v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
Oct. 31, 2010
Document and Entity Information    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2010  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2010  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Entity Registrant Name CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0001051470  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   290,756,111