Switch (SWCH) 10-Q 9 Aug 19 2019 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Aug. 01, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Switch, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001710583
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		84,339,373
Class B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		117,782,283
Class C
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,944,647

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 60,169	$ 81,560
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $331 and $426, respectively	14,259	17,654
Prepaid expenses	4,500	6,781
Other current assets	2,359	2,332
Total current assets	81,287	108,327
Property and equipment, net	1,346,348	1,302,770
Long-term deposit	4,085	3,333
Deferred income taxes	75,054	28,550
Other assets	18,103	17,050
TOTAL ASSETS	1,524,877	1,460,030
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, current portion	6,000	6,000
Accounts payable	23,842	20,501
Accrued salaries and benefits	9,897	5,258
Accrued expenses	12,049	9,778
Accrued construction payables	11,620	12,729
Deferred revenue, current portion	10,598	10,800
Customer deposits	10,062	9,962
Total current liabilities	84,068	75,028
Long-term debt, net	577,969	580,566
Capital lease obligations	19,466	19,466
Deferred revenue	26,870	22,260
Liabilities under tax receivable agreement	112,011	52,535
Other long-term liabilities	14,578	1,823
TOTAL LIABILITIES	834,962	751,678
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5 and Note 6)
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid in capital	198,231	140,191
Retained earnings	454	2,693
Accumulated other comprehensive income	79	79
Total Switch, Inc. stockholders’ equity	199,010	143,210
Noncontrolling interest	490,905	565,142
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	689,915	708,352
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	1,524,877	1,460,030
Class A
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	78	55
Class B
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	125	149
Class C
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	$ 43	$ 43

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
CURRENT ASSETS:
Allowance for accounts receivable	$ 331	$ 426
Preferred stock
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Class A
Common stock
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	750,000,000	750,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	78,085,000	55,218,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	78,085,000	55,218,000
Class B Common Stock
Common stock
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	124,870,000	148,481,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	124,870,000	148,481,000
Class C
Common stock
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	42,945,000	42,945,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	42,945,000	42,945,000

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 111,587	$ 102,161	$ 218,619	$ 199,878
Cost of revenue	57,889	55,194	115,189	110,050
Gross profit	53,698	46,967	103,430	89,828
Selling, general and administrative expense	33,047	31,139	67,298	64,590
Income from operations	20,651	15,828	36,132	25,238
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, including $409, $409, $818, and $818, respectively, in amortization of debt issuance costs	(7,338)	(6,144)	(14,469)	(12,417)
Equity in net losses of investments	0	0	0	331
Loss on interest rate swaps	(8,781)	0	(13,766)	0
Other	516	822	1,019	1,851
Total other expense	(15,603)	(5,322)	(27,216)	(10,897)
Income before income taxes	5,048	10,506	8,916	14,341
Income tax expense	(442)	(967)	(639)	(852)
Net income	4,606	9,539	8,277	13,489
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,428	8,718	6,399	11,997
Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.	$ 1,178	$ 821	$ 1,878	$ 1,492
Net income per share (Note 10):
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02	$ 0.03	$ 0.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ 0.03	$ 0.04
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per share (Note 10):
Basic (in shares)	77,714	42,358	66,686	39,197
Diluted (in shares)	79,021	42,463	247,227	39,296
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before and after tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 331
Comprehensive income	4,606	9,539	8,277	13,820
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,428	8,718	6,399	12,280
Comprehensive income attributable to Switch, Inc.	$ 1,178	$ 821	$ 1,878	$ 1,540

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Amortization of debt issuance costs	$ 818	$ 818	$ 409	$ 409

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common StockClass A	Common StockClass B	Common StockClass C	Additional Paid in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		35,938	173,624	42,945
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 742,133	$ 36	$ 174	$ 43	$ 107,008	$ 1,602	$ 31	$ 633,239
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	3,950					671		3,279
Equity-based compensation expense	12,357				5,278			7,079
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax		129
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax	(1,213)	$ 0			(1,213)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before and after tax	331						48	283
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		36,067	173,624	42,945
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	757,558	$ 36	$ 174	$ 43	111,073	2,273	79	643,880
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		35,938	173,624	42,945
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	742,133	$ 36	$ 174	$ 43	107,008	1,602	31	633,239
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	13,489
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before and after tax	331
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018		49,553	160,200	42,945
Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	748,746	$ 50	$ 160	$ 43	131,845	1,774	79	614,795
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		36,067	173,624	42,945
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	757,558	$ 36	$ 174	$ 43	111,073	2,273	79	643,880
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	9,539					821		8,718
Equity-based compensation expense	8,209				2,288			5,921
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax		1
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax	(7)	$ 0			(7)
Issuance of restricted stock awards (in shares)		61
Issuance of restricted stock awards	0
Dividends declared	(1,320)					(1,320)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(6,048)							(6,048)
Net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd.	20,349				20,349
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before and after tax	0
Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock (in shares)		13,424	(13,424)
Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock	0	$ 14	$ (14)		37,676			(37,676)
Recognition of tax receivable agreement liability resulting from exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock	(39,534)				(39,534)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018		49,553	160,200	42,945
Balance at Jun. 30, 2018	748,746	$ 50	$ 160	$ 43	131,845	1,774	79	614,795
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		55,218	148,481	42,945
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	708,352	$ 55	$ 149	$ 43	140,191	2,693	79	565,142
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	3,671					700		2,971
Equity-based compensation expense	8,145				4,160			3,985
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax		463
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax	(1,310)	$ 1			(2,016)
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax								705
Dividends declared	(1,728)					(1,728)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(6,006)							(6,006)
Net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd.	(728)				(728)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		55,681	148,481	42,945
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	710,396	$ 56	$ 149	$ 43	141,607	1,665	79	566,797
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		55,218	148,481	42,945
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	708,352	$ 55	$ 149	$ 43	140,191	2,693	79	565,142
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	8,277
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before and after tax	0
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		78,085	124,870	42,945
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	689,915	$ 78	$ 125	$ 43	198,231	454	79	490,905
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		55,681	148,481	42,945
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	710,396	$ 56	$ 149	$ 43	141,607	1,665	79	566,797
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	4,606					1,178		3,428
Equity-based compensation expense	7,443				3,800			3,643
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax		1
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax	(5)				(195)
Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax								190
Issuance of restricted stock awards (in shares)		80
Issuance of restricted stock awards	0
Dividends declared	(2,389)					(2,389)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(4,934)							(4,934)
Net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd.	47,871				47,871
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before and after tax	0
Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock (in shares)		22,323	(22,323)
Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock	0	$ 22	$ (22)		67,362			(67,362)
Repurchase of common units and cancellation of Class B common stock (in shares)			(1,288)
Repurchase of common units and cancellation of Class B common stock	(13,597)		$ (2)		(2,738)			(10,857)
Recognition of tax receivable agreement liability resulting from exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock	(59,476)				(59,476)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019		78,085	124,870	42,945
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	$ 689,915	$ 78	$ 125	$ 43	$ 198,231	$ 454	$ 79	$ 490,905

