| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2018 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] | Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Advertising expense was $1.1 million , $1.8 million , and $2.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. |
| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Equity-Based Compensation Equity-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date for all equity-based awards made to employees based on the fair value of the awards and is attributed on a straight-line basis for awards with service conditions and on an accelerated attribution basis for awards with performance conditions over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of Switch, Ltd.’s incentive unit awards. The determination of the fair value of the incentive unit awards was affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables including the fair value of Switch, Ltd.’s member equity units, the expected price volatility of the member equity units over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee purchase behaviors. Switch, Ltd.’s member equity units’ fair value per unit was estimated using a weighted average approach of a combination of the following three methods: (1) publicly traded data center company multiples; (2) data center precedent transaction multiples; and (3) the discounted cash flow method based on Switch, Ltd.’s five-year forecast. The weighting of these three methods varied over time. Switch, Ltd. estimated the expected volatility by analyzing the volatility of companies in the same industry and selecting volatility within the range. The risk-free interest rate was based on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term of the incentive unit awards. The expected dividend rate was determined at the grant date for each incentive unit award. The expected term of the incentive unit award was calculated by analyzing historical exercise data and obtaining the weighted average of the holding period for the incentive unit awards. Common Unit awards were measured based on the fair market value of the underlying unit on the date of grant. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of Switch, Inc.’s stock option awards. Switch, Inc. estimates the expected volatility by using a weighted average of the historical volatility of its common stock and the historical volatilities of a peer group comprised of publicly-traded companies in the same industry. The risk-free interest rate is based on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term of the stock option awards. The expected dividend rate is based on the Company’s estimate of annual dividends expected to be paid at the time of grant. The expected term for stock options granted is estimated using the “simplified” method; whereby, the expected term equals the arithmetic average of the vesting term and the original contractual term of the stock option due to Switch, Inc.’s lack of sufficient historical data. Switch, Inc.’s restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. |
| Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Net Income (Loss) per Share/Unit Basic net income (loss) per share/unit is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Switch, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares/units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share/unit is computed giving effect to all potential weighted average dilutive shares/units including unit options and incentive units for historical periods prior to the closing of the IPO and stock options, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent units, restricted stock awards, and Common Units convertible into shares of Class A common stock for the periods after the closing of the IPO. The dilutive effect of outstanding awards, if any, is reflected in diluted earnings per share/unit by application of the treasury stock method or if-converted method, as applicable. Refer to Note 14 for further information on net income (loss) per share/unit. |
| Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting standards for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 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. The Company has not elected to measure any financial assets or liabilities at fair value that are not required to be measured at fair value under GAAP. Information about the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below: December 31, 2018 Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 53,293 $ 53,293 $ — $ — December 31, 2017 Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents $ 241,439 $ 241,439 $ — $ — |
| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounts Receivable Customer receivables are non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. The Company generally does not request collateral from its customers; however, it usually obtains a lien or other security interest in certain customers’ equipment placed in the Company’s data center, and/or obtains a deposit. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses up to the full amount of invoices based on the age of the invoices. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate or if they became insolvent, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, greater allowances for doubtful accounts may be required. Management specifically analyzes accounts receivable and current economic news and trends, historical bad debt, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the Company’s reserves. Delinquent account balances are written off after management has determined the likelihood of collection is not probable. The Company recorded bad debt expense of $0.2 million , $0.4 million , and $0.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. |
| Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] | Leases Upon lease inception, the Company categorizes leases as either operating or capital leases. On certain lease agreements, the Company may receive rent holidays and other incentives. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis without regard to deferred payment terms, such as rent holidays, that defer the commencement date of required payments. For assets held under capital leases and leasehold improvements, the estimated useful lives are limited to the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease, including renewal option periods if exercise is intended ( Note 7 ). Amortization of assets that are recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization of property and equipment. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in operations. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. For assets used in data center operations, the related depreciation and amortization are included in cost of revenue. The Company’s estimated useful lives of its property and equipment are as follows (in years): Assets Estimated Useful Lives Land improvements 20-30 Buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements 3.5-40 Substation equipment 30 Data center equipment 5-10 Vehicles 7 Core network equipment 5-7 Cloud computing equipment 5 Fiber facilities 20, 25 Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures 3-5 The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal use software. Capitalized software costs placed into service are included in computer equipment, furniture and fixtures and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a three -year period. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed immediately. The Company capitalized internal use software costs of $1.4 million , $1.8 million , and $1.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest costs during the construction phase of data centers. Once a data center or expansion project becomes operational, these costs are allocated to certain property and equipment categories and are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the underlying assets. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block] | Impairment of Long‑Lived Assets The Company’s long‑lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. |
| Portfolio Energy Credits [Policy Text Block] | Portfolio Energy Credits The Company records portfolio energy credits (“PECs”) at their cost when purchased as an intangible asset, subject to impairment testing, within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. PECs are not considered outputs by the Company. Amortization of PECs is recorded within cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) when PECs are utilized in operations. A summary of the Company’s PECs as of the end of each period presented is as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 (in thousands) PECs, gross $ 3,649 $ 1,042 Accumulated amortization (3,508 ) (1,042 ) PECs, net $ 141 $ — |
| Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Commitments and Contingencies The Company accrues for commitments and contingencies when management, after considering the facts and circumstances of each matter as then known to management, has determined it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When only a range of amounts is reasonably estimable and no amount within the range is more likely than another, the low end of the range is recorded. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. Due to the inherent uncertainties surrounding gain contingencies, the Company does not recognize potential gains until realized. |
| Debt Issuance Costs [Policy Text Block] | Debt Issuance Costs Costs incurred in obtaining certain debt financing are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments using the straight line-method for both term debt, which approximates the interest method, and revolving debt . As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , unamortized debt issuance costs totaled $7.3 million and $9.0 million , respectively, of which $2.9 million and $3.8 million , respectively, were included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. |
| Deferred Offering Costs [Policy Text Block] | Deferred Offering Costs The Company capitalized certain legal, accounting, and other third-party fees that were directly associated with in-process equity financings until such financings were consummated. After consummation of the equity financing, these costs were recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid in capital generated as a result of the offering. Upon the successful consummation of Switch, Inc.’s IPO in October 2017, deferred offering costs of approximately $4.9 million were recorded in the Company’s stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid in capital during the year ended December 31, 2017 . The Company did not record any deferred offering costs during the year ended December 31, 2018 . |
| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency Translation SUPERNAP International, S.A. (“SUPERNAP International”), an equity method investment of the Company, has investments in foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s share of gains or losses from translation of SUPERNAP International’s foreign operations where the local currency is the functional currency is included in other comprehensive income. |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition During each of the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , the Company derived more than 95% of its revenue from recurring revenue, consisting primarily of (1) colocation, which includes the licensing and leasing of cabinet space and power; and (2) connectivity services, which include cross-connects, broadband services, and external connectivity. The remainder of the Company’s revenue is from non-recurring revenue, which primarily includes installation services related to a customer’s initial deployment and contract settlements. Recurring revenue is generally billed monthly and recognized ratably over the period to which the service relates. The Company’s contracts with its customers generally have terms of three to five years. Non-recurring installation fees, although generally paid in a lump sum upon installation, are deferred and recognized ratably over the expected life of the installation. The expected life of the installation is determined based on (i) the weighted average term of new contracts entered into during the period with customers, plus (ii) the average term of contract renewals entered into during the period with existing customers. Revenue from connectivity services is generally recognized on a gross basis in accordance with the accounting standard related to reporting revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, primarily because the Company acts as the principal in the transactions, takes title to services, and bears credit risk. Revenue from contract settlements, which results when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally recognized when no remaining performance obligations exist, to the extent that the revenue has not previously been recognized. The Company guarantees certain service levels, such as uptime, as outlined in individual customer contracts. If these service levels are not achieved, the Company reduces revenue for any credits given to the customer as a result. There were no service level credits issued during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 . Revenue is recognized only when the service has been provided and when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection of the receivable is reasonably assured. It is the Company’s customary business practice to obtain a signed colocation facility agreement and service order prior to recognizing revenue in an arrangement. The Company assesses collectability of revenue based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer and the credit-worthiness of the customer. If the Company