|
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Feb. 06, 2012
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
|
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
| Entity Registrant Name | CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORP | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001051470 | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
| Document Type | 10-K | ||
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2011 | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2011 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 284,470,327 | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 11.4 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
If the value is true, then the document as an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
End date of current fiscal year in the format --MM-DD. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This is focus fiscal period of the document report. For a first quarter 2006 quarterly report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, the first fiscal quarter should be given as the fiscal period focus. Values: FY, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, H1, H2, M9, T1, T2, T3, M8, CY. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This is focus fiscal year of the document report in CCYY format. For a 2006 annual report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, fiscal 2006 should be given as the fiscal year focus. Example: 2006. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements containing historical data, it is the date up through which that historical data is presented. If there is no historical data in the report, use the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, N-1A, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, minus any "/A" suffix. The acceptable values are as follows: S-1, S-3, S-4, S-11, F-1, F-3, F-4, F-9, F-10, 6-K, 8-K, 10, 10-K, 10-Q, 20-F, 40-F, N-1A, 485BPOS, 497, NCSR, N-CSR, N-CSRS, N-Q, 10-KT, 10-QT, 20-FT, POS AM and Other. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Indicate number of shares outstanding of each of registrant's classes of common stock, as of latest practicable date. Where multiple classes exist define each class by adding class of stock items such as Common Class A [Member], Common Class B [Member] onto the Instrument [Domain] of the Entity Listings, Instrument No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" whether registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Indicate whether the registrant is one of the following: (1) Large Accelerated Filer, (2) Accelerated Filer, (3) Non-accelerated Filer, or (4) Smaller Reporting Company. Definitions of these categories are stated in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
State aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to price at which the common equity was last sold, or average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The public float should be reported on the cover page of the registrants form 10K. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Is used on Form Type: 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, 20-F, 6-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q/A, 20-F/A, 6-K/A, N-CSR, N-Q, N-1A. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts of the intangible assets that arise from site rental contracts and customer relationships, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Excess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of additional paid-in capital associated with common and preferred stock. For additional paid-in capital associated with only common stock, use the element additional paid in capital, common stock. For additional paid-in capital associated with only preferred stock, use the element additional paid in capital, preferred stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which are due within one year (or one business cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For a classified balance sheet, the cumulative difference between the rental income or payments required by a lease agreement and the rental income or expense recognized on a straight-line basis, or other systematic and rational basis more representative of the time pattern in which use or benefit is granted or derived from the leased property, expected to be recognized in income or expense, by the lessor or lessee, respectively, more than one year after the balance sheet date. Such receivable is reduced by allowances attributable to, for instance, credit risk associated with a lessee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise separates deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items (or Partners' Capital, as applicable), including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of other indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets that are not separately presented on the statement of financial position. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and of liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in Stockholders Equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|---|---|---|
| Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, current | $ 5,891 | $ 5,683 |
| Redeemable preferred stock, par value | $ 0.1 | $ 0.1 |
| Redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized | 20,000,000 | 20,000,000 |
| Redeemable preferred stock, shares issued | 6,111,000 | 6,361,000 |
| Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding | 6,111,000 | 6,361,000 |
| Mandatory redemption and aggregate liquidation value, redeemable preferred stock | $ 305,550 | $ 318,050 |
| Common stock, par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Common stock, shares authorized | 600,000,000 | 600,000,000 |
| Common stock, shares issued | 284,449,372 | 290,826,284 |
| Common stock, shares outstanding | 284,449,372 | 290,826,284 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Face amount or stated value of common stock per share; generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total number of shares of common stock held by shareholders. May be all or portion of the number of common shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the common shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury and other adjustments, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate liquidation preference (or restrictions) of stock classified as temporary equity that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Face amount or stated value per share of stock classified as temporary equity; generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum number of securities classified as temporary equity that are permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of securities classified as temporary equity that have been sold (or granted) to the entity's shareholders. Securities issued include securities outstanding and securities held in treasury. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of securities classified as temporary equity that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Securities outstanding equals securities issued minus securities held in treasury. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents acquisition and integration related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; integration costs; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gain Loss On Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Other Income (Expense) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds and the amortization of interest rate swaps accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs related to services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Costs incurred and are directly related to generating revenues from leased and rented property or equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of net Income or Loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period attributable to noncontrolling interest. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate value of preferred stock dividends and other adjustments necessary to derive net income apportioned to common stockholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue during the period from services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting allowances and discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Tax effect on available-for-sale securities | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Tax effect on derivative instruments | $ 0 | $ (14,997) | $ 60,324 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tax effect of the gross appreciation or the gross loss, net of reclassification adjustment, in the value of the total unsold available-for-sale securities at the end of an accounting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total tax effect of the change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase or decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ 171,460 | $ (311,259) | $ (114,123) | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities: | |||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 552,951 | 540,771 | 529,739 | ||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | 138,367 | [1] | 91,079 | [2] | ||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest | 102,943 | 85,454 | 61,357 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 32,610 | 36,540 | 29,225 | ||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 22,285 | 13,687 | 19,237 | ||||||
| Deferred income tax benefit (provision) | 4,626 | (26,196) | (74,410) | ||||||
| Income (expense) from forward-starting interest rate swaps | 0 | 286,435 | 90,302 | ||||||
| Other adjustments | 4,122 | 857 | 821 | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions: | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accrued interest | 201 | (4,285) | 52,705 | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable | (7,497) | 1,702 | (1,703) | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities | 19,606 | 39,012 | 9,317 | ||||||
| Decrease (increase) in receivables | (17,407) | (11,653) | (4,830) | ||||||
| Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets | (242,446) | (186,002) | (117,460) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities | 643,454 | 603,430 | 571,256 | ||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||
| Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | (37,551) | (139,158) | (2,598) | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | (347,942) | (228,058) | (173,535) | ||||||
| Other investing activities, net | (14,372) | (23,733) | 3,988 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities | (399,865) | (390,949) | (172,145) | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 0 | 3,450,000 | 2,726,348 | ||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of capital stock | 1,557 | 18,731 | 45,049 | ||||||
| Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations | (35,345) | (26,398) | (6,500) | ||||||
| Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt | 0 | (3,541,312) | (2,191,719) | ||||||
| Purchases of capital stock | (303,414) | (159,639) | (3,003) | ||||||
| Purchases of preferred stock | (15,002) | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Borrowings under revolving credit facility | 283,000 | 157,000 | 50,000 | ||||||
| Payments under revolving credit facility | (189,000) | 0 | (219,400) | ||||||
| Payments for financing costs | 0 | (59,259) | (67,760) | ||||||
| Payments for forward-starting interest rate swap settlements | 0 | (697,821) | (36,670) | ||||||
| Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash | 1,979 | 11,953 | (62,071) | ||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock | (19,487) | (19,879) | (19,878) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities | (275,712) | (866,624) | 214,396 | ||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (288) | 528 | (2,580) | ||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (32,411) | (653,615) | 610,927 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 112,531 | 766,146 | 155,219 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ 80,120 | $ 112,531 | $ 766,146 | ||||||
|