Consolidated Statement of Sto_2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0294	$ 0.0147	$ 0.0294	$ 0.0147

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 8,277	$ 13,489
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	58,361	50,321
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	107	627
Deferred income taxes	639	852
Amortization of debt issuance costs	818	818
(Benefit) provision for doubtful accounts	(72)	92
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps	13,765	0
Equity in net losses of investments	0	331
Equity-based compensation	15,588	20,566
Amortization of portfolio energy credits	685	67
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	970	4,861
Prepaid expenses	2,281	1,062
Other current assets	(27)	(100)
Other assets	(1,609)	(853)
Accounts payable	(493)	(499)
Accrued salaries and benefits	4,639	3,214
Accrued expenses	(238)	1,412
Deferred revenue	4,408	(679)
Customer deposits	100	762
Other long-term liabilities	756	(112)
Net cash provided by operating activities	108,955	96,231
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(100,131)	(160,773)
Acquisition of intangible asset	0	(25)
Escrow deposit	0	(3,508)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	18	0
Purchase of portfolio energy credits	(544)	(67)
Net cash used in investing activities	(100,657)	(164,373)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of borrowings, including capital lease obligations	(3,000)	(3,000)
Change in long-term deposit	2,537	(996)
Payment of tax withholdings upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards	(1,343)	(1,220)
Repurchase of common units	(13,597)	0
Dividends paid to Class A common stockholders	(3,932)	(1,258)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest	(10,354)	(6,046)
Net cash used in financing activities	(29,689)	(12,520)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(21,391)	(80,662)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period	81,560	264,666
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period	60,169	184,004
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	13,555	11,618
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING INFORMATION:
Increase in liabilities incurred to acquire property and equipment	2,679	5,542
Increase in accrued construction payables incurred related to long-term deposit	746	0
Increase in deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd.	47,143	20,349
Decrease in noncontrolling interest as a result of exchanges for Class A common stock	(67,362)	(37,676)
Recognition of liabilities under tax receivable agreement	59,476	39,534
Increase in distributions payable on unvested common units	586	0
Increase in dividends payable on unvested restricted stock units	185	62
Dividends payable settled with shares of Class A common stock	28	0
Distributions used for payment of option loans and related interest	$ 0	$ 2

