. Amounts represent preliminary purchase price allocation. (2) Tenant-related intangible assets and network location intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years. (3) Primarily results from purchase accounting adjustments, which are not deductible for tax purposes. 2016 Transactions During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , post-closing adjustments impacted the following 2016 acquisitions: Viom Acquisition— On April 21, 2016, the Company acquired a 51% controlling ownership interest in Viom. Consideration for the acquisition included 76.4 billion INR in cash ( $1.1 billion at the date of acquisition), as well as the assumption of approximately 52.3 billion INR ( $0.8 billion at the date of the acquisition) of existing debt, which included 1.7 billion INR ( $25.1 million at the date of the acquisition) of the Viom Preference Shares. Other Acquisitions— During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired a total of 891 communications sites in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa, and a company holding urban telecommunications assets and fiber in Argentina, for an aggregate purchase price of $304.4 million (including contingent consideration of $8.8 million ). The following table summarizes the preliminary and updated allocations of the purchase prices paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the fiscal year 2016 acquisitions based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands). Balances are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017 . Preliminary Allocation (1) Updated Allocation Asia Other (2) Asia Other Viom Viom (3) Current assets $ 276,560 $ 25,477 $ 281,930 $ 25,477 Non-current assets 57,645 2,336 52,275 2,336 Property and equipment 701,988 81,521 705,849 81,472 Intangible assets (4): Tenant-related intangible assets 1,369,580 105,557 1,369,580 105,557 Network location intangible assets 666,364 83,645 666,364 83,645 Current liabilities (195,900 ) (14,782 ) (201,142 ) (14,782 ) Deferred tax liability (619,070 ) (43,756 ) (619,074 ) (43,756 ) Other non-current liabilities (102,751 ) (29,472 ) (101,766 ) (29,472 ) Net assets acquired 2,154,416 210,526 2,154,016 210,477 Goodwill (5) 881,783 93,856 882,183 93,905 Fair value of net assets acquired 3,036,199 304,382 3,036,199 304,382 Debt assumed (786,889 ) — (786,889 ) — Redeemable noncontrolling interests (1,100,804 ) — (1,100,804 ) — Purchase Price $ 1,148,506 $ 304,382 $ 1,148,506 $ 304,382 _______________ (1) As reported for the year ended December 31, 2016. (2) Of the total purchase price, $12.1 million was reflected in Accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. (3) The allocation of the purchase price for the Viom Acquisition was finalized during the six months ended June 30, 2017. (4) Tenant-related intangible assets and network location intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years. (5) Primarily results from purchase accounting adjustments, which are at least partially deductible for tax purposes. Pro Forma Consolidated Results (Unaudited) The following table presents the unaudited pro forma financial results as if the FPS Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016 and the acquisitions completed in 2016 had occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies, costs or other integration impacts. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the transactions been completed on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Pro forma revenues $ 1,663,200 $ 1,515,150 $ 3,288,907 $ 3,027,457 Pro forma net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 344,344 $ 162,170 $ 634,274 $ 402,288 Pro forma net income per common share amounts: Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 0.81 $ 0.38 $ 1.48 $ 0.95 Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 0.80 $ 0.38 $ 1.47 $ 0.94 Other Signed Acquisitions Paraguay— On April 25, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire up to approximately 1,400 sites in Paraguay from Millicom International Cellular’s subsidiary, Tigo Paraguay, for a total consideration of approximately 700.0 billion Paraguayan Guaraní (approximately $125.0 million at the date of signing). The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. Airtel Tanzania— On March 17, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Bharti Airtel Limited, through its subsidiary company Airtel Tanzania Limited (“Airtel Tanzania”), pursuant to which the Company could, subject to a number of conditions, acquire certain of Airtel Tanzania’s communications sites in Tanzania. In light of recent legislation in Tanzania, the Company did not extend the agreement beyond the expiration date therein. Accordingly, on March 17, 2017, the agreement expired pursuant to its terms and is no longer in effect.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	BUSINESS SEGMENTS The Company’s primary business is leasing space on multitenant communications sites to wireless service providers, radio and television broadcast companies, wireless data providers, government agencies and municipalities and tenants in a number of other industries. This business is referred to as the Company’s property operations, which as of June 30, 2017 , consisted of the following: • U.S.: property operations in the United States; • Asia: property operations in India; • Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”): property operations in France, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda; and • Latin America: property operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru. The Company has applied the aggregation criteria to operations within the EMEA and Latin America property operating segments on a basis that is consistent with management’s review of information and performance evaluations of these regions. The Company’s services segment offers tower-related services in the United States, including site acquisition, zoning and permitting and structural analysis, which primarily support its site leasing business, including the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites. The services segment is a strategic business unit that offers different services from, and requires different resources, skill sets and marketing strategies than, the property operating segments. The accounting policies applied in compiling segment information below are similar to those described in note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K. Among other factors, in evaluating financial performance in each business segment, management uses segment gross margin and segment operating profit. The Company defines segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment operating expenses excluding stock-based compensation expense recorded in costs of operations; Depreciation, amortization and accretion; Selling, general, administrative and development expense; and Other operating expenses. The Company defines segment operating profit as segment gross margin less Selling, general, administrative and development expense attributable to the segment, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. For reporting purposes, the Latin America property segment gross margin and segment operating profit also include Interest income, TV Azteca, net. These measures of segment gross margin and segment operating profit are also before Interest income, Interest expense, Gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations, Other income (expense), Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and Income tax benefit (provision). The categories of expenses indicated above, such as depreciation, have been excluded from segment operating performance as they are not considered in the review of information or the evaluation of results by management. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company’s operating segments. All intercompany transactions are eliminated to reconcile segment results and assets to the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets. Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 is shown in the following tables. The “Other” column (i) represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as business development operations, stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses included in Selling, general, administrative and development expense; Other operating expenses; Interest income; Interest expense; Gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations; and Other income (expense), and (ii) reconciles segment operating profit to Income from continuing operations before income taxes. Property Total Property Services Other Total Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 897,296 $ 294,556 $ 159,628 $ 286,695 $ 1,638,175 $ 24,259 $ 1,662,434 Segment operating expenses (1) 183,625 167,993 59,069 95,902 506,589 9,748 516,337 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 2,770 2,770 — 2,770 Segment gross margin 713,671 126,563 100,559 193,563 1,134,356 14,511 1,148,867 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 36,223 16,571 17,949 19,482 90,225 3,422 93,647 Segment operating profit $ 677,448 $ 109,992 $ 82,610 $ 174,081 $ 1,044,131 $ 11,089 $ 1,055,220 Stock-based compensation expense $ 25,738 25,738 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 34,609 34,609 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 396,355 396,355 Other expense (2) 186,048 186,048 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 412,470 Total assets $ 18,717,076 $ 4,808,551 $ 3,189,403 $ 5,100,443 $ 31,815,473 $ 43,366 $ 279,371 $ 32,138,210 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $0.8 million and $24.9 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense. Property Total Property Services Other Total Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 829,680 $ 224,611 $ 134,762 $ 237,139 $ 1,426,192 $ 16,035 $ 1,442,227 Segment operating expenses (1) 182,376 127,855 58,462 83,486 452,179 6,885 459,064 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 2,748 2,748 — 2,748 Segment gross margin 647,304 96,756 76,300 156,401 976,761 9,150 985,911 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 34,721 14,770 16,685 15,031 81,207 3,346 84,553 Segment operating profit $ 612,583 $ 81,986 $ 59,615 $ 141,370 $ 895,554 $ 5,804 $ 901,358 Stock-based compensation expense $ 21,907 21,907 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 32,421 32,421 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 397,765 397,765 Other expense (2) 213,291 213,291 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 235,974 Total assets $ 18,949,936 $ 4,557,692 $ 2,025,767 $ 4,929,052 $ 30,462,447 $ 62,766 $ 214,985 $ 30,740,198 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $21.3 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense. Property Total Property Services Other Total Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,789,180 $ 570,087 $ 310,035 $ 562,937 $ 3,232,239 $ 46,433 $ 3,278,672 Segment operating expenses (1) 364,960 317,394 120,564 189,183 992,101 16,066 1,008,167 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 5,470 5,470 — 5,470 Segment gross margin 1,424,220 252,693 189,471 379,224 2,245,608 30,367 2,275,975 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 70,871 37,066 34,402 38,043 180,382 6,593 186,975 Segment operating profit $ 1,353,349 $ 215,627 $ 155,069 $ 341,181 $ 2,065,226 $ 23,774 $ 2,089,000 Stock-based compensation expense $ 61,960 61,960 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 70,733 70,733 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 817,495 817,495 Other expense (2) 392,169 392,169 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 746,643 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.7 million and $60.2 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense. Property Total Property Services Other Total Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,681,424 $ 287,827 $ 264,402 $ 460,190 $ 2,693,843 $ 37,431 $ 2,731,274 Segment operating expenses (1) 360,098 160,935 114,121 158,808 793,962 15,889 809,851 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 5,464 5,464 — 5,464 Segment gross margin 1,321,326 126,892 150,281 306,846 1,905,345 21,542 1,926,887 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 72,007 21,346 32,837 29,615 155,805 6,262 162,067 Segment operating profit $ 1,249,319 $ 105,546 $ 117,444 $ 277,231 $ 1,749,540 $ 15,280 $ 1,764,820 Stock-based compensation expense $ 49,986 49,986 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 62,801 62,801 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 739,399 739,399 Other expense (2) 366,229 366,229 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 546,405 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.3 million and $48.7 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASI25