|||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The components of interest expense representing the non-cash expenses against earnings in the period including amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate swaps, and discounts on long-term debt and other non-cash interest. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Income (expense) recognized on the income statement from forward-starting interest rate swaps. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the settlement of forward-starting interest rate swaps. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in cash and cash equivalents. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Change in recurring obligations of a business that arise from the acquisition of merchandise, materials, supplies and services used in the production and sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in interest payable, which represents the amount owed to note holders, bond holders, and other parties for interest earned on loans or credit extended to the reporting entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other assets used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current assets, other noncurrent assets, or a combination of other current and noncurrent assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current liabilities, other noncurrent liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the total amount due within one year (or one operating cycle) from all parties, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Other income (expense) included in net income that results in no cash inflows or outflows in the period. Includes noncash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities that are not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire callable preferred stock which is identified as being convertible to another type of financial security. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for the return on capital for preferred shareholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for loan and debt issuance costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, treasury stock, stock options, and other types of equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity that is collateralized (backed by pledge, mortgage or other lien in the entity's assets). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from cash and cash items that are not available for withdrawal or usage. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to pay off an obligation from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for the payment of other borrowing not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Equity (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
Total
|
Common Stock
|
Additional Paid-in Capital
|
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
|
Derivative Instruments
|
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-sale Securities
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
Noncontrolling Interest
|
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2008 | $ 2,715,865 | $ 2,885 | $ 5,614,507 | $ 26,821 | $ (435,150) | $ 0 | $ (2,493,198) | $ 0 | |
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, value at Dec. 31, 2008 | 314,726 | ||||||||
| Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2008 | 288,464,431 | ||||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2008 | 6,361,000 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value | 74,274 | 43 | 74,231 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares | 4,381,128 | ||||||||
| Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value | (3,003) | (1) | (2,864) | (138) | |||||
| Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares | (115,875) | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 41,399 | 41,626 | (227) | ||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax | 6,799 | 6,799 | |||||||
| Derivative instruments: | |||||||||
| Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax | 80,789 | 80,789 | |||||||
| Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax | 154,891 | 154,891 | |||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, preferred stock | 928 | ||||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit | (20,806) | (20,806) | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | (114,123) | (114,332) | 209 | ||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, value at Dec. 31, 2009 | 315,654 | ||||||||
| Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2009 | 2,936,085 | 2,927 | 5,685,874 | 68,447 | (199,470) | 6,799 | (2,628,336) | (156) | |
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2009 | 6,361,000 | ||||||||
| Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2009 | 292,729,684 | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value | 55,271 | 22 | 55,249 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares | 2,230,458 | ||||||||
| Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value | (159,639) | (41) | (159,598) | ||||||
| Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares | (4,133,858) | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 27,908 | 27,812 | 96 | ||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax | 738 | 738 | |||||||
| Derivative instruments: | |||||||||
| Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax | (140,194) | (140,194) | |||||||
| Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax | 56,890 | 56,890 | |||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, preferred stock | 927 | ||||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit | (20,806) | (20,806) | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | (311,259) | (310,940) | (319) | ||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, value at Dec. 31, 2010 | 316,581 | 316,581 | |||||||
| Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2010 | 2,444,994 | 2,908 | 5,581,525 | 96,259 | (282,774) | 7,537 | (2,960,082) | (379) | |
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010 | 6,361,000 | 6,361,000 | |||||||
| Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010 | 290,826,284 | 290,826,284 | |||||||
| Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value | 34,167 | 10 | 34,157 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares | 1,000,891 | ||||||||
| Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value | (303,414) | (74) | (303,340) | ||||||
| Purchases and retirement of capital stock, shares | (7,377,803) | ||||||||
| Purchases and retirement of preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, value | (2,538) | (2,538) | (12,464) | ||||||
| Purchases and retirement of preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, shares | (250,000) | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (848) | (1,215) | 367 | ||||||
| Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax | (7,537) | (7,537) | |||||||
| Derivative instruments: | |||||||||
| Net change in fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax | (973) | (973) | |||||||
| Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of tax | 71,707 | 71,707 | |||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, preferred stock | 915 | ||||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock and amortization of issue costs, accumulated deficit | (20,402) | (20,402) | |||||||
| Acquisition of noncontrolling interest | 248 | 0 | 248 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | 171,460 | 171,077 | 383 | ||||||
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, value at Dec. 31, 2011 | 305,032 | 305,032 | |||||||
| Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2011 | $ 2,386,864 | $ 2,844 | $ 5,312,342 | $ 95,044 | $ (212,040) | $ 0 | $ (2,811,945) | $ 619 | |
| Redeemable preferred stock balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011 | 6,111,000 | 6,111,000 | |||||||
| Balance, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011 | 284,449,372 | 284,449,372 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Purchases and retirement of preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, value No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Purchases and retirement of preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, shares No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total number of shares of common stock held by shareholders. May be all or portion of the number of common shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the common shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury and other adjustments, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Equity impact of aggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared for preferred shareholders during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), net of any shares forfeited. Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of stock (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), net of stock value of such awards forfeited. Stock issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased and retired during the period. The excess of the purchase price over par value can be charged against retained earnings (once the excess is fully allocated to additional paid in capital). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of accretion of temporary equity to its redemption value during the period. This item is an adjustment to net income necessary to derive net income apportioned to common stockholders and is to be distinguished from Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value (TemporaryEquityAccretionToRedemptionValue). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in Stockholders Equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of securities classified as temporary equity that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Securities outstanding equals securities issued minus securities held in treasury. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Basis of Presentation
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Basis of Presentation [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown Castle International Corp. ("CCIC") and its majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as the "Company." All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company owns, operates and leases shared wireless infrastructure, including: (1) towers and other structures, such as rooftops (collectively, "towers"), (2) distributed antenna systems ("DAS")(each such system is a network of antennas for the benefit wireless carriers which is connected by fiber to communication hubs designed to facilitate wireless communications), and (3) interests in land under third party towers in various forms (collectively, "third party land interests") (unless the context otherwise suggests or requires references, herein to "wireless infrastructure" include towers, DAS and third party land interests). The Company's primary business is renting space or physical capacity (collectively, "space") on its towers, DAS and, to a lesser extent, third party land interests (collectively, "site rental business") to wireless communications companies via long-term contracts in various forms, including licenses, subleases and lease agreements (collectively, "contracts"). To a lesser extent, the Company also provides certain network services relating to its wireless infrastructure, primarily consisting of antenna installation and subsequent augmentation services (collectively, "installation services"), as well as the following additional site development services relating to existing and new antenna installations on its wireless infrastructure: site acquisition, architectural and engineering, zoning and permitting, fiber installation, other construction and other services related network development. The Company conducts its operations through wireless infrastructure portfolios in the United States, including Puerto Rico ("U.S." or "CCUSA") and Australia (referred to as "CCAL"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents (1) the cash held in reserve by the indenture trustees pursuant to the indenture governing certain of the Company's debt instruments, (2) cash securing performance obligations such as letters of credit, as well as (3) any other cash whose use is limited by contractual provisions. The restriction of all rental cash receipts is a critical feature of the Company's debt instruments, due to the applicable indenture trustee's ability to utilize the restricted cash for the payment of (1) debt service costs, (2) ground rents, (3) real estate and personal property taxes, (4) insurance premiums related to towers, (5) other assessments by governmental authorities and potential environmental remediation costs, and (6) a portion of advance rents from customers. The restricted cash in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures. The Company has classified the increases and decreases in restricted cash as (1) cash provided by financing activities for cash held by indenture trustees based on consideration of the terms of the related indebtedness, although the cash flows have aspects of both financing activities and operating activities, (2) cash provided by investing activities for cash securing performance obligations, and (3) cash provided by operating activities for the other remaining restricted cash. Cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows related to restricted cash was an inflow of $17.9 million, $18.9 million and $3.6 million for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows related to restricted cash was an inflow of $15.4 million, $-0- and $-0- for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Receivables Allowance An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable in order to present a net balance that the Company believes will be collected. An allowance for uncollectible amounts is recorded to offset the deferred site rental receivables that arise from site rental revenues recognized in excess of amounts currently due under the contract. The Company uses judgment in estimating these allowances and considers historical collections, current credit status and contractual provisions. Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are charged either to "site rental costs of operations" or to "network services and other costs of operations," as appropriate; and deductions from the allowance are recorded when specific accounts receivable are written off as uncollectible. Additions or reversals to the allowance for uncollectible deferred site rental receivables are charged to site rental revenues, and deductions from the allowance are recorded as contracts terminate. The allowance for uncollectible deferred site rental receivables was $-0- and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements for land which have no definite life. Land owned in fee and perpetual easements for land are recorded as "property and equipment, net." When the Company purchases fee ownership or perpetual easements for the land previously subject to ground lease, the Company reduces the value recorded as land by the amount of the deferred ground lease payable and unamortized above-market leases. Depreciation is computed utilizing the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Depreciation of wireless infrastructure is computed with a useful life equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including optional renewal periods). Additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed. Upon the sale or retirement of an asset, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized. The carrying value of property and equipment will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Construction in process is impaired when projects are abandoned or terminated. Asset Retirement Obligations Pursuant to its ground lease and easement agreements, the Company records obligations to perform asset retirement activities, including requirements to remove wireless infrastructure or remediate the land upon which the Company's wireless infrastructure resides. The fair value of the liability for asset retirement obligations, which represents the net present value of the estimated expected future cash outlay, is recognized in the period in which it is incurred and the fair value of the liability can reasonably be estimated. Changes subsequent to initial measurement resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying amount of the liability and related carrying amount of the capitalized asset. Asset retirement obligations are included in "deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The liability accretes as a result of the passage of time and the related accretion expense is included in "depreciation, amortization and accretion expense" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as an additional carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the useful life of such asset. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price for an acquired business over the allocated value of the related net assets. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, regardless of whether adverse events or changes in circumstances have occurred. The annual test begins with goodwill and all intangible assets being allocated to applicable reporting units. The Company then performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying amount. If it is concluded that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting until is less than its carrying amount, it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The two-step goodwill impairment test begins with an estimation of fair value of the reporting unit using an income approach, which looks to the present value of expected future cash flows. The first step, commonly referred to as a "step-one impairment test," is a screen for potential impairment while the second step measures the amount of impairment if there is an indication from the first step that one exists. The Company's measurement of the fair value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2011 utilizing the qualitative assessment and determined that the "more likely than not" threshold was achieved and no further testing of goodwill was required. Intangible Assets Intangible assets are included in "site rental contracts and customer relationships, net" and "other intangible assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and predominately consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) site rental contracts and customer relationships, (2) below-market leases for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, (3) term easement rights for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, and (4) trademarks. The site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets are comprised of (1) the current term of the existing contracts, (2) the expected exercise of the renewal provisions contained within the existing contracts, which automatically occur under contractual provisions, and (3) any associated relationships that are expected to generate value following the expiration of all renewal periods under existing contracts. Deferred credits related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's wireless infrastructure recorded in conjunction with acquisitions are recorded at their estimated fair value and are included in "deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The useful lives of intangible assets are estimated based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to benefit the Company and gives consideration to the expected useful life of other assets to which the useful life may relate. Amortization expense for intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each of the intangible assets. The useful life of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible asset is limited by the maximum depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure (20 years), as a result of the interdependency of the wireless infrastructure and site rental contracts and customer relationships. In contrast, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are estimated to provide economic benefits for several decades because of the low rate of customer cancellations and high rate of renewals experienced to date. Thus, while site rental contracts and customer relationships are valued based upon the fair value, which includes assumptions regarding both (1) customers' exercise of optional renewals contained in the acquired contracts and (2) renewals of the acquired contracts past the contractual term including exercisable options, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are amortized over a period not to exceed 20 years as a result of the useful life being limited by the depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure. The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite useful lives will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company has a dual grouping policy for purposes of determining the unit of account for testing impairment of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets. First, the Company pools the site rental contracts and customer relationships with the related wireless infrastructure assets into portfolio groups for purposes of determining the unit of account for impairment testing. Second and separately, the Company evaluates the site rental contracts and customer relationships by significant customer or by customer grouping for individually insignificant customers, as appropriate. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Deferred Financing Costs Costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the related borrowing using the effective yield method. Deferred financing costs are included in "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Accrued Estimated Property Taxes The accrual for estimated property tax obligations is based on assessments currently in effect and estimates of additional taxes. The Company recognizes the benefit of tax appeals upon ultimate resolution of the appeal. Revenue Recognition Site rental revenues are recognized on a monthly basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant contract (generally ranging from five to 15 years), regardless of whether the payments from the customer are received in equal monthly amounts. The Company's contracts contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the consumer price index ("CPI")). If the payment terms call for fixed escalations or rent free periods, the effect is recognized on a straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement. When calculating straight-line rental revenues, the Company considers all fixed elements of tenant contractual escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions contain a variable element in addition to a minimum. The Company's assets related to straight-line site rental revenues are included in "deferred site rental receivables and other current assets, net" and "deferred site rental receivables, net" and amounts received in advance are recorded as "deferred revenues." Network services revenues are recognized after completion of the applicable service. Nearly all of the antenna installation services are billed on a cost-plus profit basis. Sales taxes and value-added taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. Costs of Operations Approximately two-thirds of the Company's site rental costs of operations expenses consist of ground lease expenses, and the remainder includes property taxes, repairs and maintenance expenses, employee compensation and related benefit costs, and utilities. Network services and other costs of operations predominately consist of third party service providers such as contractors and professional service firms. Generally, the ground lease agreements are specific to each site and are for an initial term of five years and are renewable for pre-determined periods. The Company also enters into term easements and ground leases in which it prepays the entire term in advance. Ground lease expense is recognized on a monthly basis, regardless of whether the lease agreement payment terms require the Company to make payments annually, quarterly, monthly, or for the entire term in advance. The Company's ground leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the CPI). If the payment terms include fixed escalation provisions, the effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis. The Company calculates the straight-line ground lease expense using a time period that equals or exceeds the remaining depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure asset. Further, when a tenant has exercisable renewal options that would compel the Company to exercise existing ground lease renewal options, the Company has straight-lined the ground lease expense over a sufficient portion of such ground lease renewals to coincide with the final termination of the tenant's renewal options. The Company's liability related to straight-line ground lease expense is included in "deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company's asset related to prepaid ground leases is included in "prepaid expenses" and "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Acquisition and Integration Costs All direct or incremental costs related to a business combination are expensed as incurred. These business combination costs are included in "acquisition and integration costs" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Stock-Based Compensation Restricted Stock Awards. The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those nonvested stock awards ("restricted stock awards") for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. The cumulative effect of a change in the estimated number of restricted stock awards for which the requisite service is expected to be or has been rendered is recognized in the period of the change in the estimate. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the awards vest. A discussion of the Company's valuation techniques and related assumptions and estimates used to measure the Company's stock-based compensation is as follows: Valuation. The fair value of restricted stock awards without market conditions is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company's stock at the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock awards with market conditions granted using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Company's determination of the fair value of restricted stock awards with market conditions on the date of grant is affected by its stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. The determination of fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, and other reasonable assumptions could provide differing results. Amortization Method. The Company amortizes the fair value of all restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis for each separately vesting tranche of the award (graded vesting schedule) over the requisite service periods. In the case of accelerated vesting based on the market performance of the Company's common stock, the compensation costs related to the vested awards that have not previously been amortized are recognized upon vesting. Expected Volatility. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock and implied volatility on publicly traded options on the Company's common stock. Risk-Free Rate. The Company bases the risk-free rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award. Forfeitures. The Company uses historical data and management's judgment about the future employee turnover rates to estimate the number of shares for which the requisite service period will not be rendered. Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
The Company amortizes discounts on long-term debt over the term of the related borrowing using the effective interest yield method. Discounts are presented as a reduction to the related debt obligation on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when it is "more likely than not" that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews the recoverability of deferred tax assets each quarter and based upon projections of future taxable income, reversing deferred tax liabilities and other known events that are expected to affect future taxable income, records a valuation allowance for assets that do not meet the "more likely than not" realization threshold. Valuation allowances may be reversed if related deferred tax assets are deemed realizable based upon changes in facts and circumstances that impact the recoverability of the asset. The Company recognizes a tax position if it is more likely than not that it will be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company reports penalties and tax-related interest expense as a component of the benefit (provision) for income taxes. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company has not recorded any penalties related to income taxes. Per Share Information Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable (1) upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's preferred stock, as determined under the if-converted method. The Company's restricted stock awards are considered participating securities and may be included in the computation of earnings pursuant to the two-class. However, the Company does not present the two-class method when there is no difference between the per share amount under the two-class method and the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations is as follows:
For the year ended December 31, 2011, 0.9 million restricted stock awards were excluded from the dilutive common shares because certain stock price hurdles would not have been achieved assuming that December 31, 2011 was the end of the contingency period. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, all of the CCIC stock options and unvested restricted stock awards are excluded from dilutive common shares because the net impact is anti-dilutive. In addition, for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, 8.3 million, 8.6 million, and 8.6 million shares, respectively, reserved for issuance upon conversion of the 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock are excluded from dilutive common shares in 2011, 2010, and 2009 as well because the impact of such conversion would be anti-dilutive. See notes 10, 12 and 20. Foreign Currency Translation The Company's international operations use the local currency as their functional currency. The Company translates the results of these international operations using the applicable average exchange rate for the period, and translates the assets and liabilities using the applicable exchange rate at the end of the period. The cumulative effect of changes in the exchange rate is recorded as "foreign currency translation adjustments" in other comprehensive income (loss). See note 16. Fair Values The Company's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are (1) Level 1 — quoted prices (unadjusted) in active and accessible markets, (2) Level 2 — observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets but corroborated by market data, and (3) Level 3 — unobservable inputs and are not corroborated by market data. The Company evaluates level classifications quarterly, and transfers between levels are effective at the end of the quarterly period. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines fair value of its debt securities based on indicative quotes (that is non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if applicable. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the income approach and is predominately based on observable interest rates and yield curves and, to a lesser extent, the Company's and the contract counterparty's credit risk. There were no changes since December 31, 2010 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values. See note 8 for a further discussion of fair values. Derivative Instruments The Company enters into interest rate swaps, to manage and reduce its interest rate risk. Derivative financial instruments are entered into for periods that match the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of these exposures. The Company can designate derivative financial instruments as hedges. The Company can also enter into derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges. Derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity, captioned "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)," and recognized as increases or decreases to "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" when the hedged item affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is included in "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). If a hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, any change in the fair value of the derivative since the date it ceased to qualify is recorded to "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps." However, any amounts previously recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" would remain there until the original forecasted transaction affects earnings. In a situation where it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses that have been recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" are immediately reclassified to earnings. Derivatives that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting are marked to market through "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Forward-starting interest rate swaps with an other-than-insignificant financing element at inception are classified as cash provided by financing activities, while other interest rate swaps are classified as cash provided by operating activities. To qualify for hedge accounting, the details of the hedging relationship must be formally documented at the inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risks that are being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness will be measured. The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows for the risk being hedged. In the context of hedging relationships, effectiveness refers to the degree to which fair value changes in the hedging instrument offset the corresponding expected earnings effects of the hedged item. The Company assesses the effectiveness of hedging relationships using regression analysis both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis. In measuring ineffectiveness, the Company uses the hypothetical derivative method which compares the change in fair value of the actual swap with the change in fair value of a hypothetical swap that would have terms that would identically match the critical terms of the hedged floating rate liability. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In October 2009, Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that addressed how to recognize revenue for transactions with multiple deliverables. This guidance revises the criteria for separating, measuring and allocating arrangement consideration to each consideration deliverable, which must be estimated if there is not a history of selling the deliverable on a stand-alone basis or third-party evidence of selling price. The provisions of this guidance were effective for the Company as of January 1, 2011 and were applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and did not result in a change to the pattern and timing of its revenue recognition. In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on goodwill impairment testing. The amended guidance permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is concluded that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it is then necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The Company adopted this amended guidance during 2011. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as of October 1, 2011 and determined that no additional testing of goodwill is required. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Acquisitions
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Acquisitions | |
| Acquisitions | Acquisitions NewPath Acquisition In September 2010, the Company acquired NewPath Networks, Inc. ("NewPath") for cash consideration of $128 million through a merger with and into a subsidiary of the Company. NewPath's assets included 35 DAS in operation or under construction. The final purchase price was predominately allocated to (1) property and equipment, (2) intangible assets consisting of site rental contracts and customer relationships, (3) goodwill, (4) deferred tax liabilities, and (5) other working capital, all of which are based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company paid a purchase price that resulted in goodwill due to (1) the expected growth in the DAS business and (2) opportunities to construct and lease future DAS. See note 20. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Property and Equipment
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $387.8 million, $379.3 million and $379.6 million, respectively. See note 2. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits | Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded $23.4 million and $39.1 million, respectively, of site rental contracts and customer relationships. The following is a summary of the Company's intangible assets.
Amortization expense related to intangible assets is classified as follows on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss):
The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets (inclusive of those recorded to "site rental costs of operations") for the years ended December 31, 2012 to 2016 is as follows:
See note 2 for a further discussion of deferred credits related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers recorded in connection with acquisitions. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $3.8 million, $4.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, as a decrease to "site rental costs of operations." The following is a summary of the Company's above-market leases.
The estimated annual amortization expense related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers for the years ended December 31, 2012 to 2016 is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for all or part of the information related to intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and Other Obligations | Debt and Other Obligations The following is a summary of the Company's indebtedness.