Organization

Organization	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization Switch, Inc. was formed as a Nevada corporation in June 2017 for the purpose of completing an initial public offering (“IPO”) and related organizational transactions in order to carry on the business of Switch, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Switch,” and together with Switch, Inc., the “Company”). Switch is comprised of limited liability companies that provide colocation space and related services to global enterprises, financial companies, government agencies, and others that conduct critical business on the internet. Switch develops and operates data centers in Nevada, which are Tier IV Gold certified, and Michigan, and is developing data centers in Georgia, delivering redundant services with low latency and super capacity transport environments. As the manager of Switch, Ltd., Switch, Inc. operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Switch.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Management believes that the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 , or for any other future annual or interim period. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and 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, 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 in its consolidated financial statements as of October 11, 2017, the closing date of the IPO, resulting in a noncontrolling interest related to the common units of Switch, Ltd. (“Common Units”) held by members other than Switch, Inc. on its consolidated financial statements. 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 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 tax receivable agreement, 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. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant Accounting Policies A description of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in the audited financial statements within its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. No other changes to significant accounting policies have occurred since the year ended December 31, 2018, with the exception of those detailed below. 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 each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , the Company’s largest customer and its affiliates comprised 12% of the Company’s revenue. During each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , the Company’s largest customer and its affiliates comprised 10% of the Company’s revenue. One customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Fair Value Measurements Information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below: June 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,398 $ 31,398 $ — $ — Liabilities: Interest rate swaps Accrued expenses $ 2,509 $ — $ 2,509 $ — Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 11,256 $ — $ 11,256 $ — December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,293 $ 53,293 $ — $ — The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of June 30, 2019 was approximately $586.5 million , compared to its carrying value, excluding debt issuance costs, of $588.0 million . The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was based on Level 2 inputs. 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 on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value on the date on which the derivatives are entered into and subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are separated into their current and long-term components based on the timing of the cash flows as of the end of each reporting period. 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. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are classified in accordance with the nature of the derivative instrument and how it is used in the context of the Company’s business. The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate risk associated with variable-rate borrowings. In January and February 2019, Switch, Ltd. entered into four interest rate swap agreements; whereby, Switch, Ltd. will pay a weighted average fixed interest rate (excluding the applicable interest margin) of 2.48% on notional amounts corresponding to borrowings of $400.0 million in exchange for receipts on the same notional amount at a variable interest rate based on the applicable LIBOR at the time of payment. The interest rate swap agreements mature in June 2024 and are not designated as hedging instruments. Losses from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, inclusive of periodic net settlement amounts, were recorded in loss on interest rate swaps on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and totaled $8.8 million and $13.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company will cease to qualify as an emerging growth company on December 31, 2019. Accordingly, the Company will no longer be permitted to adopt new or revised standards on a private company timeline consistent with emerging growth companies that elect not to opt out of the available extended transition period. As a result, adoption dates for Accounting Standards Updates herein effective after December 31, 2019 are reflective of public business entity requirements. 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 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. 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 Company will 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 In February 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. 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 and March 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01, respectively, which provide additional clarifications on sections of ASU 2016-02. The Company will adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019. 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 2016-13–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, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, which, among other amendments, allows for certain policy elections and practical expedients related to accrued interest on financial instruments. In May 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2019-05, which granted targeted transition relief by allowing entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. 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 Company will adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019 retrospectively for all periods presented. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-15, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company expects its cash flows from operating activities to increase by $1.5 million and its cash flows provided by financing activities to decrease by $1.5 million . 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, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. 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. Reclassification The Company has reclassified the amortization of portfolio energy credits to present it separately from changes in accounts payable on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to be consistent with the current period presentation. The reclassification had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or net cash flows.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net consists of the following: June 30, December 31, (in thousands) Land and land improvements $ 194,542 $ 194,711 Buildings, building improvements, and leasehold improvements 424,798 412,089 Substation equipment 19,529 4,247 Data center equipment 971,569 904,722 Vehicles 1,787 1,685 Core network equipment 37,729 34,901 Cloud computing equipment 5,192 5,192 Fiber facilities 10,529 9,912 Computer equipment, furniture, and fixtures 38,235 34,975 Capitalized leased assets 34,355 33,730 Construction in progress 123,656 124,431 Property and equipment, gross 1,861,921 1,760,595 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (515,573 ) (457,825 ) Property and equipment, net $ 1,346,348 $ 1,302,770 Accumulated amortization for capitalized leased assets totaled $10.6 million and $9.9 million as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , capitalized interest was $2.3 million and $2.5 million , respectively. The Company capitalized internal use software costs of $0.5 million and $0.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $1.0 million and $0.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Total depreciation and amortization of property and equipment recognized on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 29,014 $ 25,054 $ 56,824 $ 49,121 Selling, general and administrative expense 789 664 1,537 1,200 Total depreciation and amortization of property and equipment $ 29,803 $ 25,718 $ 58,361 $ 50,321

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments The Company currently holds two investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, SUPERNAP International, S.A. (“SUPERNAP International”) and Planet3, Inc. (“Planet3”), in which the Company holds a 50% ownership interest and a 45% ownership interest, respectively. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company determined that it continued to have a variable interest in both SUPERNAP International and Planet3, as the entities do not have sufficient equity at risk. However, the Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of SUPERNAP International or of Planet3 as it does not have deemed control of either entity. As a result, it does not consolidate either entity into its consolidated financial statements. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s carrying value of its investment in SUPERNAP International was reduced to zero as a result of recording its share of the investee’s losses. Accordingly, as the Company does not have any guaranteed obligations and is not otherwise committed to provide further financial support to SUPERNAP International, the Company discontinued the equity method of accounting for its investment in SUPERNAP International as of March 31, 2018 and will not provide for additional losses until its share of future net income or comprehensive income, if any, equals the share of net losses or comprehensive losses not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended. The Company’s share of net loss recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $0.3 million . As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company recorded amounts consisting primarily of reimbursable expenses due from SUPERNAP International of $0.2 million and $0.4 million , respectively, within accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.