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	American Tower Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “ATC” or the “Company”) is one of the largest global real estate investment trusts and a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate. The Company’s primary business is the leasing of space on communications sites to wireless service providers, radio and television broadcast companies, wireless data providers, government agencies and municipalities and tenants in a number of other industries. The Company refers to this business as its property operations. Additionally, the Company offers tower-related services in the United States, which the Company refers to as its services operations. These services include site acquisition, zoning and permitting and structural analysis, which primarily support the Company’s site leasing business, including the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites. The Company’s portfolio primarily consists of towers it owns and towers it operates pursuant to long-term lease arrangements, as well as distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks, which provide seamless coverage solutions in certain in-building and certain outdoor wireless environments. In addition to the communications sites in its portfolio, the Company manages rooftop and tower sites for property owners under various contractual arrangements. The Company also holds other telecommunications infrastructure and property interests that it leases to communications service providers and third-party tower operators. American Tower Corporation is a holding company that conducts its operations through its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries and its joint ventures. ATC’s principal domestic operating subsidiaries are American Towers LLC and SpectraSite Communications, LLC. ATC conducts its international operations primarily through its subsidiary, American Tower International, Inc., which in turn conducts operations through its various international holding and operating subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Company operates as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“REIT”). Accordingly, the Company generally is not subject to U.S. federal income taxes on income generated by its REIT operations, including the income derived from leasing space on its towers, as it receives a dividends paid deduction for distributions to stockholders that generally offsets its REIT income and gains. However, the Company remains obligated to pay U.S. federal income taxes on earnings from its domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). In addition, the Company’s international assets and operations, regardless of their designation for U.S. tax purposes, continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted. The use of TRSs enables the Company to continue to engage in certain businesses while complying with REIT qualification requirements. The Company may, from time to time, change the election of previously designated TRSs to be included as part of the REIT. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company’s REIT-qualified businesses included its U.S. tower leasing business, most of its operations in Costa Rica, Germany and Mexico and a majority of its indoor DAS networks business and services segment. The accompanying consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial information included herein is unaudited. However, the Company believes that all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position and results of operations for such periods have been included herein. The consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “ 2016 Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation —The accompanying consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those entities in which it has a controlling interest. Investments in entities that the Company does not control are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending upon the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of June 30, 2017 , the Company holds a 51% controlling interest, and MTN Group Limited holds a 49% interest, in each of two joint ventures, one in Ghana and one in Uganda. The Company holds a 51% controlling interest, and PGGM holds a 49% noncontrolling interest, in a joint venture (“ATC Europe”) in Europe. In addition, the Company holds an approximate 75% controlling interest, and the South African investors hold an approximate 25% noncontrolling interest, in a subsidiary of the Company in South Africa. In India, the Company holds a 51% controlling interest in ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited (“ATC TIPL”), formerly Viom Networks Limited (“Viom”).
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Significant Accounting Policies —The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2017 .
Accounting Standards Updates	Accounting Standards Updates —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued new guidance on revenue recognition, which requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance and will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Leases are not included in the scope of this standard. The revenue to which the Company must apply this standard is generally limited to services revenue, certain power and fuel charges and other fees charged to customers. As of June 30, 2017, this revenue was approximately 13% of total revenue. Although the Company is still assessing the impact of this standard on its financial statements, it does not expect changes in the timing of revenue recognition to be material to its financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. The guidance amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including the requirement that lessees recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than twelve months in the statement of financial position. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The standard is required to be applied using a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company (i) has established a multidisciplinary team to assess and implement the new guidance, (ii) expects the guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets due to the recording of right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases in which it is a lessee and which it currently treats as operating leases and (iii) continues to evaluate the impact of the new guidance. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on amounts described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents within the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period balances on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard is required to be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance that clarifies the definition of a business that an entity uses to determine whether a transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition (or disposal) or a business combination. The Company early adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. As a result, the Company expects that more transactions will be accounted for as asset acquisitions instead of business combinations. In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for goodwill impairments. The guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and requires, among other things, recognition of an impairment loss when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The loss recognized is limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for stock-based compensation. The guidance clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and the Company early adopted this guidance during the second quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASS26

PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid and other current assets	Prepaid and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Prepaid operating ground leases $ 148,744 $ 134,167 Prepaid income tax 130,341 127,142 Unbilled receivables 131,831 57,661 Prepaid assets 51,190 36,300 Value added tax and other consumption tax receivables 23,500 31,570 Other miscellaneous current assets 80,780 54,193 Prepaids and other current assets $ 566,386 $ 441,033

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE27

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for each of the Company’s business segments were as follows (in thousands): Property Services Total U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America Balance as of January 1, 2017 $ 3,379,163 $ 1,029,313 $ 150,511 $ 509,705 $ 1,988 $ 5,070,680 Additions and adjustments (1) — 400 224,270 49 — 224,719 Effect of foreign currency translation — 53,285 21,358 1,123 — 75,766 Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ 3,379,163 $ 1,082,998 $ 396,139 $ 510,877 $ 1,988 $ 5,371,165 _______________ (1) Balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments.
Intangible assets subject to amortization	The Company’s other intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following: As of June 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Estimated Useful Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value (years) (in thousands) Acquired network location intangibles (1) Up to 20 $ 4,854,128 $ (1,404,464 ) $ 3,449,664 $ 4,622,316 $ (1,280,284 ) $ 3,342,032 Acquired tenant-related intangibles 15-20 10,737,949 (2,491,418 ) 8,246,531 10,130,466 (2,224,119 ) 7,906,347 Acquired licenses and other intangibles 3-20 36,576 (7,411 ) 29,165 28,140 (4,827 ) 23,313 Economic Rights, TV Azteca 70 15,925 (12,619 ) 3,306 13,893 (10,974 ) 2,919 Total other intangible assets $ 15,644,578 $ (3,915,912 ) $ 11,728,666 $ 14,794,815 $ (3,520,204 ) $ 11,274,611 _______________ (1) Acquired network location intangibles are amortized over the shorter of the term of the corresponding ground lease taking into consideration lease renewal options and residual value or up to 20 years, as the Company considers these intangibles to be directly related to the tower assets.
Expected future amortization expenses	Based on current exchange rates, the Company expects to record amortization expense as follows over the remaining current year and the five subsequent years (in millions): Fiscal Year Remainder of 2017 $ 376.1 2018 750.4 2019 747.3 2020 728.5 2021 719.1 2022 714.1