____________________
The Company's debt obligations contain certain financial covenants with which CCIC or its subsidiaries must comply. Failure to comply with such covenants may result in the imposition of restrictions. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, CCIC and its subsidiaries had no financial covenant violations. Various of the Company's debt obligations also place other restrictions on CCIC or its subsidiaries including the ability to incur debt and liens, purchase Company securities, make capital expenditures, dispose of assets, undertake transactions with affiliates, make other investments and pay dividends. Bank Debt In January 2007, CCOC entered into a credit agreement (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, "2007 Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of lenders pursuant to which such lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a senior secured revolving credit facility. In December 2009, the Revolver was amended effective January 2010 to extend the maturity to September 2013 and increase the total revolving commitment to $400.0 million. In June 2011, the Revolver was amended to increase the aggregate revolving commitment availability by $50.0 million to a total revolving commitment availability of $450.0 million, subject to certain restrictions based on the maintenance of financial covenants in the 2007 Credit Agreement. In January 2007, CCOC entered into a term loan joinder pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide CCOC with a $600.0 million senior secured term loan under the 2007 Credit Agreement. In March 2007, CCOC also entered into a second term loan joinder pursuant to which the lenders agreed to provide CCOC with an additional $50.0 million senior secured term loan under the 2007 Credit Agreement. The Revolver and 2007 Term Loans are secured by a pledge of certain equity interests of certain subsidiaries of CCIC, as well as a security interest in CCOC's deposit accounts ($47.8 million as of December 31, 2011) and securities accounts. The Revolver and 2007 Term Loans are guaranteed by CCIC and certain of its subsidiaries. The proceeds of the Revolver may be used for general corporate purposes, including the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of the Company's securities. The borrowings on the Revolver in December 2010 were used to settle a portion of the previously outstanding forward-starting interest rate swaps (see note 7). The proceeds from the term loans were used to purchase shares of the Company's common stock (see note 11). The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.4% per annum on the undrawn available amount under the Revolver. See note 20 for a discussion of the January 2012 refinancing. Securitized Debt The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and the 2009 Securitized Notes (collectively, "Securitized Debt") are obligations of special purpose entities and their direct and indirect subsidiaries (each an "issuer"), all of which are wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company. The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and 2009 Securitized Notes are governed by separate indentures. The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are governed by one indenture and consist of multiple series of notes, each with its own anticipated repayment date. The net proceeds of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes were primarily used to repay the portion of the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes not previously purchased and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes not previously purchased, respectively. The net proceeds of the 2009 Securitized Notes were used to repay the portion of the Commercial Mortgage Pass-through Certificates, Series 2004-2 ("2004 Mortgage Loan") not previously purchased. Interest is paid monthly on the Securitized Debt. The Securitized Debt is paid solely from the cash flows generated by the operation of the towers held directly and indirectly by the issuers of the respective Securitized Debt. The Securitized Debt is secured by, among other things, (1) a security interest in substantially all of the applicable issuers' assignable personal property, (2) a pledge of the equity interests in each applicable issuer, and (3) a security interest in the applicable issuers' contracts with customers to lease space on their towers (space licenses). The governing instruments of two indirect subsidiaries ("Crown Atlantic" and "Crown GT") of the issuers of the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes generally prevent them from issuing debt and granting liens on their assets without the approval of a subsidiary of Verizon Communications. Consequently, while distributions paid by Crown Atlantic and Crown GT will service the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes, the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes are not obligations of, nor are the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes secured by the cash flows or any other assets of, Crown Atlantic and Crown GT. As of December 31, 2011, the Securitized Debt was collateralized with personal property and equipment with a net book value of an aggregate approximately $1.7 billion, exclusive of Crown Atlantic and Crown GT personal property and equipment. The excess cash flows from the issuers of the Securitized Debt, after the payment of principal, interest, reserves, expenses, and management fees are distributed to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures. If the Debt Service Coverage Ratio ("DSCR") (as defined in the applicable governing loan agreement) as of the end of any calendar quarter falls to a certain level, then all excess cash flow of the issuers of the applicable debt instrument will be deposited into a reserve account instead of being released to the Company. The funds in the reserve account will not be released to the Company until the DSCR exceeds a certain level for two consecutive calendar quarters. If the DSCR falls below a certain level as of the end of any calendar quarter, then all cash on deposit in the reserve account along with future excess cash flows of the issuers will be applied to prepay the debt with applicable prepayment consideration. The Company may repay the 2010 Tower Revenue Notes and the 2009 Securitized Notes in whole or in part at any time after the second anniversary of the applicable issuance date, provided such prepayment is accompanied by any applicable prepayment consideration. The Securitized Debt has covenants and restrictions customary for rated securitizations, including provisions prohibiting the issuers from incurring additional indebtedness or further encumbering their assets. The 2010 Tower Revenue Notes contain the same financial covenants as the previously outstanding 2005 and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes. High Yield Bonds—Senior Notes The 9% Senior Notes and 7.125% Senior Notes (collectively, "Senior Notes") are public offerings and are general obligations of CCIC, which rank equally with all existing and future senior debt of CCIC. The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all liabilities (including trade payables) of each subsidiary of the Company and rank pari passu with the other respective high yield bonds of the Company. As discussed below, the Company has used the net proceeds from the 9% Senior Notes to (1) purchase portions of its previously existing 2004 Mortgage Loan, (2) repay and purchase portions of its previously existing Commercial Mortgage Pass-through Certificates, Series 2006-1 ("2006 Mortgage Loan"), and (3) repay outstanding amounts under the Revolver. The Company used the net proceeds from the 7.125% Senior Notes to purchase certain indebtedness of its subsidiaries. The Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants with which the Company and its restricted subsidiaries must comply, subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, including restrictions on its ability to incur incremental debt, issue preferred stock, guarantee debt, pay dividends, repurchase its capital stock, use assets as security in other transactions, sell assets or merge with or into other companies, and make certain investments. Certain of these restrictions are not applicable if there is no event of default and if the ratio of the Company's Consolidated Debt (as defined in the 9% Senior Notes and 7.125% Senior Notes indenture) to its Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flows (as defined in the 9% Senior Notes and 7.125% Senior Notes indenture) is less than or equal to 7.0 to 1.0. The Senior Notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants. Prior to January 2013 and November 2014, the Company may redeem the 9% Senior Notes and 7.125% Senior Notes, respectively, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make whole premium, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any. After January 2013 and November 2014, respectively, the 9% Senior Notes and 7.125% Senior Notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices set forth in the respective indenture. High Yield Bonds—Secured Notes The 7.75% Secured Notes were issued and guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company that are special purpose entities and that were obligors under the 2006 Mortgage Loan. These 7.75% Secured Notes are secured on a first priority basis by a pledge of the equity interests of such subsidiaries and by certain other assets of such subsidiaries. The 7.75% Secured Notes are obligations of the subsidiaries that were obligated under the 2006 Mortgage Loan, which was repaid in part through the proceeds from the 7.75% Secured Notes. The 7.75% Secured Notes are not guaranteed by and are not obligations of CCIC or any of its subsidiaries other than the issuers and guarantors of the 7.75% Notes. The 7.75% Secured Notes will be paid solely from the cash flows generated from operations of the towers held directly and indirectly by the issuers and the guarantors of such notes. As of December 31, 2011, the 7.75% Secured Notes were collateralized with personal property and equipment with a net book value of an aggregate approximately $1.2 billion. The Company used the net proceeds of the issuance of the 7.75% Secured Notes, along with other cash, to repay the 2006 Mortgage Loan. The 7.75% Secured Notes contain restrictive covenants with which the issuing subsidiaries and the guarantors of such notes must comply, subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, including restrictions on their ability to incur debt, make restricted payments, incur liens, enter into certain merger or change of control transactions, enter into related party transactions and engage in certain other activities as set forth in the indenture. The 7.75% Secured Notes contain financial covenants that could result in cash being deposited in a reserve account and require the Company to offer to purchase the 7.75% Secured Notes. Prior to May 2013 the Company may redeem the 7.75% Secured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make whole premium, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any. After May 2013, the debt may be redeemed at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture. Previously Outstanding Indebtedness 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and 2006 Tower Revenue Notes. In 2010, the Company purchased and repaid the outstanding portions of the 2005 Tower Revenue Notes and the 2006 Tower Revenue Notes. The 2005 Tower Revenue Notes were repaid in part through the proceeds of the January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. The 2006 Tower Revenue Notes were repaid in part through the proceeds of the August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes. See below for the net losses on these retirements. 2004 Mortgage Loan and 2006 Mortgage Loan. The 2004 Mortgage Loan and 2006 Mortgage Loan (collectively, "Mortgage Loans") remained outstanding as obligations of the subsidiaries of Global Signal upon the Global Signal Merger. In 2009, the Company purchased and repaid the outstanding portions of the Mortgage Loans. The 2004 Mortgage Loan was repaid in part through proceeds of the 2009 Securitized Notes. The 2006 Mortgage Loan was repaid in part through the proceeds of the 7.75% Secured Notes. A portion of the net proceeds of the 9% Senior Notes was also used to retire part of the Mortgage Loans. See below for the net losses on these retirements. See note 20. Contractual Maturities The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding at December 31, 2011, exclusive of the 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock. These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes. If the Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the Tower Revenue Notes. See note 20.