Leases

Leases	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases During the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , rent expense related to operating leases was $2.2 million and $2.0 million , respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , rent expense related to operating leases was $4.1 million and $3.9 million , respectively. Related party rent included in these amounts was $1.5 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. In June 2019, the Company received county approval of an operating lease it previously entered into with an entity in which a member of its Board of Directors has a beneficial ownership interest for the lease of land. The operating lease requires annual payments of $2.5 million over a non-cancellable term of 50 years, commencing July 1, 2019, for a total obligation of $126.9 million .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings On September 7, 2017, Switch, Ltd. and Switch, Inc. were named in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada by V5 Technologies formerly d/b/a Cobalt Data Centers. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Switch, Ltd. and Switch, Inc. monopolized the Las Vegas Metropolitan area of Southern Nevada’s data center colocation market and engaged in unfair business practices leading to the failure of Cobalt Data Centers in 2015 and seeks monetary damages in an amount yet to be disclosed. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. Switch, Ltd. and Switch, Inc. are vigorously defending the case. On September 12, 2017, Switch, Ltd. filed a complaint in the Eighth Judicial District of Nevada against the consultant, Stephen Fairfax, and his business, MTechnology Inc. Among other claims, Switch raised allegations of breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets. The complaint also alleged that Aligned Data Centers LLC hired Mr. Fairfax and MTechnology to design their data centers; that this consultant had toured Switch under a non-disclosure agreement; and that this consultant breached his confidentiality agreements with Switch by using Switch’s designs to design the Aligned data centers. Switch, Ltd. is seeking an injunction to prevent the defendants in the lawsuit from infringing Switch, Ltd.’s patents, as well as other remedies. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. Four substantially similar putative class action complaints, captioned Martz v. Switch, Inc. et al. (filed April 20, 2018); Palkon v. Switch, Inc. et al. (filed April 30, 2018); Chun v. Switch, Inc. et al. (filed May 11, 2018); and Silverberg v. Switch, Inc. et al. (filed June 6, 2018), were filed in the Eighth Judicial District of Nevada, and subsequently consolidated into a single case (the “State Court Securities Action”). Additionally, on June 11, 2018, one putative class action complaint captioned Cai v. Switch, Inc. et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (the “Federal Court Securities Action,” and collectively with the State Court Securities Action, the “Securities Actions”) and subsequently transferred to the Eighth Judicial District of Nevada in August 2018 and the federal court appointed Oscar Farach lead plaintiff. These lawsuits were filed against Switch, Inc., certain current and former officers and directors and certain underwriters of Switch, Inc.’s IPO alleging federal securities law violations in connection with the IPO. These lawsuits were brought by purported stockholders of Switch, Inc. seeking to represent a class of stockholders who purchased Class A common stock in or traceable to the IPO, and seek unspecified damages and other relief. In October 2018, the state court granted defendants motion to stay the State Court Securities Action in favor of the Federal Court Securities Action. In November 2018, the plaintiffs in the State Court Securities Action filed a petition for writ of mandamus challenging the stay order. In February 2019, Switch, Inc. filed an answer to this petition and plaintiffs in the State Court Securities Action filed their reply in March 2019. The Supreme Court of Nevada has not yet issued its ruling on this petition. In October 2018, the lead plaintiff of the Federal Court Securities Action filed an amended complaint. In November 2018, Switch, Inc. and other defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and a motion to strike. In July 2019, the federal court granted Switch, Inc.’s motion to dismiss in part, which narrowed the scope of the plaintiff’s case. Switch, Inc. believes that these lawsuits are without merit and intends to continue to vigorously defend against them. On September 10, 2018, two purported stockholders of Switch, Inc. filed substantially similar shareholder derivative complaints, respectively captioned Liu v. Roy et al., and Zhao v. Roy et al., in the Eighth Judicial District of Nevada, which were subsequently consolidated into a single case (the “Derivative Shareholder Action”). These lawsuits allege breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, waste of corporate assets, abuse of control, and gross mismanagement against certain current and former officers and directors of Switch, Inc. The plaintiffs also named Switch, Inc. as a nominal defendant. The complaints arise generally from the same allegations described in the State Court Securities Action and Federal Court Securities Action. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on Switch, Inc.’s behalf from the officer and director defendants, certain corporate governance actions, compensatory awards, and other relief. In December 2018, the court granted the parties’ stipulation to stay the Derivative Shareholder Action until the Securities Actions are dismissed with prejudice or until the defendants file an answer in any of the Securities Actions. On April 8, 2019, Switch, Ltd. filed a complaint in the Eighth Judicial District of Nevada against the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (the “PUCN”), its regulatory operation staff (the “Staff”), and its staff counsel, Tamara Cordova, in response to a regulatory petition filed by the Staff requesting the PUCN rule whether Switch is (i) a public utility, as defined by the Nevada statute, (ii) provides its services to the public at large, and (iii) charges its customers for electricity at a rate that is higher than the rate Switch pays for electricity at its facilities. In May 2019, Switch and the PUCN agreed that Switch is not a monopoly provider of electric service within the state of Nevada. In June 2019, the Nevada legislature amended the definition of “public utility” to reflect that agreement. Both the Staff’s petition and Switch, Ltd.’s complaint have been dismissed. The outcomes of the legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable, subject to significant uncertainties, and could be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for a particular period. Where the Company is a defendant, it will vigorously defend against the claims pleaded against it. These actions are each in preliminary stages and management has determined that based on proceedings to date, it is currently unable to determine the probability of the outcome of these actions or the range of reasonably possible loss, if any.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure	Income Taxes The Company recorded a net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in the outside basis difference on Switch, Inc.’s investment in Switch, Ltd. of $47.9 million and $47.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , respectively, and $20.3 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital. The Company has determined it is more-likely-than-not that it will be able to realize this deferred tax asset in the future. Tax Receivable Agreement The Company has recorded a liability under the tax receivable agreement of $112.0 million and $52.5 million as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively, which provides for the payment of 85% of the amount of the tax benefits, if any, that Switch, Inc. is deemed to realize as a result of increases in the tax basis of its ownership in Switch, Ltd. related to exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity-Based Compensation	Equity-Based Compensation Total equity-based compensation recognized on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 381 $ 367 $ 754 $ 783 Selling, general and administrative expense 7,062 7,842 14,834 19,783 Total equity-based compensation $ 7,443 $ 8,209 $ 15,588 $ 20,566