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of accrued expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accrued property and real estate taxes $ 161,404 $ 138,361 Payroll and related withholdings 57,921 76,141 Accrued rent 50,855 50,951 Amounts payable to tenants 39,508 32,326 Accrued construction costs 29,119 28,587 Accrued income tax payable 20,898 11,551 Other accrued expenses 368,261 282,646 Total accrued expenses $ 727,966 $ 620,563

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Tables)

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term obligations	Outstanding amounts under the Company’s long-term obligations, reflecting discounts, premiums, debt issuance costs and fair value adjustments due to interest rate swaps consisted of the following (in thousands): As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Maturity Date 2013 Credit Facility (1) $ 853,419 $ 539,975 June 28, 2020 Term Loan (1) 994,760 993,936 January 31, 2022 2014 Credit Facility (1) 1,180,000 1,385,000 January 31, 2022 4.500% senior notes (2) 999,301 998,676 January 15, 2018 3.40% senior notes 999,781 999,716 February 15, 2019 7.25% senior notes — 297,032 N/A 2.800% senior notes 745,628 744,917 June 1, 2020 5.050% senior notes 697,684 697,352 September 1, 2020 3.300% senior notes 745,358 744,762 February 15, 2021 3.450% senior notes 644,454 643,848 September 15, 2021 5.900% senior notes 497,584 497,343 November 1, 2021 2.250% senior notes 576,621 572,764 January 15, 2022 4.70% senior notes 696,355 696,013 March 15, 2022 3.50% senior notes 990,066 989,269 January 31, 2023 5.00% senior notes 1,002,582 1,002,742 February 15, 2024 1.375% senior notes 559,995 — April 4, 2025 4.000% senior notes 740,491 739,985 June 1, 2025 4.400% senior notes 495,428 495,212 February 15, 2026 3.375% senior notes 984,093 983,369 October 15, 2026 3.125% senior notes 396,853 396,713 January 15, 2027 3.55% senior notes 742,503 — July 15, 2027 Total American Tower Corporation debt 15,542,956 14,418,624 Series 2013-1A securities (3) 499,233 498,642 March 15, 2018 Series 2013-2A securities (4) 1,291,056 1,290,267 March 15, 2023 Series 2015-1 notes (5) 347,532 347,108 June 15, 2020 Series 2015-2 notes (6) 519,767 519,437 June 16, 2025 2012 GTP notes (7) — 179,459 N/A Unison notes (7) — 132,960 N/A India indebtedness (8) 505,664 549,528 Various India preference shares (9) 25,808 24,537 March 2, 2020 Shareholder loans (10) 102,752 151,045 Various Other subsidiary debt (1) (11) 265,546 286,009 Various Total American Tower subsidiary debt 3,557,358 3,978,992 Other debt, including capital lease obligations 141,658 135,849 Total 19,241,972 18,533,465 Less current portion of long-term obligations (1,732,035 ) (238,806 ) Long-term obligations $ 17,509,937 $ 18,294,659 _______________ (1) Accrues interest at a variable rate. (2) On June 30, 2017, the Company delivered notice of its election to call for redemption all of its outstanding 4.500% senior unsecured notes due 2018 (the “ 4.500% Notes”). The 4.500% Notes will be redeemed at a price equal to the principal amount of the 4.500% Notes plus a make-whole premium calculated pursuant to the terms of the 4.500% Notes indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the redemption date, which has been set for July 31, 2017. (3) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is March 15, 2043. (4) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is March 15, 2048. (5) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is June 15, 2045. (6) Maturity date reflects the anticipated repayment date; final legal maturity is June 15, 2050. (7) Repaid in full on February 15, 2017. (8) Denominated in Indian Rupees (“INR”). Debt includes India working capital facility, remaining debt assumed by the Company in connection with the Viom Acquisition (as defined in note 9) and debt that has been entered into by ATC TIPL. (9) Mandatorily redeemable preference shares (the “Preference Shares”) classified as debt. On March 2, 2017, ATC TIPL issued the Preference Shares and used the proceeds to redeem the preference shares previously issued by Viom (the “Viom Preference Shares”). The Preference Shares are to be redeemed on March 2, 2020 and have a dividend rate of 10.25% per annum. (10) Reflects balances owed to the Company’s joint venture partners in Ghana and Uganda. The Ghana loan is denominated in Ghanaian Cedi and the Uganda loan is denominated in Ugandan Shillings (“UGX”). Effective January 1, 2017, the Uganda loan, which had an outstanding balance of $80.0 million and accrued interest at a variable rate, was converted by the holder to a new shareholder note for 114.5 billion UGX ( $31.8 million at the time of conversion), bearing interest at a fixed rate of 16.8% per annum. The remaining balance of the Uganda loan was converted into equity. (11) Includes the BR Towers debentures, which are denominated in Brazilian Reais (“BRL”) and amortize through October 15, 2023, the South African credit facility, which is denominated in South African Rand and amortizes through December 17, 2020, the Colombian credit facility, which is denominated in Colombian Pesos and amortizes through April 24, 2021 and the Brazil credit facility, which is denominated in BRL and matures on January 15, 2022.
Schedule of line of credit facilities	As of June 30, 2017 , the key terms under the 2013 Credit Facility, the 2014 Credit Facility and the Company’s unsecured term loan entered into in October 2013, as amended (the “Term Loan”), were as follows: Outstanding Principal Balance (in millions) Undrawn letters of credit (in millions) Maturity Date Current margin over LIBOR (1) Current commitment fee (2) 2013 Credit Facility $ 853.4 $ 4.6 June 28, 2020 (3) 1.250 % 0.150 % 2014 Credit Facility $ 1,180.0 $ 6.4 January 31, 2022 (3) 1.250 % 0.150 % Term Loan $ 1,000.0 $ — January 31, 2022 1.250 % N/A _______________ (1) LIBOR means the London Interbank Offered Rate. (2) Fee on undrawn portion of each credit facility. (3) Subject to two optional renewal periods.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value	The fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured on a recurring basis at fair value were as follows (in thousands): June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Short-term investments (1) $ 1,012 — — $ 4,026 — — Interest rate swap agreements — — — — $ 3 — Embedded derivative in lease agreement — — $ 12,846 — — $ 13,290 Liabilities: Interest rate swap agreements — $ 23,025 — — $ 24,682 — Acquisition-related contingent consideration — — $ 16,126 — — $ 15,444 _______________ (1) Consists of highly liquid investments with original maturities in excess of three months.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of stock-based compensation expenses	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded and capitalized the following stock-based compensation expense (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense $ 25,738 $ 21,907 $ 61,960 $ 49,986 Stock-based compensation expense capitalized as property and equipment $ 444 $ 104 $ 970 $ 762
Summary of the company's option activity	The Company’s option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was as follows: Number of Options Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 7,269,376 Granted 6,534 Exercised (1,182,551 ) Forfeited (21,611 ) Expired — Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 6,071,748
Summary of the company's restricted stock unit activity	The Company’s RSU and PSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was as follows: RSUs PSUs Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 (1) 1,663,743 242,757 Granted (2) 818,539 177,897 Vested (644,004 ) — Forfeited (42,668 ) — Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 1,795,610 420,654 _______________ (1) PSUs consist of the shares issuable for the 2015 PSUs at the end of the three -year performance cycle based on achievement against the performance metric for the first and second year’s performance periods and the target number of shares issuable at the end of the three -year performance period for the 2016 PSUs. (2) PSUs consist of the target number of shares issuable at the end of the three -year performance cycle attributable to the third year’s performance period for the 2015 PSUs, or 23,377 shares, and the target number of shares issuable at the end of the three -year performance cycle for the 2017 PSUs, or 154,520 shares.