Debt Purchases and Repayments The following is a summary of the partial purchases and repayments of debt during the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
____________________
____________________
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for debt and capital lease obligations can be reported. Information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants. Also includes descriptions and amounts of capital leasing arrangements that consist of direct financing, sales type and leveraged leases. Disclosure may include the effect on the balance sheet and the income statement resulting from a change in lease classification for leases that at inception would have been classified differently had guidance been in effect at the inception of the original lease. No definition available.
|
|
Interest Rate Swaps
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Swaps | Interest Rate Swaps The Company has entered into interest rate swaps only to manage and reduce its interest rate risk, including the use of (1) forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge its exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in LIBOR on anticipated financings, including refinancings and potential future borrowings and (2) interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate variability on a portion of the Company's floating rate debt. The Company does not enter into interest rate swaps for speculative or trading purposes. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Company entered into an aggregate $5.3 billion notional value of forward-starting interest rate swaps hedging certain anticipated refinancings, all of which were settled during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The forward-starting interest rate swaps fixed LIBOR for five years relating to the anticipated refinancings at a weighted-average rate of 5.2%, while the actual five-year LIBOR swap rate upon issuance of the anticipated refinancings was a weighted-average of 2.4%. In certain circumstances, these forward-starting interest rate swaps were outstanding following the refinancing of the respective debt which they hedged. Refinancings that qualified as the respective hedged forecasted transaction resulted in $3.9 million of ineffectiveness for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the interest rate swaps were no longer economic hedges of the Company's exposure to LIBOR on the anticipated refinancing of its existing debt. As a result, changes in the fair value of such non-economic swaps were prospectively recorded in earnings until settlement in "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For refinancings that did not qualify as the respective hedged forecasted transaction, the Company discontinued hedge accounting and reclassified the entire loss from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings. During 2010, the Company paid $697.8 million to settle its previously outstanding forward-starting interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2011, all of the interest rate swaps have been settled. The following table shows the effect of interest rate swaps on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The estimated net amount, pre-tax, loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is approximately $65 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. See also note 8.
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Fair Value Disclosures
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Disclosures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Disclosures | Fair Value Disclosures The following table shows the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, along with the carrying amounts of the related assets (liabilities).
As of December 31, 2011, the fair value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash is measured on a recurring basis based on Level 1, as defined by the fair value hierarchy (see note 2). The following table shows a summary of the activity for fair value classified as Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2010:
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic area is as follows:
____________________
The benefit (provision) for income taxes consists of the following:
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company received a $9.6 million alternative minimum tax carryback refund, of which $5.6 million was recorded in 2009, and $4.0 million reduced its alternative minimum tax credit carryforward. The alternative minimum tax credit has an indefinite carryforward period. A reconciliation between the benefit (provision) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the loss before income taxes is as follows:
The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Before giving effect to any valuation allowances, the Company is in an overall net deferred tax asset position. Due to the Company's history of operating losses, it has recorded a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets that do not meet the "more likely than not" realization threshold. As a result, during 2011 the Company was limited in its ability to recognize tax benefits in its results of operations. During 2010, the Company continued to incur taxable losses for which recognition of the federal tax benefits were unable to be recorded, except for $19.8 million of federal tax benefit recorded predominately as a result of discrete events, including the acquisition of NewPath (see note 3). If the NextG Networks, Inc. ("NextG") acquisition is consummated, the Company expects to record a federal deferred tax liability in connection with the purchase accounting. In that event, the Company would expect to reverse its federal valuation allowance, except for the portion related to equity investments, as an income tax benefit in the quarter that the NextG acquisition closes. If the Company continues to record income before income taxes, as it has for each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company would expect to reverse a portion of its federal valuation allowance during late 2012, if not previously reversed as a result of the NextG acquisition. The components of the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
The valuation allowance recorded in other comprehensive income relates to the changes in the Company's overall deferred tax position due to the deferred tax asset recorded in conjunction with the decline in the fair market value of the Company's interest rate swaps and change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities. The Company's deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 in the table above do not include $55.3 million and $42.7 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation that are a component of net operating losses. Total stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2011 will be increased by $55.3 million if and when any such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized. At December 31, 2011, the Company had U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately$2.5 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, which are available to offset future taxable income. These amounts include $0.1 billion of losses related to stock-based compensation. The Company also had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $0.1 billion. If not utilized, the Company's U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards expire starting in 2021 and ending in 2030, and the state net operating carryforwards expire starting in 2012 and ending in 2031. The foreign net operating loss carryforwards predominately remain available indefinitely provided certain continuity of business requirements is met. The utilization of the loss carryforwards is subject to certain limitations. The Company's U.S. federal and state income tax returns generally remain open to examination by taxing authorities until three years after the applicable loss carryforwards have been used or expired. As of December 31, 2011, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $8.4 million. The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
From time to time, the Company is subject to examinations by various tax authorities in jurisdictions in which the Company has business operations. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the tax jurisdictions resulting from these examinations. During 2011, the IRS completed an examination of the Company's U.S. federal tax return for the 2009 tax year with no material adjustments. The Company reversed its previously unrecognized federal tax benefit of $3.2 million during 2011, as a result of both the completion of the IRS examination and the expiration of the statute of limitations for 2007. As of December 31, 2011, there were unrecognized state tax benefits of $8.4 million. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock | Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock The Company originally issued 8.1 million shares of its 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $50.00 per share (the liquidation preference per share). The holders of the 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rate of 6.25% per annum payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The dividends were paid with approximately $19.5 million, $19.9 million and $19.9 million of cash for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The amortization of the issue costs on the 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock recorded in "dividends on preferred stock" was $0.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. In January 2012, the Company exercised its right to convert all of the outstanding 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock. The conversion of such preferred stock into 8.3 million shares of common stock is expected to occur in February 2012. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balance of the 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock was $305.0 million and $316.6 million, respectively. See note 20. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for terms, amounts, nature of changes, rights and privileges, dividends, and other matters related to preferred stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Stockholders' Equity
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] | |
| Stockholders' Equity | Stockholders' Equity Purchases of the Company's Common Stock For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company purchased 7.4 million, 4.1 million and 0.1 million shares of common stock, respectively, utilizing $303.4 million, $159.6 million and $2.9 million in cash, respectively. Issuances of Common Stock For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company issued 29,213; 34,428; and 59,500 shares, respectively, of common stock to the non-employee members of its board of directors. In connection with these shares, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 of $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards See note 12 for a discussion of the stock option and restricted stock awards activity. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stock-based Compensation
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based Compensation [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based Compensation | Stock-based Compensation Stock Compensation Plans The Crown Castle International Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan ("2001 Stock Incentive Plan") and the Crown Castle International Corp. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan ("2004 Stock Incentive Plan"), which are both stockholder-approved, permit the grant of stock-based awards to certain employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has 8.1 million shares available for future issuance pursuant to its stock compensation plans. Restricted Stock Awards The Company's restricted stock awards to certain executives and employees include (1) annual performance awards that often include provisions for forfeiture by the employee if certain market performance of the Company's common stock is not achieved, (2) new hire or promotional awards that generally contain only service conditions, and (3) other awards related to specific business initiatives or compensation objectives including retention and merger integration. Such restricted stock awards vest over periods of up to five years. The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2011.