Non-controlling Interest

Non-controlling Interest	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Non-controlling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Switch, Inc. owns an indirect minority economic interest in Switch, Ltd., where “economic interests” means the right to receive any distributions, whether cash, property or securities of Switch, Ltd., in connection with Common Units. Switch, Inc. presents interest held by noncontrolling interest holders within noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements. In April 2019, Switch, Inc. issued an aggregate of 22.3 million shares of Class A common stock to members of Switch, Ltd. in connection with such members’ redemptions of an equivalent number of Common Units and corresponding cancellation of an equivalent number of Switch, Inc.’s Class B common stock. The redemption occurred pursuant to the terms of the Switch operating agreement entered into in connection with the Company’s IPO. In April 2019, Switch, Ltd. elected to repurchase 1.3 million of its outstanding Common Units for $13.6 million upon the exercise by certain members of their respective redemption right. Pursuant to this repurchase, Switch, Inc. canceled an equivalent amount of its shares of Class B common stock. The repurchase is part of a program previously approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The ownership of the Common Units is summarized as follows: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Units Ownership % Units Ownership % (units in thousands) Switch, Inc.’s ownership of Common Units (1) 78,005 32.2 % 55,157 22.7 % Noncontrolling interest holders’ ownership of Common Units (2) 164,227 67.8 % 187,440 77.3 % Total Common Units 242,232 100.0 % 242,597 100.0 % ________________________________________ (1) Common Units held by Switch, Inc. as of June 30, 2019 exclude 80,000 Common Units underlying unvested restricted stock awards. Common Units held by Switch, Inc. as of December 31, 2018 exclude 61,000 Common Units underlying unvested restricted stock awards. (2) Common Units held by noncontrolling interest holders as of June 30, 2019 exclude 3.6 million unvested Common Unit awards. Common Units held by noncontrolling interest holders as of December 31, 2018 exclude 4.0 million unvested Common Unit awards. The Company uses the weighted average ownership percentages during the period to calculate the income before income taxes attributable to Switch, Inc. and the noncontrolling interest holders of Switch, Ltd.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income per share: Numerator—basic: Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—basic $ 1,178 $ 821 $ 1,878 $ 1,492 Numerator—diluted: Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—basic $ 1,178 $ 821 $ 1,878 $ 1,492 Effect of dilutive securities: Shares of Class B and Class C common stock — — 4,939 — Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—diluted $ 1,178 $ 821 $ 6,817 $ 1,492 Denominator—basic: Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 77,714 42,358 66,686 39,197 Net income per share—basic $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 Denominator—diluted: Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 77,714 42,358 66,686 39,197 Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: Stock/unit options 627 87 334 89 Restricted stock units 618 1 464 1 Dividend equivalent units 22 5 20 3 Restricted stock awards 40 12 37 6 Shares of Class B and Class C common stock — — 179,686 — Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 79,021 42,463 247,227 39,296 Net income per share—diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 Shares of Class B and Class C common stock do not share in the earnings or losses of Switch, Inc. and are therefore not participating securities. As such, separate calculations of basic and diluted net income per share for each of Class B and Class C common stock under the two-class method have not been presented. The following table presents potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the periods presented because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Stock options (1) 6,288 5,602 6,288 5,602 Restricted stock units (1) 1,518 2,118 1,518 2,118 Restricted stock awards (1) 80 — 80 — Shares of Class B and Class C common stock (2) 167,815 203,145 — 203,145 ________________________________________ (1) Represents the number of instruments outstanding at the end of the period. Application of the treasury stock method would reduce this amount if they had a dilutive effect and were included in the computation of diluted net income per share. (2) Shares of Class B and Class C common stock at the end of the period are considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock under application of the if-converted method.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company manages its operations as a single operating segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. All of the Company’s assets are maintained in the United States, although the Company holds an equity method investment in SUPERNAP International, which has deployed facilities in Italy and Thailand. The Company derives almost all of its revenue from sales to customers in the United States, based upon the billing address of the customer. Revenue derived from customers outside the United States, based upon the billing address of the customer, was less than 2% of revenue for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and less than 1% of revenue for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . The Company’s revenue is comprised of the following: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Colocation $ 90,711 $ 81,150 $ 176,888 $ 158,869 Connectivity 19,458 18,866 38,351 37,084 Other 1,418 2,145 3,380 3,925 Total revenue $ 111,587 $ 102,161 $ 218,619 $ 199,878