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT32

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interest	The changes in Redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Balance as of January 1, 2017 $ 1,091,220 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 8,869 Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests 55,778 Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ 1,155,867

EQUITY (Tables)

EQUITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of declared or paid cash distributions	During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company declared or paid the following cash distributions: Declaration Date Payment Date Record Date Distribution per share Aggregate Payment Amount (in millions) Common Stock December 14, 2016 January 13, 2017 December 28, 2016 $ 0.58 $ 247.7 March 9, 2017 April 28, 2017 April 12, 2017 $ 0.62 $ 264.3 June 1, 2017 July 14, 2017 June 19, 2017 $ 0.64 $ 274.7 Series A Preferred Stock January 13, 2017 February 15, 2017 February 1, 2017 $ 1.3125 $ 7.9 April 13, 2017 May 15, 2017 May 1, 2017 $ 1.3125 $ 7.9 Series B Preferred Stock January 13, 2017 February 15, 2017 February 1, 2017 $ 13.75 $ 18.9 April 13, 2017 May 15, 2017 May 1, 2017 $ 13.75 $ 18.9

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per basic and diluted by common class	The following table sets forth basic and diluted net income per common share computational data (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders $ 367,051 $ 187,550 $ 683,131 $ 462,709 Dividends on preferred stock (22,843 ) (26,782 ) (49,624 ) (53,563 ) Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders 344,208 160,768 633,507 409,146 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 427,298 424,909 427,288 424,484 Dilutive securities 3,189 4,095 3,156 4,045 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 430,487 429,004 430,444 428,529 Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share $ 0.81 $ 0.38 $ 1.48 $ 0.96 Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share $ 0.80 $ 0.37 $ 1.47 $ 0.95
Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	The following shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive (in thousands, on a weighted average basis): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Restricted stock — — — 1 Stock options 5 1,120 33 1,974 Preferred stock 14,528 17,444 16,041 17,444

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future minimum rental receipts under operating lease agreements	Future minimum rental receipts expected from tenants under non-cancellable operating lease agreements in effect at June 30, 2017 were as follows (in millions): Remainder of 2017 $ 2,540 2018 4,897 2019 4,662 2020 4,367 2021 3,898 Thereafter 13,196 Total $ 33,560
Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases	Future minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases include payments for certain renewal periods at the Company’s option because failure to renew could result in a loss of the applicable communications sites and related revenues from tenant leases, thereby making it reasonably assured that the Company will renew the leases. Such payments at June 30, 2017 are as follows (in millions): Remainder of 2017 $ 464 2018 882 2019 847 2020 802 2021 758 Thereafter 6,516 Total $ 10,269

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of merger and acquisition related costs	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded acquisition and merger related expenses for business combinations and integration costs as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Acquisition and merger related expenses $ 2,397 $ 5,735 $ 8,082 $ 6,720 Integration costs $ 3,808 $ 3,234 $ 8,378 $ 6,505
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary and updated allocations of the purchase prices paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the fiscal year 2016 acquisitions based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands). Balances are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017 . Preliminary Allocation (1) Updated Allocation Asia Other (2) Asia Other Viom Viom (3) Current assets $ 276,560 $ 25,477 $ 281,930 $ 25,477 Non-current assets 57,645 2,336 52,275 2,336 Property and equipment 701,988 81,521 705,849 81,472 Intangible assets (4): Tenant-related intangible assets 1,369,580 105,557 1,369,580 105,557 Network location intangible assets 666,364 83,645 666,364 83,645 Current liabilities (195,900 ) (14,782 ) (201,142 ) (14,782 ) Deferred tax liability (619,070 ) (43,756 ) (619,074 ) (43,756 ) Other non-current liabilities (102,751 ) (29,472 ) (101,766 ) (29,472 ) Net assets acquired 2,154,416 210,526 2,154,016 210,477 Goodwill (5) 881,783 93,856 882,183 93,905 Fair value of net assets acquired 3,036,199 304,382 3,036,199 304,382 Debt assumed (786,889 ) — (786,889 ) — Redeemable noncontrolling interests (1,100,804 ) — (1,100,804 ) — Purchase Price $ 1,148,506 $ 304,382 $ 1,148,506 $ 304,382 _______________ (1) As reported for the year ended December 31, 2016. (2) Of the total purchase price, $12.1 million was reflected in Accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. (3) The allocation of the purchase price for the Viom Acquisition was finalized during the six months ended June 30, 2017. (4) Tenant-related intangible assets and network location intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years. (5) Primarily results from purchase accounting adjustments, which are at least partially deductible for tax purposes. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase prices for fiscal year 2017 acquisitions based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands): EMEA Other FPS Towers France (1) Current assets $ 31,048 $ 4,511 Non-current assets 9,142 2,022 Property and equipment 113,981 30,804 Intangible assets (2): Tenant-related intangible assets 400,901 53,635 Network location intangible assets 164,441 12,670 Other intangible assets 7,954 — Current liabilities (29,326 ) (1,539 ) Deferred tax liability (134,488 ) — Other non-current liabilities (16,703 ) (999 ) Net assets acquired 546,950 101,104 Goodwill (3) 224,270 — Fair value of net assets acquired 771,220 101,104 Debt assumed — — Purchase Price $ 771,220 $ 101,104 _______________ (1) Accounted for as a business combination. Amounts represent preliminary purchase price allocation. (2) Tenant-related intangible assets and network location intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of up to 20 years. (3) Primarily results from purchase accounting adjustments, which are not deductible for tax purposes.
Schedule of pro forma information	The following table presents the unaudited pro forma financial results as if the FPS Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016 and the acquisitions completed in 2016 had occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies, costs or other integration impacts. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the transactions been completed on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the Company. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Pro forma revenues $ 1,663,200 $ 1,515,150 $ 3,288,907 $ 3,027,457 Pro forma net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 344,344 $ 162,170 $ 634,274 $ 402,288 Pro forma net income per common share amounts: Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 0.81 $ 0.38 $ 1.48 $ 0.95 Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders $ 0.80 $ 0.38 $ 1.47 $ 0.94

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information concerning the company's reportable segments	Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 is shown in the following tables. The “Other” column (i) represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as business development operations, stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses included in Selling, general, administrative and development expense; Other operating expenses; Interest income; Interest expense; Gain (loss) on retirement of long-term obligations; and Other income (expense), and (ii) reconciles segment operating profit to Income from continuing operations before income taxes. Property Total Property Services Other Total Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 897,296 $ 294,556 $ 159,628 $ 286,695 $ 1,638,175 $ 24,259 $ 1,662,434 Segment operating expenses (1) 183,625 167,993 59,069 95,902 506,589 9,748 516,337 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 2,770 2,770 — 2,770 Segment gross margin 713,671 126,563 100,559 193,563 1,134,356 14,511 1,148,867 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 36,223 16,571 17,949 19,482 90,225 3,422 93,647 Segment operating profit $ 677,448 $ 109,992 $ 82,610 $ 174,081 $ 1,044,131 $ 11,089 $ 1,055,220 Stock-based compensation expense $ 25,738 25,738 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 34,609 34,609 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 396,355 396,355 Other expense (2) 186,048 186,048 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 412,470 Total assets $ 18,717,076 $ 4,808,551 $ 3,189,403 $ 5,100,443 $ 31,815,473 $ 43,366 $ 279,371 $ 32,138,210 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $0.8 million and $24.9 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense. Property Total Property Services Other Total Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 829,680 $ 224,611 $ 134,762 $ 237,139 $ 1,426,192 $ 16,035 $ 1,442,227 Segment operating expenses (1) 182,376 127,855 58,462 83,486 452,179 6,885 459,064 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 2,748 2,748 — 2,748 Segment gross margin 647,304 96,756 76,300 156,401 976,761 9,150 985,911 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 34,721 14,770 16,685 15,031 81,207 3,346 84,553 Segment operating profit $ 612,583 $ 81,986 $ 59,615 $ 141,370 $ 895,554 $ 5,804 $ 901,358 Stock-based compensation expense $ 21,907 21,907 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 32,421 32,421 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 397,765 397,765 Other expense (2) 213,291 213,291 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 235,974 Total assets $ 18,949,936 $ 4,557,692 $ 2,025,767 $ 4,929,052 $ 30,462,447 $ 62,766 $ 214,985 $ 30,740,198 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $21.3 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense. Property Total Property Services Other Total Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,789,180 $ 570,087 $ 310,035 $ 562,937 $ 3,232,239 $ 46,433 $ 3,278,672 Segment operating expenses (1) 364,960 317,394 120,564 189,183 992,101 16,066 1,008,167 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 5,470 5,470 — 5,470 Segment gross margin 1,424,220 252,693 189,471 379,224 2,245,608 30,367 2,275,975 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 70,871 37,066 34,402 38,043 180,382 6,593 186,975 Segment operating profit $ 1,353,349 $ 215,627 $ 155,069 $ 341,181 $ 2,065,226 $ 23,774 $ 2,089,000 Stock-based compensation expense $ 61,960 61,960 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 70,733 70,733 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 817,495 817,495 Other expense (2) 392,169 392,169 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 746,643 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.7 million and $60.2 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense. Property Total Property Services Other Total Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 U.S. Asia EMEA Latin America (in thousands) Segment revenues $ 1,681,424 $ 287,827 $ 264,402 $ 460,190 $ 2,693,843 $ 37,431 $ 2,731,274 Segment operating expenses (1) 360,098 160,935 114,121 158,808 793,962 15,889 809,851 Interest income, TV Azteca, net — — — 5,464 5,464 — 5,464 Segment gross margin 1,321,326 126,892 150,281 306,846 1,905,345 21,542 1,926,887 Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense (1) 72,007 21,346 32,837 29,615 155,805 6,262 162,067 Segment operating profit $ 1,249,319 $ 105,546 $ 117,444 $ 277,231 $ 1,749,540 $ 15,280 $ 1,764,820 Stock-based compensation expense $ 49,986 49,986 Other selling, general, administrative and development expense 62,801 62,801 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 739,399 739,399 Other expense (2) 366,229 366,229 Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 546,405 _______________ (1) Segment operating expenses and segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense of $1.3 million and $48.7 million , respectively. (2) Primarily includes interest expense.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASI38