determines that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, the fee is deferred and revenue is recognized at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. Multiple Element Arrangements The Company enters into multiple element revenue arrangements in which a customer may purchase a combination of the right to use network capacity (e.g., conduit and fiber optic cables), maintenance services, and colocation services. Terms of performance, cancellation, termination, or refunds in these arrangements are similar to those for individual stand-alone deliverables. To the extent these revenue arrangements involve the use of property and equipment, they are evaluated under lease accounting guidance to determine whether the arrangement meets the definition of a lease. None of the multiple element arrangements entered into by the Company during any of the periods presented have met the definition of a lease. The services offered under these revenue arrangements qualify as separate units of accounting. Multiple deliverables within revenue arrangements are allocated to separate units of accounting if the deliverables meet both of the following criteria: • The delivered items have value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. The items have value on a stand-alone basis if they are sold separately by any vendor or the customer could resell the delivered items on a stand-alone basis; and • If the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered items, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. At the inception of a multiple element arrangement, the Company: (1) determines whether and when each unit of accounting has been delivered or performed; (2) determines the fair value of each unit of accounting using the selling price hierarchy of vendor-specific evidence of fair value (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, and management’s best estimate of the selling price (“BESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available; and (3) allocates the total price among the various units of accounting using the relative selling price method. Once the total price has been allocated among the various units of accounting, revenue is recognized when the relevant revenue recognition criteria are met for each element, which is upon acceptance or use of the services by the customer. VSOE generally exists when the deliverable is sold separately; however, in certain instances VSOE cannot be established if the deliverable cannot be priced within a narrow range or has a limited sales history. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. The Company determines BESP for a product or service by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, pricing practices, market conditions, competitive landscape, type of customer, geographies, internal costs, and gross margin objectives. Revenue is allocated to rights to use network capacity and related colocation services and maintenance services under these arrangements based on TPE. Revenue allocated to other colocation services provided under these arrangements is based on VSOE. |
| Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Investments The Company’s investments in entities where it holds at least a 20% ownership interest and has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control, the investee are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s share of the investee’s results of operations is included in equity in net losses of investments and foreign currency translation adjustment, as applicable, is included in other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to its investment. The Company discontinues applying the equity method of accounting when the investment is reduced to zero. If the investee subsequently reports net income or other comprehensive income, the Company resumes applying the equity method of accounting only after its share of unrecognized net income and other comprehensive income, respectively, equals the share of losses not recognized during the period the equity method of accounting was suspended. The Company gives precedence to other comprehensive income and losses when determining whether to resume applying the equity method of accounting. Investments in entities where the Company holds less than a 20% ownership interest are generally accounted for using the cost method of accounting. |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. As the sole manager of Switch, Ltd., Switch, Inc. operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Switch, and has the sole voting interest in, and controls the management of, Switch, and has the obligation to absorb the losses of, and receive benefits from, Switch. Accordingly, Switch, Inc. identifies itself as the primary beneficiary of Switch and began consolidating Switch as of the closing date of the IPO, resulting in a noncontrolling interest related to the Common Units held by Members on its consolidated financial statements. Switch has been determined to be the predecessor for accounting purposes and, accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the IPO and the Transactions have been adjusted to combine the previously separate entities for presentation purposes. Amounts for the period from January 1, 2017 through October 10, 2017, as of December 31, 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2016 presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements herein represent the historical operations of Switch. The amounts as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, for the period from October 11, 2017 through December 31, 2017, and for the year ended December 31, 2018 reflect the consolidated operations of the Company. For the period from June 13, 2017 to October 10, 2017, Switch, Inc. had no business transactions or activities and had no assets or liabilities with the exception of the issuance of one share at par value of $0.001 per share, which was canceled as of the closing date of the IPO. The Company periodically evaluates entities for consolidation either through ownership of a majority voting interest, or through means other than voting interest, in accordance with the Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) accounting model. A VIE is an entity in which either (i) the equity investors as a group, if any, lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of such entity that most significantly impact such entity’s economic performance or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to the allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment, deferred income taxes, liabilities under the TRA, equity-based compensation, deferred revenue, fair value of leased property at inception of lease term, fair value of deliverables under multiple element arrangements, and probability assessments of exercising renewal options on leases. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 were comprised of money market funds totaling $53.3 million . Cash equivalents comprised of money market funds totaling $241.4 million were incorrectly classified as cash as of December 31, 2017 . |
| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments A derivative is a financial instrument whose value changes in response to an underlying variable, requires little or no initial net investment, and is settled at a future date. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which the derivatives are entered into and subsequently re-measured at fair value. Embedded derivatives included in hybrid instruments are treated and disclosed as separate derivatives when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contract, the terms of the embedded derivative are the same as those of a stand-alone derivative and the combined contract is not measured at fair value through earnings. The financial host contracts are accounted for and measured using the applicable GAAP of the relevant financial instrument category. The method of recognizing fair value gains and losses depends on whether the derivatives are designated as hedging instruments, and if so, the nature of the hedge relationship. All gains and losses from changes in the fair values of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in earnings. Beginning in 2017, the Company entered into agreements for the purchase of electricity ( Note 9 ). The accounting guidance for derivative instruments provides a scope exception for commodity contracts that meet the normal purchases and normal sales criteria specified in the standard. The normal purchases and normal sales exception requires, among other things, physical delivery in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that are designated as normal purchases and normal sales are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Based on these requirements, the agreements entered into by the Company meet the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception criteria. |
| Concentration of Credit and Other Risks | Concentration of Credit and Other Risks Although the Company operates primarily in Nevada, realization of its customer accounts receivable and its future operations and cash flows could be affected by adverse economic conditions, both regionally and elsewhere in the United States. During the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , the Company’s largest customer and its affiliates comprised 11% , 11% , and 13% , respectively, of the Company’s revenue. Only one customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 . The Company generally carries cash on deposit with financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. Through May 31, 2017, the Company was also exposed to a limited extent, to a risk of unfavorable price increases from its principal provider of power, Nevada Power Company dba NV Energy (“NV Energy”), whose rates are set and services are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”). On June 1, 2017, the Company became an unbundled purchaser of energy in Nevada. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes Switch, Inc. is taxed as a corporation and incurs U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes on its allocable share of taxable income (loss) of Switch, Ltd. Switch, Ltd. operates as a partnership for federal, state, and local tax reporting. Members are liable for any income taxes resulting from their allocable portion of taxable income (loss) of Switch, Ltd. as a pass-through entity. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, Switch, Ltd. is subject to partnership audit rules enacted as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “Centralized Partnership Audit Regime”). Under the Centralized Partnership Audit Regime, any audit of Switch, Ltd. by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) would be conducted at the partnership level, and if the IRS determines an adjustment, the default rule is that the partnership would pay an “imputed underpayment” including interest and penalties, if applicable. Switch, Ltd. may instead elect to make a “push-out” election, in which case the partners for the year that is under audit would be required to take into account the adjustments on their own personal income tax returns. The Switch Operating Agreement does not stipulate how Switch, Ltd. will address imputed underpayments. If Switch, Ltd. receives an imputed underpayment, a determination will be made based on the relevant facts and circumstances that exist at that time. The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Any effects of changes in income tax rates or laws are included in income tax expense (benefit) in the period of enactment. Deferred tax assets represent future tax deductions or credits. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in either the carryback or carryforward period. Each reporting period, the Company assesses the weight of all positive and negative evidence available and reduces the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. A comprehensive assessment of all forms of positive and negative evidence is performed on an annual basis and such assessment is updated during each interim period for significant changes. The Company utilizes a two-step process to record uncertain income tax positions in which (1) the Company determines if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the tax position for recognition will be sustained on the basis of its technical merits and (2) for those tax positions meeting the more likely than not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company includes interest and penalties related to income taxes within the provision for income taxes. See Note 10 “Income Taxes” for additional information. Income Taxes Switch, Inc. is taxed as a corporation and incurs U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes on its allocable share of taxable income (loss) of Switch, Ltd. Switch, Ltd. operates as a partnership for federal, state, and local tax reporting. Members are liable for any income taxes resulting from their allocable portion of taxable income (loss) of Switch, Ltd. as a pass-through entity. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, Switch, Ltd. is subject to partnership audit rules enacted as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “Centralized Partnership Audit Regime”). Under the Centralized Partnership Audit Regime, any audit of Switch, Ltd. by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) would be conducted at the partnership level, and if the IRS determines an adjustment, the default rule is that the partnership would pay an “imputed underpayment” including interest and penalties, if applicable. Switch, Ltd. may instead elect to make a “push-out” election, in which case the partners for the year that is under audit would be required to take into account the adjustments on their own personal income tax returns. The Switch Operating Agreement does not stipulate how Switch, Ltd. will address imputed underpayments. If Switch, Ltd. receives an imputed underpayment, a determination will be made based on the relevant facts and circumstances that exist at that time. The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Any effects of changes in income tax rates or laws are included in income tax expense (benefit) in the period of enactment. Deferred tax assets represent future tax deductions or credits. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in either the carryback or carryforward period. Each reporting period, the Company assesses the weight of all positive and negative evidence available and reduces the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. A comprehensive assessment of all forms of positive and negative evidence is performed on an annual basis and such assessment is updated during each interim period for significant changes. The Company utilizes a two-step process to record uncertain income tax positions in which (1) the Company determines if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the tax position for recognition will be sustained on the basis of its technical merits and (2) for those tax positions meeting the more likely than not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company includes interest and penalties related to income taxes within the provision for income taxes. See Note 10 “Income Taxes” for additional information. |
| Tax Receivable Agreement | Tax Receivable Agreement In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into a TRA with Switch, Ltd. and the Members. In the event that such parties exchange any or all of their Common Units for Class A common stock, the TRA requires the Company to make payments to such holders for 85% of the tax benefits realized, or in some cases deemed to realize, by the Company by such exchange as a result of (i) increases in the Company’s tax basis of its ownership interest in the net assets of Switch, Ltd. resulting from any redemptions or exchanges of noncontrolling interest, (ii) tax basis increases attributable to payments made under the TRA, and (iii) deductions attributable to imputed interest pursuant to the TRA (the "TRA Payments"). The annual tax benefits are computed by calculating the income taxes due, including such tax benefits, and the income taxes due without such benefits. The Company expects to benefit from the remaining 15% of any tax benefits that it may actually realize. The TRA Payments are not conditioned upon any continued ownership interest in Switch, Ltd. or the Company. The rights of each noncontrolling interest holder under the TRA are assignable to transferees of its interest. The timing and amount of aggregate payments due under the TRA may vary based on a number of factors, including the amount and timing of the taxable income the Company generates each year and the tax rate then applicable. The payment obligations under the TRA are obligations of Switch, Inc. and not of Switch, Ltd. Payments are generally due under the TRA within a specified period of time following the filing of the Company’s tax return for the taxable year with respect to which the payment obligation arises, although interest on such payments will begin to accrue at a rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points from the due date (without extensions) of such tax return. Any late payments that may be made under the TRA will continue to accrue interest at LIBOR plus 500 basis points until such payments are subsequently made. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements As the Company is an emerging growth company, it has elected not to opt out of the available extended transition period. Therefore, when a standard is issued or revised with different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, is permitted to adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. As a result, adoption dates of Accounting Standards Updates herein are based on a private company timeline. ASU 2014-09–Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard supersedes much of the current guidance regarding revenue recognition including most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the standard is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity will be required to identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In addition to the new revenue recognition requirements, entities will be required to disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The standard also provides guidance on the recognition of costs related to obtaining customer contracts. The standard allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied for all periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year (ASU 2015-14) to December 15, 2018 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”). The core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 is not changed by the amendments in ASU 2016-08. The amendments clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. Per ASU 2016-08, when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service itself (principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (agent). When an entity that is a principal satisfies a performance obligation, the entity recognizes revenue in the gross amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for the specified good or service transferred to the customer. When an entity that is an agent satisfies a performance obligation, the entity recognizes revenue in the amount of any fee or commission to which it expects to be entitled. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-08 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2014-09. In April 2016 and May 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends certain other aspects of ASU 2014-09. The amendments include the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance (ASU 2016-10) and the collectability of revenue, presentation of sales tax and other similar taxes collected from customers, contracts containing noncash considerations, and contract modifications and completed contracts at transition (ASU 2016-12). In December 2016, the FASB amended ASU 2014-09 to make minor corrections and minor improvements to the guidance that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost (ASU 2016-20). The effective date and transition provisions in these amendments are aligned with the requirements of ASU 2014-09. The Company expects to adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach for adoption. The Company has assigned internal resources and engaged consulting service providers to assist in evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-02–Leases On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The principle of ASU 2016-02 is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. Lessees