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In July 2019, Switch, Inc. issued an aggregate of 6.3 million shares of Class A common stock to members of Switch, Ltd. in connection with such members’ redemptions of an equivalent number of Common Units and corresponding cancellation of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock. The redemptions occurred pursuant to the terms of the Switch operating agreement entered into in connection with the Company’s IPO. In July 2019, Switch, Ltd. also elected to repurchase 0.8 million of its outstanding Common Units for $11.1 million upon the exercise by certain members of their respective redemption right. Pursuant to this repurchase, Switch, Inc. canceled an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock. In July 2019, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Switch, Ltd. entered into two power purchase and sale agreements for electricity and a battery energy storage system agreement to purchase 10.1 million megawatt-hours over a term of 25 years and battery capacity of 50 megawatts at a monthly price per kilowatt-month of installed capacity for a term of 20 years. These agreements result in an aggregate purchase commitment of $468.6 million during the respective terms starting on the earlier of October 1, 2022 or upon delivery of the battery energy storage system. In August 2019, Switch, Inc.’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.0294 per share of Class A common stock, for a total estimated to be $2.5 million , to be paid on August 30, 2019 to holders of record as of August 19, 2019. Prior to the payment of this dividend, Switch, Ltd. will make a cash distribution to all holders of record of Common Units, including Switch, Inc., of $0.0294 per Common Unit, for a total estimated to be $7.2 million .

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Management believes that the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019 , or for any other future annual or interim period.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and 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, 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 in its consolidated financial statements as of October 11, 2017, the closing date of the IPO, resulting in a noncontrolling interest related to the common units of Switch, Ltd. (“Common Units”) held by members other than Switch, Inc. on its consolidated financial statements. 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 tax receivable agreement, 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. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
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 each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , the Company’s largest customer and its affiliates comprised 12% of the Company’s revenue. During each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , the Company’s largest customer and its affiliates comprised 10% of the Company’s revenue. One customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 .
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurements Information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below: June 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,398 $ 31,398 $ — $ — Liabilities: Interest rate swaps Accrued expenses $ 2,509 $ — $ 2,509 $ — Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 11,256 $ — $ 11,256 $ — December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,293 $ 53,293 $ — $ — The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of June 30, 2019 was approximately $586.5 million , compared to its carrying value, excluding debt issuance costs, of $588.0 million . The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was based on Level 2 inputs.
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 on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value on the date on which the derivatives are entered into and subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are separated into their current and long-term components based on the timing of the cash flows as of the end of each reporting period. 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. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are classified in accordance with the nature of the derivative instrument and how it is used in the context of the Company’s business. The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate risk associated with variable-rate borrowings. In January and February 2019, Switch, Ltd. entered into four interest rate swap agreements; whereby, Switch, Ltd. will pay a weighted average fixed interest rate (excluding the applicable interest margin) of 2.48% on notional amounts corresponding to borrowings of $400.0 million in exchange for receipts on the same notional amount at a variable interest rate based on the applicable LIBOR at the time of payment. The interest rate swap agreements mature in June 2024 and are not designated as hedging instruments. Losses from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, inclusive of periodic net settlement amounts, were recorded in loss on interest rate swaps on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and totaled $8.8 million and $13.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 , respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company will cease to qualify as an emerging growth company on December 31, 2019. Accordingly, the Company will no longer be permitted to adopt new or revised standards on a private company timeline consistent with emerging growth companies that elect not to opt out of the available extended transition period. As a result, adoption dates for Accounting Standards Updates herein effective after December 31, 2019 are reflective of public business entity requirements. 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 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. 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 Company will 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 In February 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. 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 and March 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01, respectively, which provide additional clarifications on sections of ASU 2016-02. The Company will adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019. 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 2016-13–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, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, which, among other amendments, allows for certain policy elections and practical expedients related to accrued interest on financial instruments. In May 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2019-05, which granted targeted transition relief by allowing entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. 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 Company will adopt this guidance for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2019 retrospectively for all periods presented. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-15, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company expects its cash flows from operating activities to increase by $1.5 million and its cash flows provided by financing activities to decrease by $1.5 million . 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, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. 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.
Reclassification	Reclassification The Company has reclassified the amortization of portfolio energy credits to present it separately from changes in accounts payable on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to be consistent with the current period presentation. The reclassification had no impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or net cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below: June 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,398 $ 31,398 $ — $ — Liabilities: Interest rate swaps Accrued expenses $ 2,509 $ — $ 2,509 $ — Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 11,256 $ — $ 11,256 $ — December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (in thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,293 $ 53,293 $ — $ —

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment, net consists of the following: June 30, December 31, (in thousands) Land and land improvements $ 194,542 $ 194,711 Buildings, building improvements, and leasehold improvements 424,798 412,089 Substation equipment 19,529 4,247 Data center equipment 971,569 904,722 Vehicles 1,787 1,685 Core network equipment 37,729 34,901 Cloud computing equipment 5,192 5,192 Fiber facilities 10,529 9,912 Computer equipment, furniture, and fixtures 38,235 34,975 Capitalized leased assets 34,355 33,730 Construction in progress 123,656 124,431 Property and equipment, gross 1,861,921 1,760,595 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (515,573 ) (457,825 ) Property and equipment, net $ 1,346,348 $ 1,302,770
Depreciation and Amortization of Property and Equipment	Total depreciation and amortization of property and equipment recognized on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 29,014 $ 25,054 $ 56,824 $ 49,121 Selling, general and administrative expense 789 664 1,537 1,200 Total depreciation and amortization of property and equipment $ 29,803 $ 25,718 $ 58,361 $ 50,321

Equity-Based Compensation (Tabl

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	Equity-Based Compensation Total equity-based compensation recognized on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Cost of revenue $ 381 $ 367 $ 754 $ 783 Selling, general and administrative expense 7,062 7,842 14,834 19,783 Total equity-based compensation $ 7,443 $ 8,209 $ 15,588 $ 20,566