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017joint_venture
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures the Company has a controlling interest in (in joint ventures)	2
Percent of revenues effected	13.00%
Joint Venture, Ghana And Uganda
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	51.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	49.00%
ATC Europe
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	51.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	49.00%
Joint Venture, South Africa
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	75.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	25.00%
ATC, TIPL
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	51.00%
Ghana
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures the Company has a controlling interest in (in joint ventures)	1
Uganda
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of joint ventures the Company has a controlling interest in (in joint ventures)	1

PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASS39

PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid operating ground leases	$ 148,744	$ 134,167
Prepaid income tax	130,341	127,142
Unbilled receivables	131,831	57,661
Prepaid assets	51,190	36,300
Value added tax and other consumption tax receivables	23,500	31,570
Other miscellaneous current assets	80,780	54,193
Prepaids and other current assets	$ 566,386	$ 441,033

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE40

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - CHANGES IN THE CARRYING VALUE OF GOODWILL (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 5,070,680
Additions and adjustments	224,719
Effect of foreign currency translation	75,766
Goodwill, ending balance	5,371,165
Property | U.S.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	3,379,163
Additions and adjustments	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0
Goodwill, ending balance	3,379,163
Property | Asia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,029,313
Additions and adjustments	400
Effect of foreign currency translation	53,285
Goodwill, ending balance	1,082,998
Property | EMEA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	150,511
Additions and adjustments	224,270
Effect of foreign currency translation	21,358
Goodwill, ending balance	396,139
Property | Latin America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	509,705
Additions and adjustments	49
Effect of foreign currency translation	1,123
Goodwill, ending balance	510,877
Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,988
Additions and adjustments	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 1,988

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE41

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - INTANGIBLE ASSETS SUBJECT TO AMORTIZATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 192,200	$ 185,300	$ 375,400	$ 337,100
Gross Carrying Value	15,644,578		15,644,578		$ 14,794,815
Accumulated Amortization	(3,915,912)		(3,915,912)		(3,520,204)
Net Book Value	11,728,666		11,728,666		11,274,611
Acquired network location intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	4,854,128		4,854,128		4,622,316
Accumulated Amortization	(1,404,464)		(1,404,464)		(1,280,284)
Net Book Value	3,449,664		$ 3,449,664		$ 3,342,032
Acquired network location intangibles | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			20 years		20 years
Acquired tenant-related intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	10,737,949		$ 10,737,949		$ 10,130,466
Accumulated Amortization	(2,491,418)		(2,491,418)		(2,224,119)
Net Book Value	8,246,531		$ 8,246,531		7,906,347
Acquired tenant-related intangibles | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			15 years
Acquired tenant-related intangibles | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			20 years
Acquired licenses and other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	36,576		$ 36,576		28,140
Accumulated Amortization	(7,411)		(7,411)		(4,827)
Net Book Value	29,165		$ 29,165		23,313
Acquired licenses and other intangibles | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			3 years
Acquired licenses and other intangibles | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			20 years
Economic Rights, TV Azteca
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives			70 years
Gross Carrying Value	15,925		$ 15,925		13,893
Accumulated Amortization	(12,619)		(12,619)		(10,974)
Net Book Value	$ 3,306		$ 3,306		$ 2,919

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE42

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 192.2	$ 185.3	$ 375.4	$ 337.1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE43

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - EXPECTED FUTURE AMORTIZATION EXPENSE (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Fiscal Year
Remainder of 2017	$ 376.1
2,018	750.4
2,019	747.3
2,020	728.5
2,021	719.1
2,022	$ 714.1

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details)

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued property and real estate taxes	$ 161,404	$ 138,361
Payroll and related withholdings	57,921	76,141
Accrued rent	50,855	50,951
Amounts payable to tenants	39,508	32,326
Accrued construction costs	29,119	28,587
Accrued income tax payable	20,898	11,551
Other accrued expenses	368,261	282,646
Total accrued expenses	$ 727,966	$ 620,563

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - SCHEDUL

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Details) $ in Thousands, UGX in Billions	Mar. 02, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 06, 2017	Feb. 10, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017UGX	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other debt, including capital lease obligations		$ 141,658					$ 135,849
Total		19,241,972					18,533,465
Less current portion long-term obligations		(1,732,035)					(238,806)
Long-term obligations		$ 17,509,937					18,294,659
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.55%
American Tower Corporation
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 15,542,956					14,418,624
American Tower subsidiary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		3,557,358					3,978,992
Unsecured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		265,546					286,009
2013 Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit		853,419					539,975
Term Loan | Unsecured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		994,760					993,936
2014 Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit		1,180,000					1,385,000
4.500% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 999,301					998,676
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		4.50%
3.40% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 999,781					999,716
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.40%
7.25% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 0					297,032
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		7.25%		7.25%
2.800% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 745,628					744,917
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		2.80%
5.050% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 697,684					697,352
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.05%
3.300% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 745,358					744,762
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.30%
3.450% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 644,454					643,848
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.45%
5.900% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 497,584					497,343
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.90%
2.250% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 576,621					572,764
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		2.25%
4.70% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 696,355					696,013
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		4.70%
3.50% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 990,066					989,269
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.50%
5.00% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 1,002,582					1,002,742
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.00%
1.375% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 559,995					0
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		1.375%	1.375%
4.000% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 740,491					739,985
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		4.00%
4.400% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 495,428					495,212
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		4.40%
3.375% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 984,093					983,369
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.375%
3.125% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 396,853					396,713
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.125%
3.55% senior notes | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 742,503					0
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.55%
Series 2013-1A and 2A securities | Secured debt | Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 499,233					498,642
Series 2013-1A and 2A securities | Secured debt | Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		1,291,056					1,290,267
Series 2015-1 notes | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		347,532					347,108
Series 2015-2 notes | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		519,767					519,437
2012 GTP notes | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		0					179,459
Unison notes | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		0					132,960
India indebtedness | Unsecured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		505,664					549,528
India preference shares | Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		25,808					24,537
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage (in percent)	10.25%
Shareholder loans | Unsecured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 102,752					$ 151,045
Uganda replacement loan | Unsecured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 80,000
Uganda loan | Unsecured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt					UGX 114.5	$ 31,800
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)					16.80%	16.80%