____________________ For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company granted 0.9 million shares, 1.1 million shares and 2.2 million shares, respectively, of restricted stock awards to the Company's executives and certain other employees. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of the grants for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $37.05, $31.13 and $10.08 per share, respectively. The weighted-average requisite service period for the restricted stock awards granted during 2011 was 2.5 years. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 0.5 million shares of restricted stock awards that time vest over a three-year or five-year period. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 0.4 million shares of restricted stock awards ("2011 performance awards") to the Company's executives and certain other employees which may vest on the third anniversary of the grant date based upon achieving a price appreciation hurdle along a price range continuum using the highest average closing price per share of common stock for 20 consecutive trading days during the last 180 days of the performance period. Certain restricted stock awards contain provisions that result in forfeiture by the employee of any unvested shares in the event that the Company's common stock does not achieve certain price targets. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the market performance target is achieved. The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the grant-date fair value for the awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, with market conditions.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations related to restricted stock awards of $31.3 million, $35.2 million and $28.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The unrecognized compensation (net of estimated forfeitures) related to restricted stock awards at December 31, 2011 is $25.1 million and is estimated to be recognized over a weighted-average period of less than one year. The following table is a summary of the restricted stock awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2011 to 2009.
Other Awards At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were 0.1 million and 0.2 million options outstanding, respectively. The intrinsic value of CCIC stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $4.8 million, $28.2 million and $38.2 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of CCIC stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011 was $2.6 million. The Company received cash from the exercise of CCIC stock options during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 of $1.6 million, $18.7 million and $44.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the stock options outstanding and exercisable have a weighted-average exercise price of $4.09 and have a weighted-average remaining contractual term of less than one year. CCAL may award to its employees and directors restricted units settled in cash. The CCAL vested options for the purchase of CCAL shares, vested restricted units and CCAL shares may be periodically settled in cash. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the liability for the CCAL options and restricted units was $8.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively. Stock-based Compensation by Segment The following table discloses the components of stock-based compensation expense. No amounts have been included in the carrying value of assets during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded tax benefits, exclusive of the change in the valuation allowance, of $11.4 million, $12.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively, related to stock-based compensation expense (see note 9).
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Employee Benefit Plans
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Employee Benefit Plans | Employee Benefit Plans The Company and its subsidiaries have various defined contribution savings plans covering substantially all employees. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation, subject to limits imposed by the various plans. Certain of the plans provide for partial matching of such contributions. The cost to the Company for these plans amounted to $6.1 million, $5.5 million and $5.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies The Company is involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties inherent in the ultimate outcome of such matters, and it is impossible to presently determine the ultimate costs or losses that may be incurred, if any, management believes the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Asset Retirement Obligations Pursuant to its ground lease and easement agreements, the Company has the obligation to perform certain asset retirement activities, including requirements upon lease and easement termination to remove wireless infrastructure or remediate the land upon which its wireless infrastructure resides. Accretion expense related to liabilities for retirement obligations amounted to $5.6 million, $5.3 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, liabilities for retirement obligations were $68.5 million and $63.8 million, respectively, representing the net present value of the estimated expected future cash outlay. As of December 31, 2011, the estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations was approximately $1.4 billion. See note 2. Property Tax Commitments The Company is obligated to pay, or reimburse others for, property taxes related to the Company's wireless infrastructure pursuant to operating leases with landlords and other contractual agreements. The property taxes for the year ended December 31, 2012 and future periods are contingent upon new assessments of the wireless infrastructure and the Company's appeals of assessments. The Company has an obligation to reimburse Sprint Nextel ("Sprint") for property taxes it pays on the Company's behalf related to certain towers the Company leases from Sprint. The Company paid $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and expects to pay $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The amount per tower to be paid to Sprint increases by 3% each successive year through 2037, the expiration of the lease term. Letters of Credit The Company has issued letters of credit to various landlords, insurers and other parties in connection with certain contingent retirement obligations under various tower land interest leases and certain other contractual obligations. The letters of credit were issued through the Company's lenders in amounts aggregating $10.8 million and expire on various dates through December 2012. Operating Lease Commitments See note 15 for a discussion of the operating lease commitments. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Leases
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leases [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leases | Leases Tenant Contracts The following table is a summary of the rental cash payments owed to the Company, as a lessor, by tenants pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2011. Generally, the Company's contracts with its tenants provide for (1) annual escalations and multiple renewal periods at the tenant's option and (2) only limited termination rights at the applicable tenant's option through the current term. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted-average remaining term of tenant contracts is approximately nine years, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option. The tenants' rental payments included in the table below are through the current terms with a maximum current term of 20 years and do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options.
Operating Leases The following table is a summary of rental cash payments owed by the Company, as lessee, to landlords pursuant to contractual agreements in effect as of December 31, 2011. The Company is obligated under non-cancelable operating contracts for land interests under 71% of its towers, office space and equipment. In addition, the Company manages 600 towers owned by third parties. The majority of these operating lease agreements have certain termination rights that provide for cancellation after a notice period. The majority of the land interests and managed tower leases have multiple renewal options at the Company's option and annual escalations. Lease agreements may also contain provisions for a contingent payment based on revenues or the gross margin derived from the wireless infrastructure located on the leased land interest. Approximately 73% and 89% of the Company's site rental gross margins for the year ended December 31, 2011, are derived from towers where the land interest under the tower is owned or leased with final expiration dates of greater than 20 years and ten years, respectively, inclusive of renewals at the Company's option. The operating lease payments included in the table below include payments for certain renewal periods at the Company's option up to the estimated wireless infrastructure useful life of 20 years and an estimate of contingent payments based on revenues and gross margins derived from existing tenant leases.
Rental expense from operating leases was $338.3 million, $330.1 million and $316.2 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The rental expense was inclusive of contingent payments based on revenues or gross margin derived from the wireless infrastructure located on the leased land interests of $56.4 million, $55.1 million and $53.1 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This disclosure represents the Company’s tenant contracts and operating leases footnote. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risks | Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk Operating Segments The Company's reportable operating segments are (1) CCUSA, primarily consisting of the Company's U.S. operations, and (2) CCAL, the Company's Australian operations. Financial results for the Company are reported to management and the board of directors in this manner. The measurement of profit or loss currently used by management to evaluate the results of operations for the Company and its operating segments is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA"). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flows from operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP), and the Company's measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. There are no significant revenues resulting from transactions between the Company's operating segments. Inter-company borrowings and related interest between segments are eliminated to reconcile segment results and assets to the consolidated basis. Noncontrolling interests primarily represent the noncontrolling shareholders' 22.4% interests in CCAL, the Company's 77.6% majority-owned subsidiary. The financial results for the Company's operating segments are as follows:
____________________
The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
____________________
Geographic Information A summary of net revenues by country, based on the location of the Company's subsidiaries, is as follows:
A summary of long-lived assets (property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets) by country of location is as follows:
Major Customers The following table summarizes the percentage of the consolidated revenues for those customers accounting for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues, all of which relates to CCUSA.
Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and trade receivables. The Company mitigates its risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents by maintaining such deposits at high credit quality financial institutions and monitoring the credit ratings of those institutions. The Company's restricted cash is predominately held and directed by a trustee (see note 2). The Company derives the largest portion of its revenues from customers in the wireless communications industry. The Company also has a concentration in its volume of business with AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile that accounts for a significant portion of the Company's revenues, receivables and deferred site rental receivables. The Company mitigates its concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables by actively monitoring the creditworthiness of its customers, the use of customer leases with contractually determinable payment terms and proactive management of past due balances. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Asset Write-Down Charges
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract] | |
| Asset Write-Down Charges | Asset Write-Down Charges Wireless Infrastructure Write-Down Charges During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company abandoned or disposed of wireless infrastructure and wrote-off site acquisition and permitting costs for wireless infrastructure that would not be completed. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company recorded related wireless infrastructure asset write-down charges at CCUSA of $15.8 million, $8.6 million and $18.3 million, respectively. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for the details of the charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Disclosure may also include a description of the impaired asset and facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, amount of the impairment loss and where the loss is located in the income statement, method(s) for determining fair value, and the segment in which the impaired asset is reported. No definition available.