Non-controlling Interest (Table

Non-controlling Interest (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Ownership of Common Units	The ownership of the Common Units is summarized as follows: June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Units Ownership % Units Ownership % (units in thousands) Switch, Inc.’s ownership of Common Units (1) 78,005 32.2 % 55,157 22.7 % Noncontrolling interest holders’ ownership of Common Units (2) 164,227 67.8 % 187,440 77.3 % Total Common Units 242,232 100.0 % 242,597 100.0 % ________________________________________ (1) Common Units held by Switch, Inc. as of June 30, 2019 exclude 80,000 Common Units underlying unvested restricted stock awards. Common Units held by Switch, Inc. as of December 31, 2018 exclude 61,000 Common Units underlying unvested restricted stock awards. (2) Common Units held by noncontrolling interest holders as of June 30, 2019 exclude 3.6 million unvested Common Unit awards. Common Units held by noncontrolling interest holders as of December 31, 2018 exclude 4.0 million unvested Common Unit awards.

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income per share: Numerator—basic: Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—basic $ 1,178 $ 821 $ 1,878 $ 1,492 Numerator—diluted: Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—basic $ 1,178 $ 821 $ 1,878 $ 1,492 Effect of dilutive securities: Shares of Class B and Class C common stock — — 4,939 — Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—diluted $ 1,178 $ 821 $ 6,817 $ 1,492 Denominator—basic: Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 77,714 42,358 66,686 39,197 Net income per share—basic $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.04 Denominator—diluted: Weighted average shares outstanding—basic 77,714 42,358 66,686 39,197 Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: Stock/unit options 627 87 334 89 Restricted stock units 618 1 464 1 Dividend equivalent units 22 5 20 3 Restricted stock awards 40 12 37 6 Shares of Class B and Class C common stock — — 179,686 — Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 79,021 42,463 247,227 39,296 Net income per share—diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.04
Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded from the Computation of Diluted Net Income Per Share	The following table presents potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the periods presented because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Stock options (1) 6,288 5,602 6,288 5,602 Restricted stock units (1) 1,518 2,118 1,518 2,118 Restricted stock awards (1) 80 — 80 — Shares of Class B and Class C common stock (2) 167,815 203,145 — 203,145 ________________________________________ (1) Represents the number of instruments outstanding at the end of the period. Application of the treasury stock method would reduce this amount if they had a dilutive effect and were included in the computation of diluted net income per share. (2) Shares of Class B and Class C common stock at the end of the period are considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock under application of the if-converted method.

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Composition of Revenue	The Company’s revenue is comprised of the following: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2019 2018 2019 2018 (in thousands) Colocation $ 90,711 $ 81,150 $ 176,888 $ 158,869 Connectivity 19,458 18,866 38,351 37,084 Other 1,418 2,145 3,380 3,925 Total revenue $ 111,587 $ 102,161 $ 218,619 $ 199,878

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)derivative
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of long-term debt	$ 586,500,000		$ 586,500,000
Carrying value of long-term debt	$ 588,000,000		588,000,000
Cash flows from operating activities			108,955,000	$ 96,231,000
Cash flows from financing activities			$ (29,689,000)	$ (12,520,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities						$ 1,500,000
Cash flows from financing activities						$ (1,500,000)
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenue | Colocation and Connectivity Services
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	12.00%	10.00%	12.00%	10.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | One Customer
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			10.00%		10.00%
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of derivative agreements | derivative							4
Weighted average fixed interest rate on notional amounts							2.48%
Notional amount							$ 400,000,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents, carrying value	$ 31,398	$ 53,293
Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents, fair value	31,398	$ 53,293
Interest Rate Swap Agreements | Accrued expenses
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	2,509
Interest Rate Swap Agreements | Accrued expenses | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	2,509
Interest Rate Swap Agreements | Other long-term liabilities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	11,256
Interest Rate Swap Agreements | Other long-term liabilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	$ 11,256

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on interest rate swaps	$ 8,781	$ 0	$ 13,766	$ 0
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on interest rate swaps	$ 8,800		$ 13,800

Property and Equipment, Net (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,861,921		$ 1,861,921		$ 1,760,595
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(515,573)		(515,573)		(457,825)
Property and equipment, net	1,346,348		1,346,348		1,302,770
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	29,803	$ 25,718	58,361	$ 50,321
Cost of revenue
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	29,014	25,054	56,824	49,121
Selling, general and administrative expense
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	789	$ 664	1,537	$ 1,200
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	194,542		194,542		194,711
Buildings, building improvements, and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	424,798		424,798		412,089
Substation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	19,529		19,529		4,247
Data center equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	971,569		971,569		904,722
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,787		1,787		1,685
Core network equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	37,729		37,729		34,901
Cloud computing equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	5,192		5,192		5,192
Fiber facilities
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	10,529		10,529		9,912
Computer equipment, furniture, and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	38,235		38,235		34,975
Capitalized leased assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	34,355		34,355		33,730
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 123,656		$ 123,656		$ 124,431

Property and Equipment, Net - N

Property and Equipment, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization for capitalized leased assets	$ 10.6		$ 10.6		$ 9.9
Capitalized interest			2.3	$ 2.5
Capitalized internal use software costs	$ 0.5	$ 0.1	$ 1	$ 0.8