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - NARRATI

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - NARRATIVE (Details) ₨ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2017EUR (€)	Apr. 06, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 06, 2017EUR (€)	Feb. 15, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 10, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2017INR (₨)	Apr. 06, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)						3.55%		3.55%		3.55%	3.55%
Current portion of long-term obligations						$ 1,732,035,000		$ 1,732,035,000					$ 238,806,000
Borrowings under credit facilities								2,508,607,000	$ 1,397,672,000
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations						274,000	$ (830,000)	55,714,000	(830,000)
Prepayment consideration								61,764,000	$ 125,000
Accrued interest						$ 154,926,000		154,926,000					157,297,000
2013 Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings under credit facilities								2,300,000,000
Repayment of indebtedness under credit facility								2,000,000,000
2014 Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings under credit facilities								200,000,000
Repayment of indebtedness under credit facility								$ 405,000,000
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum adjusted EBITDA						3.5		3.5		3.5	3.5
Senior notes | 4.500% senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 999,301,000		$ 999,301,000					998,676,000
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)						4.50%		4.50%		4.50%	4.50%
Senior notes | 1.375% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 559,995,000		$ 559,995,000					0
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)		1.375%				1.375%		1.375%		1.375%	1.375%	1.375%
Senior note public offering, amount		$ 532,200,000										€ 500,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured debt		$ 521,400,000	€ 489,800,000
Redemption price (as a percent)		100.00%	100.00%
Senior notes | 3.55% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 742,503,000		$ 742,503,000					0
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)						3.55%		3.55%		3.55%	3.55%
Senior note public offering, amount | €										€ 750,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured debt | €	€ 741,800,000
Redemption price (as a percent)	100.00%
Redemption price, change in control and corresponding ratings decline (as percent)	101.00%
Senior notes | 7.25% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 0		$ 0					297,032,000
Long-term debt, stated interest rate (as a percent)					7.25%	7.25%		7.25%		7.25%	7.25%
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations					$ 39,200,000
Prepayment consideration					$ 36,300,000
Percentage of principal amount redeemed					112.0854%
Repayments of senior debt					$ 341,400,000
Accrued interest					$ 5,100,000
Secured debt | GTP Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						$ 0		$ 0					179,459,000
Repayments of indebtedness under the Term Loan				$ 173,500,000
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations				1,800,000
Prepayment consideration				7,200,000
Secured debt | Secured Cellular Site Revenue Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						0		0					132,960,000
Repayments of indebtedness under the Term Loan				129,000,000
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations				14,500,000
Prepayment consideration				$ 18,300,000
Viom Transaction
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of long-term obligations						164,200,000		164,200,000			₨ 10.6
Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A | Secured debt | Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						499,233,000		499,233,000					$ 498,642,000
Senior unsecured notes						$ 499,200,000		$ 499,200,000

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - SCHED47

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - SCHEDULE OF LINES OF CREDIT (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)renewal_period
2014 Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Optional renewal periods | renewal_period	2
2013 Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Optional renewal periods | renewal_period	2
2013 Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal Balance	$ 853.4
Undrawn letters of credit	$ 4.6
Current commitment fee (as a percent)	0.15%
2013 Credit Facility | Credit Facility | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current margin over LIBOR (as a percent)	1.25%
2014 Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal Balance	$ 1,180
Undrawn letters of credit	$ 6.4
Current commitment fee (as a percent)	0.15%
2014 Credit Facility | Credit Facility | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current margin over LIBOR (as a percent)	1.25%
Term Loan | Unsecured debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal Balance	$ 1,000
Undrawn letters of credit	$ 0
Term Loan | Unsecured debt | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current margin over LIBOR (as a percent)	1.25%

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - ASSET

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Short-term investments	$ 1,012	$ 4,026
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Assets:
Short-term investments	1,012	4,026
Embedded derivative in lease agreement	0	0
Liabilities:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Interest rate swap agreements
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Assets:
Short-term investments	0	0
Embedded derivative in lease agreement	0	0
Liabilities:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Interest rate swap agreements
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements	23,025	24,682
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Assets:
Short-term investments	0	0
Embedded derivative in lease agreement	12,846	13,290
Liabilities:
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	16,126	15,444
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Interest rate swap agreements
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements	0	0
Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Interest rate swap agreements
Assets:
Interest rate swap agreements	0	0
Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Interest rate swap agreements
Assets:
Interest rate swap agreements	0	3
Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Interest rate swap agreements
Assets:
Interest rate swap agreements	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - NARRA

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, low	$ 0
Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high	47,600,000
Debt, long-term and short-term, combined amount	19,241,972,000	$ 18,533,465,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	19,800,000,000	18,800,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	13,000,000,000	11,800,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 6,800,000,000	$ 7,000,000,000

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the ETR	$ 106,200,000		$ 106,200,000		$ 102,900,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, increase resulting from current period tax positions	1,900,000		3,800,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, decrease resulting from current period tax positions	(900,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits, from foreign currency fluctuations			2,700,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest	1,000,000	$ 2,200,000	2,300,000	$ 5,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	28,100,000		28,100,000		$ 24,300,000
Ghana Revenue Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Benefit to income tax expense	11,600,000
Minimum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	0		0
Maximum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 11,500,000		$ 11,500,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - NARR

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
ESPP, discount rate (as a percent)			15.00%
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 25,738	$ 21,907	$ 61,960	$ 49,986
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation expense	131,600		$ 131,600
Expected recognition of stock award compensation expense weighted average period in years			3 years
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years		3 years
Total unrecognized compensation expense	32,500		$ 32,500
Expected recognition of stock award compensation expense weighted average period in years			2 years
Performance grant, shares granted			154,520	169,340
Stock-based compensation expense	6,000		$ 11,600
Performance Shares | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of potential target shares			0.00%
Performance Shares | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of potential target shares			200.00%
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$ 18,300		$ 18,300
Expected recognition of stock award compensation expense weighted average period in years			2 years
2007 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issuable under stock incentive plan	8,400,000		8,400,000
2007 Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			4 years
2007 Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years
2007 Plan | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			4 years
Expiration period			10 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - SUMM

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - SUMMARY OF STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 25,738	$ 21,907	$ 61,960	$ 49,986
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized as property and equipment	$ 444	$ 104	$ 970	$ 762

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - SU53

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - SUMMARY OF THE COMPANY'S OPTION ACTIVITY (Details) - Employee Stock Option	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 (in shares)	7,269,376
Granted (in shares)	6,534
Exercised (in shares)	(1,182,551)
Forfeited (in shares)	(21,611)
Expired (in shares)	0
Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 (in shares)	6,071,748

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - SU54

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - SUMMARY OF THE COMPANY'S RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT ACTIVITY (Details) - shares	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 (in shares)	1,663,743
Granted (in shares)	818,539
Vested (in shares)	(644,004)
Forfeited (in shares)	(42,668)
Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 (in shares)	1,795,610		1,663,743
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 (in shares)	242,757
Granted (in shares)	177,897
Vested (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 (in shares)	420,654		242,757
Vesting period	3 years		3 years
Three Year Performance Grant, Shares Granted	154,520	169,340
2015 PSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	23,377

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT55

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017₨ / shares	Apr. 21, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Temporary equity, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) | ₨ / shares		₨ 216
Changes In Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1, 2017	$ 1,091,220
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8,869
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests	55,778
Balance as of June 30, 2017	$ 1,155,867
Viom Transaction
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of interests acquired			51.00%

EQUITY - NARRATIVE (Details)