will need to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability. For income statement purposes, ASU 2016-02 requires leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged, other than certain targeted improvements intended to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and with the updated revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. In addition, in January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, which permits an entity to elect an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate land easements that exist or expired before the entity’s adoption of ASU 2016-02 and were not previously accounted for as leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, which provides clarifications and improvements on sections of ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11, which provides lessees the option to apply the new guidance to all open leases as of the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and lessors with a practical expedient to account for qualifying non-lease components with associated lease components. In December 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-20, which provides additional clarifications on sections of ASU 2016-02. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects to adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2020. ASU 2016-13–Financial Instruments–Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). Under this guidance, a company will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model for trade and other receivables that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and requires a modified-retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has not decided if early adoption will be considered. ASU 2016-15–Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). The areas affected by ASU 2016-15 are debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies), distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. Specifically, under this guidance, cash payments for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs will be classified as cash outflows for financing activities. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not expected to materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-09–Compensation–Stock Compensation In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). This update provides clarity and reduces both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. For all entities, the amendments in ASU 2017-09 are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this guidance during the first quarter of 2018 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-05–Income Taxes In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“ASU 2018-05”). ASU 2018-05 provides guidance pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), in applying Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 (“ASC 740”) in connection with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). SAB 118 provides that in the period of enactment, the income tax effects of the TCJA may be reported as a provisional amount based on a reasonable estimate to the extent a reasonable estimate can be determined, which would be subject to adjustment during a “measurement period.” The measurement period begins in the reporting period of the TCJA’s enactment and ends when a registrant has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information that was needed in order to complete the accounting requirements under ASC 740. SAB 118 also describes supplemental disclosures that should accompany the provisional amounts. The Company has applied this guidance as of December 31, 2017. Refer to Note 10 for further information on the financial accounting impacts of SAB 118. ASU 2018-09–Codification Improvements In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements (“ASU 2018-09”). The amendments in this update make clarifications and minor improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification. Certain updates of ASU 2018-09 are applicable immediately while others are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this guidance during the year ending December 31, 2018 did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-13–Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2018-13 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. In addition, in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, which provides clarifications and improvements on sections of ASU 2018-13. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has not decided if early adoption will be considered. ASU 2018-15–Intangibles–Internal Use Software In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). The amendments in this update align requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The Company early adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2018 prospectively to implementation costs incurred after adoption. The early adoption of this guidance did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
| Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassifications Certain amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation. These reclassifications were to (i) separately present deferred income taxes from other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, (ii) present all unamortized debt issuance costs as noncurrent within long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheets, and (iii) separately present amortization of PECs from changes in accounts payable on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or net cash flows. |
| Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block] | Prior Period Adjustments During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company identified $15.0 million of property and equipment, which was included in construction in progress, that should have been placed in service during the three months ended June 30, 2017, at which time the Company should have begun depreciating the asset and ceased capitalizing interest. To correct for such errors in previously issued consolidated financial statements, during the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized $1.5 million of incremental depreciation expense in cost of revenue and $0.7 million of incremental interest expense, with $0.8 million and $0.4 million , respectively, representing out of period adjustments related to the year ended December 31, 2017 . In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded additional immaterial out of period adjustments related to the year ended December 31, 2017 that resulted in a $0.3 million reduction in income before income taxes. Considering both quantitative and qualitative factors, the Company has determined the amounts were not material to any previously issued consolidated financial statements and are not material for the year ended December 31, 2018 |