Equity Method Investments (Deta

Equity Method Investments (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)investment	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)investment	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of investments accounted for under the equity method | investment	2		2
Equity in net losses of investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 331,000
SUPERNAP International
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in equity method investments	50.00%		50.00%
Carrying value of equity method investments	$ 0		$ 0
Equity in net losses of investments				$ 300,000
Planet3, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in equity method investments	45.00%		45.00%
Equity Method Investee [Member] | SUPERNAP International
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Reimbursable expenses due from related parties included in accounts receivable	$ 200,000		$ 200,000		$ 400,000

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Rent expense related to operating leases		$ 2.2	$ 2	$ 4.1	$ 3.9
Related party rent included in rent expense related to operating leases		$ 1.5	$ 1.3	$ 2.7	$ 2.5
Land and land improvements
Operating Leases [Line Items]
Annual required payments	$ 2.5
Non-cancellable term	50 years	50 years		50 years
Total obligation	$ 126.9

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Sep. 10, 2018plaintiff	Jun. 11, 2018case	Jun. 08, 2018case
State Court Securities Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of complaints filed			4
Federal Court Securities Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of complaints filed		1
Derivative Shareholder Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff	2

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in the outside basis difference on investment	$ 47,900	$ 20,300	$ 47,100	$ 20,300
Liabilities under tax receivable agreement	$ 112,011		$ 112,011		$ 52,535
Percent of tax benefits to be paid under tax receivable agreement			85.00%

Equity-Based Compensation (Deta

Equity-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	$ 7,443	$ 8,209	$ 15,588	$ 20,566
Cost of revenue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	381	367	754	783
Selling, general and administrative expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation	$ 7,062	$ 7,842	$ 14,834	$ 19,783

Non-controlling Interest Narrat

Non-controlling Interest Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Repurchase of common units (in shares)	1,300,000
Payments for repurchase of common units	$ 13,600	$ 13,597	$ 0
Restricted Stock | Director Compensation Program
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Unvested awards (in shares)		80,000		61,000
Common Units
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Unvested awards (in shares)		3,600,000		4,000,000
Switch, Ltd.
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Switch, Inc.'s ownership of Common Units (in shares)		78,005,000		55,157,000
Switch, Inc.'s ownership of Common Units		32.20%		22.70%
Noncontrolling interest holders’ ownership of Common Units (in shares)		164,227,000		187,440,000
Noncontrolling interest holders’ ownership of Common Units		67.80%		77.30%
Total Common Units (in shares)		242,232,000		242,597,000
Class A
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	22,300,000

Net Income Per Share - Calculat

Net Income Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Numerator—basic:
Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—basic	$ 1,178	$ 821	$ 1,878	$ 1,492
Numerator—diluted:
Shares of Class B and Class C common stock	0	0	4,939	0
Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—diluted	$ 1,178	$ 821	$ 6,817	$ 1,492
Denominator—basic:
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic (in shares)	77,714	42,358	66,686	39,197
Net income per share—basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02	$ 0.03	$ 0.04
Denominator—diluted:
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic (in shares)	77,714	42,358	66,686	39,197
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Shares of Class B common stock and Class C common stock (in shares)	0	0	179,686	0
Weighted average shares/units outstanding-diluted (in shares)	79,021	42,463	247,227	39,296
Net income per share—diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ 0.03	$ 0.04
Incentive Units
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	627	87	334	89
Restricted stock units
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	618	1	464	1
Dividend equivalent units
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	22	5	20	3
Restricted Stock
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	40	12	37	6

Net Income Per Share Potentiall

Net Income Per Share Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded from the Computation of Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net income per unit (in shares)	6,288	5,602	6,288	5,602
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net income per unit (in shares)	1,518	2,118	1,518	2,118
Restricted stock awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net income per unit (in shares)	80		80
Shares of Class B and Class C common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted net income per unit (in shares)	167,815	203,145	0	203,145

Segment Reporting Narrative (De

Segment Reporting Narrative (Details) - segment	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	1		1
Outside of the United States | Revenue | Geographic Concentration Risk
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	2.00%	1.00%	2.00%	1.00%

Segment Reporting Composition o

Segment Reporting Composition of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 111,587	$ 102,161	$ 218,619	$ 199,878
Colocation
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	90,711	81,150	176,888	158,869
Connectivity
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	19,458	18,866	38,351	37,084
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,418	$ 2,145	$ 3,380	$ 3,925

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Jul. 31, 2019USD ($)megawattsMWhagreementshares	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments for repurchase of common units			$ 13,600				$ 13,597	$ 0
Dividends declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 0.0294		$ 0.0147	$ 0.0294	$ 0.0147
Dividends declared				$ 2,389	$ 1,728	$ 1,320
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Units repurchased (in shares) | shares		0.8
Payments for repurchase of common units		$ 11,100
Number of purchase and sale agreements entered into | agreement		2
Aggregate purchase commitment		$ 468,600
Dividends declared	$ 2,500
Switch, Ltd. | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash distributions to common unit holders (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.0294
Cash distributions declared	$ 7,200
Energy | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Required purchase quantity | MWh		10,100,000
Term of purchase agreement		25 years
Battery Capacity | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Required purchase quantity | megawatts		50
Term of purchase agreement		20 years
Class A
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (in shares) | shares			22.3
Class A | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (in shares) | shares		6.3
Dividends declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.0294