EQUITY - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($)	May 15, 2017	Feb. 15, 2017	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payment of dividends, preferred stock and Preference Stock						$ 53,562,000	$ 53,563,000
Proceeds from stock options and ESPP						$ 82,641,000	$ 60,361,000
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount										$ 1,500,000,000
Stock repurchased (in shares)						5,199,938			11,456,842
Stock repurchased						$ 641,300,000
Accrued dividend RSU					$ 6,600,000	6,600,000			$ 6,600,000
Dividends Declared and Paid
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Paid dividend RSU						$ 2,900,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased									$ 1,000,000,000
Preferred Stock - Series B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Depository shares, percentage of preferred shares (in shares)					0.1	0.1			0.1
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)					$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage (in percent)						5.25%		5.25%
Preferred stock, conversion rate					93.37%
Payment of dividends, preferred stock and Preference Stock	$ 7,900,000	$ 7,900,000
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series A | Preferred stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued				6,000,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage (in percent)				5.25%
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.01
Number of shares converted					5,602,153	5,602,153			5,602,153
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series B
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage (in percent)						5.50%		5.50%
Payment of dividends, preferred stock and Preference Stock	$ 18,900,000	$ 18,900,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)					$ 1,000	$ 1,000			$ 1,000
Shares issued, price per share (in dollars per share)					100	$ 100			100
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series B | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion factor, preferred stock (in shares)						8.6870
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series B | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion factor, preferred stock (in shares)						10.4244
Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption | Preferred Stock - Series B | Preferred stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate percentage (in percent)						5.50%
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)					$ 0.01	$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Preferred stock, conversion rate			86.87%
Depository shares, amount issued			140		13,749,860	13,749,860			13,749,860

EQUITY - DISTRIBUTIONS (Details

EQUITY - DISTRIBUTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 14, 2017	Jun. 01, 2017	May 15, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Apr. 13, 2017	Mar. 09, 2017	Feb. 15, 2017	Jan. 13, 2017	Dec. 14, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distribution per common share (in dollars per share)										$ 0.64	$ 0.53	$ 1.26	$ 1.04
Aggregate Payment Amount on common stock												$ 514,905	$ 426,564
Aggregate Payment Amount on preferred stock												$ 53,562	$ 53,563
Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distribution per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.64				$ 0.62			$ 0.58
Aggregate Payment Amount on common stock				$ 264,300				$ 247,700
Preferred Stock - Series A | Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distribution per preferred share (in dollars per share)					$ 1.3125			$ 1.3125
Aggregate Payment Amount on preferred stock			$ 7,900				$ 7,900
Preferred Stock - Series B | Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distribution per preferred share (in dollars per share)					$ 13.75			$ 13.75
Aggregate Payment Amount on preferred stock			$ 18,900				$ 18,900
Subsequent Event | Common Stock
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Aggregate Payment Amount on common stock	$ 274,700

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - SCH

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - SCHEDULE OF EARNINGS PER BASIC AND DILUTED BY COMMON CLASS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders	$ 367,051	$ 187,550	$ 683,131	$ 462,709
Dividends on preferred stock	(22,843)	(26,782)	(49,624)	(53,563)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$ 344,208	$ 160,768	$ 633,507	$ 409,146
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	427,298	424,909	427,288	424,484
Dilutive securities (in shares)	3,189	4,095	3,156	4,045
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	430,487	429,004	430,444	428,529
Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 0.38	$ 1.48	$ 0.96
Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.37	$ 1.47	$ 0.95

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - S59

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - SCHEDULE OF SHARES EXCLUDED FROM COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Restricted stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from dilutive effect	0	0	0	1
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from dilutive effect	5	1,120	33	1,974
Preferred stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from dilutive effect	14,528	17,444	16,041	17,444

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - NARRATIVE (Details) ₨ in Millions	Dec. 05, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 05, 2016INR (₨)	Mar. 27, 2015USD ($)communications_siterenewal_period	Dec. 31, 2000tower	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)towerrenewal_periodshares	Dec. 08, 2016tower
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Foreign income tax assessment	$ 69,800,000	₨ 4,750
Lessor agreements, term of contract					10 years
Verizon Transaction
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital leased assets, number of units (in number of communication sites) | communications_site			11,286
Right to lease, weighted average term			28 years
Aggregate purchase option price for towers | $			$ 5,000,000,000
Customer lease, initial term			10 years
Successive terms to renew lease (in numbers of terms) | renewal_period			8
Renewal term			5 years
AT&T Transaction
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital leased assets, number of units (in number of communication sites)					2,350
Aggregate purchase option price for towers | $					$ 796,900,000
Successive terms to renew lease (in numbers of terms) | renewal_period					4
Renewal term					5 years
Operating lease, term of contract					27 years
Number of communications sites acquired (in number of towers)					77
Purchase price accretion rate (per year)					10.00%
AT&T Transaction | Commitments subsequent to June 30, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Renewal term					1 year
ALLTEL Transaction
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital leased assets, number of units (in number of communication sites)				1,800
Aggregate purchase option price for towers | $					$ 10,400,000
Number of communications sites acquired (in number of towers)						1,523
Average lease term (in years)				15 years
Number of remaining towers					243
Cash purchase price per tower | $					$ 42,844
Purchase price of tower in shares of common stock (in shares) | shares					769

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES61

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - FUTURE MINIMUM RENTAL RECEIPTS UNDER OPERATING LEASE AGREEMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2017	$ 2,540
2,018	4,897
2,019	4,662
2,020	4,367
2,021	3,898
Thereafter	13,196
Total	$ 33,560

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES62

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - FUTURE MINIMUM RENTAL PAYMENTS UNDER NON-CANCELABLE OPERATING LEASES (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2017	$ 464
2,018	882
2,019	847
2,020	802
2,021	758
Thereafter	6,516
Total	$ 10,269

ACQUISITIONS - NARRATIVE (Detai

ACQUISITIONS - NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, ₨ in Billions, PYG in Billions	Feb. 15, 2017USD ($)tower	Feb. 15, 2017EUR (€)tower	Apr. 21, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2016INR (₨)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)site	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)site	Jun. 30, 2017EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)site	Dec. 31, 2017PYGsite	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)site	Apr. 21, 2016INR (₨)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price refund						$ 21,500
Revenue of acquiree since acquisition date					$ 18,000	26,300
Business combination pro forma information gross margin of acquiree since acquisition date actual					15,200	22,000
Remainder of purchase price						0		$ 4,748
Accounts payable					102,726	102,726					$ 118,666
Mandatory redeemable preference shares, value					$ 1,155,867	$ 1,155,867					1,091,220
Communication Sites
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communications sites acquired (in number of towers) | site					174	174
Aggregate purchase price | €							€ 101.1
FPS Towers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interests acquired	100.00%	100.00%
Total consideration	$ 771,220	€ 727.2
Number of communications sites acquired (in number of towers) | tower	2,500	2,500
Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions	$ 0
FPS Towers | Affiliated Entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred, liabilities incurred	238,600	€ 225
Remainder of purchase price	$ 532,600	€ 502.2
Other Acquisitions 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration						$ 101,104
Accounts payable					$ 1,000	1,000
Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions						0
Viom Transaction
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interests acquired			51.00%									51.00%
Total consideration						1,148,506
Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions			$ 800,000	₨ 52.3		786,889
Viom Transaction | Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Mandatory redeemable preference shares, value			25,100									₨ 1.7
Viom Transaction | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration			$ 1,100,000	₨ 76.4							1,148,506
Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions											786,889
Other Acquisition 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration						304,382					$ 304,400
Number of communications sites acquired (in number of towers) | site											891
Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions						$ 0
Contingent consideration											$ 8,800
Other Acquisition 2016 | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration											304,382
Accounts payable											12,100
Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions											$ 0
Tigo Paraguay [Member] | Scenario, Forecast
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration									$ 125,000	PYG 700
Number of communications sites acquired (in number of towers) | site									1,400	1,400

ACQUISITIONS - SCHEDULE OF MERG

ACQUISITIONS - SCHEDULE OF MERGER AND ACQUISITION RELATED COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition and merger related expenses	$ 2,397	$ 5,735	$ 8,082	$ 6,720
Integration costs	$ 3,808	$ 3,234	$ 8,378	$ 6,505

ACQUISITIONS - SCHEDULE OF PREL

ACQUISITIONS - SCHEDULE OF PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION OF THE PURCHASE PRICE (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, ₨ in Billions	Feb. 15, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2017EUR (€)	Apr. 21, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2016INR (₨)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 5,371,165	$ 5,070,680
Accounts payable					102,726	118,666
FPS Towers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 31,048
Non-current assets	9,142
Property and equipment	113,981
Current liabilities	(29,326)
Deferred tax liability	(134,488)
Other non-current liabilities	(16,703)
Net assets acquired	546,950
Goodwill	224,270
Fair value of net assets acquired	771,220
Debt assumed	0
Purchase Price	771,220	€ 727.2
FPS Towers | Tenant-related intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets	$ 400,901
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years	20 years
FPS Towers | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets	$ 164,441
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years	20 years
FPS Towers | Other intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets	$ 7,954
Other Acquisitions 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets					4,511
Non-current assets					2,022
Property and equipment					30,804
Current liabilities					(1,539)
Deferred tax liability					0
Other non-current liabilities					(999)
Net assets acquired					101,104
Goodwill					0
Fair value of net assets acquired					101,104
Debt assumed					0
Purchase Price					101,104
Accounts payable					1,000
Other Acquisitions 2017 | Tenant-related intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 53,635
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years
Other Acquisitions 2017 | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 12,670
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years
Other Acquisitions 2017 | Other intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 0
Viom
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets					281,930
Non-current assets					52,275
Property and equipment					705,849
Current liabilities					(201,142)
Deferred tax liability					(619,074)
Other non-current liabilities					(101,766)
Net assets acquired					2,154,016
Goodwill					882,183
Fair value of net assets acquired					3,036,199
Debt assumed			$ (800,000)	₨ (52.3)	(786,889)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests					(1,100,804)
Purchase Price					1,148,506
Viom | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets						276,560
Non-current assets						57,645
Property and equipment						701,988
Current liabilities						(195,900)
Deferred tax liability						(619,070)
Other non-current liabilities						(102,751)
Net assets acquired						2,154,416
Goodwill						881,783
Fair value of net assets acquired						3,036,199
Debt assumed						(786,889)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests						(1,100,804)
Purchase Price			$ 1,100,000	₨ 76.4		1,148,506
Viom | Tenant-related intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 1,369,580	$ 1,369,580
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years
Viom | Tenant-related intangible assets | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives						20 years
Viom | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 666,364	$ 666,364
Other Acquisition 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets					25,477
Non-current assets					2,336
Property and equipment					81,472
Current liabilities					(14,782)
Deferred tax liability					(43,756)
Other non-current liabilities					(29,472)
Net assets acquired					210,477
Goodwill					93,905
Fair value of net assets acquired					304,382
Debt assumed					0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests					0
Purchase Price					304,382	304,400
Other Acquisition 2016 | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets						25,477
Non-current assets						2,336
Property and equipment						81,521
Current liabilities						(14,782)
Deferred tax liability						(43,756)
Other non-current liabilities						(29,472)
Net assets acquired						210,526
Goodwill						93,856
Fair value of net assets acquired						304,382
Debt assumed						0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests						0
Purchase Price						304,382
Accounts payable						12,100
Other Acquisition 2016 | Tenant-related intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 105,557
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years
Other Acquisition 2016 | Tenant-related intangible assets | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets						$ 105,557
Estimated Useful Lives						20 years
Other Acquisition 2016 | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets					$ 83,645
Other Acquisition 2016 | Network location intangible assets | Preliminary Allocation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangibles assets						$ 83,645
Maximum | Tenant-related intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years
Maximum | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years	20 years
Maximum | Viom | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years	20 years
Maximum | Other Acquisition 2016 | Network location intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives					20 years	20 years

ACQUISITIONS - PRO FORMA INFORM

ACQUISITIONS - PRO FORMA INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Pro forma revenues	$ 1,663,200	$ 1,515,150	$ 3,288,907	$ 3,027,457
Pro forma net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders	$ 344,344	$ 162,170	$ 634,274	$ 402,288
Pro forma net income per common share amounts:
Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 0.38	$ 1.48	$ 0.95
Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.38	$ 1.47	$ 0.94

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 1,662,434	$ 1,442,227	$ 3,278,672	$ 2,731,274
Segment operating expenses	516,337	459,064	1,008,167	809,851
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	2,770	2,748	5,470	5,464
Segment gross margin	1,148,867	985,911	2,275,975	1,926,887
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	93,647	84,553	186,975	162,067
Segment operating profit	1,055,220	901,358	2,089,000	1,764,820
Stock-based compensation expense	25,738	21,907	61,960	49,986
Other selling, general, administrative and development expense	34,609	32,421	70,733	62,801
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	396,355	397,765	817,495	739,399
Other expense	186,048	213,291	392,169	366,229
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	412,470	235,974	746,643	546,405
Total assets	32,138,210	30,740,198	32,138,210	30,740,198	$ 30,879,150
Operating Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	800	600	1,700	1,300
Selling General Administrative And Development Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	24,892	21,260	60,236	48,681
TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	2,770	2,748	5,470	5,464
Operating Segments | Property
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,638,175	1,426,192	3,232,239	2,693,843
Segment operating expenses	506,589	452,179	992,101	793,962
Segment gross margin	1,134,356	976,761	2,245,608	1,905,345
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	90,225	81,207	180,382	155,805
Segment operating profit	1,044,131	895,554	2,065,226	1,749,540
Total assets	31,815,473	30,462,447	31,815,473	30,462,447
Operating Segments | Property | TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	2,770	2,748	5,470	5,464
Operating Segments | Property | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	897,296	829,680	1,789,180	1,681,424
Segment operating expenses	183,625	182,376	364,960	360,098
Segment gross margin	713,671	647,304	1,424,220	1,321,326
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	36,223	34,721	70,871	72,007
Segment operating profit	677,448	612,583	1,353,349	1,249,319
Total assets	18,717,076	18,949,936	18,717,076	18,949,936
Operating Segments | Property | U.S. | TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Property | Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	286,695	224,611	570,087	287,827
Segment operating expenses	95,902	127,855	317,394	160,935
Segment gross margin	193,563	96,756	252,693	126,892
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	19,482	14,770	37,066	21,346
Segment operating profit	174,081	81,986	215,627	105,546
Total assets	4,808,551	4,557,692	4,808,551	4,557,692
Operating Segments | Property | Asia | TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	2,770	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Property | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	294,556	134,762	310,035	264,402
Segment operating expenses	167,993	58,462	120,564	114,121
Segment gross margin	126,563	76,300	189,471	150,281
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	16,571	16,685	34,402	32,837
Segment operating profit	109,992	59,615	155,069	117,444
Total assets	3,189,403	2,025,767	3,189,403	2,025,767
Operating Segments | Property | EMEA | TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Property | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	159,628	237,139	562,937	460,190
Segment operating expenses	59,069	83,486	189,183	158,808
Segment gross margin	100,559	156,401	379,224	306,846
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	17,949	15,031	38,043	29,615
Segment operating profit	82,610	141,370	341,181	277,231
Total assets	5,100,443	4,929,052	5,100,443	4,929,052
Operating Segments | Property | Latin America | TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	0	2,748	5,470	5,464
Operating Segments | Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	24,259	16,035	46,433	37,431
Segment operating expenses	9,748	6,885	16,066	15,889
Segment gross margin	14,511	9,150	30,367	21,542
Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense	3,422	3,346	6,593	6,262
Segment operating profit	11,089	5,804	23,774	15,280
Total assets	43,366	62,766	43,366	62,766
Operating Segments | Services | TV Azteca
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income, TV Azteca, net	0	0	0	0
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	25,738	21,907	61,960	49,986
Other selling, general, administrative and development expense	34,609	32,421	70,733	62,801
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	396,355	397,765	817,495	739,399
Other expense	186,048	213,291	392,169	366,229
Total assets	$ 279,371	$ 214,985	$ 279,371	$ 214,985