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information | Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for supplemental cash flow activities, including cash, noncash, and part noncash transactions, for the period. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) | Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Subsequent Events
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|
| Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
| Subsequent Events [Text Block] | Subsequent Events NextG Networks Acquisition In December 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NextG for approximately $1.0 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. NextG has over 7,000 DAS antenna locations ("nodes") on-air and approximately 1,500 nodes under construction in the U.S. In addition, NextG has rights to over 4,600 miles of fiber. NextG is the largest provider of outdoor DAS", each system is a network of antennas connected by fiber to a communications hub designed to facilitate wireless communications. Approximately 80% of NextG's nodes are located in the 10 largest U.S. basic trading areas in the U.S. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. WCP Acquisition On January 12, 2012, the Company announced a definitive agreement to acquire certain subsidiaries of Wireless Capital Partners, LLC ("WCP") and on January 31, 2012 the Company closed the acquisition. Upon closing in January 2012, WCP held various contracts with wireless site owners, including approximately 2,300 ground lease related assets, including over 150 related to the Company's towers. The gross purchase price was approximately $500 million, exclusive of purchase price adjustments. WCP has approximately $320 million of secured debt that remains outstanding at closing. January 2012 Refinancing In January 2012, the Company refinanced and repaid the Revolver and 2007 Term Loans with the proceeds of a $3.1 billion senior credit facility ("2012 Credit Facility") issued by CCOC. The 2012 Credit Facility consists of (1) a $1.0 billion senior secured revolving credit facility ("Revolving Credit Facility"), which will mature in January 2017, (2) a $500.0 million delayed-draw senior secured term loan facility ("Term Loan A"), which will mature in January 2017, and (3) a $1.6 billion senior secured term loan facility ("Term Loan B"), which will mature in January 2019. The proceeds of the Term Loan B were used in part to repay the existing Revolver and 2007 Term Loans and to fund the cash consideration of the WCP acquisition. The balance of the proceeds of the Term Loan B and the proceeds of the Term Loan A may be used for general corporate purposes, including to fund the expected acquisition of NextG and the financing of capital expenditures, acquisitions and purchases of the Company's securities. The Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan A bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.0% to 2.75%, based on CCOC's total net leverage ratio; and the Term Loan B bears interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.0% (with LIBOR subject to a floor of 1% per annum). Mandatory Conversion of 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock In January 2012, the Company exercised its right to convert all of the outstanding 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock. The conversion of such preferred stock into 8.3 million shares of common stock is expected to occur in February 2012. The Company will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Examples include: the sale of a capital stock issue, purchase of a business, settlement of litigation, catastrophic loss, significant foreign exchange rate changes, loans to insiders or affiliates, and transactions not in the ordinary course of business. No definition available.
|
|
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] |
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for any allowance and reserve accounts (their beginning and ending balances, as well as a reconciliation by type of activity during the period). Alternatively, disclosure of the required information may be within the footnotes to the financial statements or a supplemental schedule to the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Equivalents | Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Cash | Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents (1) the cash held in reserve by the indenture trustees pursuant to the indenture governing certain of the Company's debt instruments, (2) cash securing performance obligations such as letters of credit, as well as (3) any other cash whose use is limited by contractual provisions. The restriction of all rental cash receipts is a critical feature of the Company's debt instruments, due to the applicable indenture trustee's ability to utilize the restricted cash for the payment of (1) debt service costs, (2) ground rents, (3) real estate and personal property taxes, (4) insurance premiums related to towers, (5) other assessments by governmental authorities and potential environmental remediation costs, and (6) a portion of advance rents from customers. The restricted cash in excess of required reserve balances is subsequently released to the Company in accordance with the terms of the indentures. The Company has classified the increases and decreases in restricted cash as (1) cash provided by financing activities for cash held by indenture trustees based on consideration of the terms of the related indebtedness, although the cash flows have aspects of both financing activities and operating activities, (2) cash provided by investing activities for cash securing performance obligations, and (3) cash provided by operating activities for the other remaining restricted cash. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables Allowance | Receivables Allowance An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable in order to present a net balance that the Company believes will be collected. An allowance for uncollectible amounts is recorded to offset the deferred site rental receivables that arise from site rental revenues recognized in excess of amounts currently due under the contract. The Company uses judgment in estimating these allowances and considers historical collections, current credit status and contractual provisions. Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are charged either to "site rental costs of operations" or to "network services and other costs of operations," as appropriate; and deductions from the allowance are recorded when specific accounts receivable are written off as uncollectible. Additions or reversals to the allowance for uncollectible deferred site rental receivables are charged to site rental revenues, and deductions from the allowance are recorded as contracts terminate. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment includes land owned in fee and perpetual easements for land which have no definite life. Land owned in fee and perpetual easements for land are recorded as "property and equipment, net." When the Company purchases fee ownership or perpetual easements for the land previously subject to ground lease, the Company reduces the value recorded as land by the amount of the deferred ground lease payable and unamortized above-market leases. Depreciation is computed utilizing the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Depreciation of wireless infrastructure is computed with a useful life equal to the shorter of 20 years or the term of the underlying ground lease (including optional renewal periods). Additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed. Upon the sale or retirement of an asset, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized. The carrying value of property and equipment will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Construction in process is impaired when projects are abandoned or terminated. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset Retirement Obligations | Asset Retirement Obligations Pursuant to its ground lease and easement agreements, the Company records obligations to perform asset retirement activities, including requirements to remove wireless infrastructure or remediate the land upon which the Company's wireless infrastructure resides. The fair value of the liability for asset retirement obligations, which represents the net present value of the estimated expected future cash outlay, is recognized in the period in which it is incurred and the fair value of the liability can reasonably be estimated. Changes subsequent to initial measurement resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying amount of the liability and related carrying amount of the capitalized asset. Asset retirement obligations are included in "deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The liability accretes as a result of the passage of time and the related accretion expense is included in "depreciation, amortization and accretion expense" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as an additional carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the useful life of such asset. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price for an acquired business over the allocated value of the related net assets. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, regardless of whether adverse events or changes in circumstances have occurred. The annual test begins with goodwill and all intangible assets being allocated to applicable reporting units. The Company then performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying amount. If it is concluded that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting until is less than its carrying amount, it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The two-step goodwill impairment test begins with an estimation of fair value of the reporting unit using an income approach, which looks to the present value of expected future cash flows. The first step, commonly referred to as a "step-one impairment test," is a screen for potential impairment while the second step measures the amount of impairment if there is an indication from the first step that one exists. The Company's measurement of the fair value for goodwill is based on an estimate of discounted future cash flows of the reporting unit. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2011 utilizing the qualitative assessment and determined that the "more likely than not" threshold was achieved and no further testing of goodwill was required. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | Intangible Assets Intangible assets are included in "site rental contracts and customer relationships, net" and "other intangible assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and predominately consist of the estimated fair value of the following items recorded in conjunction with acquisitions: (1) site rental contracts and customer relationships, (2) below-market leases for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, (3) term easement rights for land interest under the acquired wireless infrastructure, and (4) trademarks. The site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets are comprised of (1) the current term of the existing contracts, (2) the expected exercise of the renewal provisions contained within the existing contracts, which automatically occur under contractual provisions, and (3) any associated relationships that are expected to generate value following the expiration of all renewal periods under existing contracts. Deferred credits related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's wireless infrastructure recorded in conjunction with acquisitions are recorded at their estimated fair value and are included in "deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The useful lives of intangible assets are estimated based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to benefit the Company and gives consideration to the expected useful life of other assets to which the useful life may relate. Amortization expense for intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each of the intangible assets. The useful life of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible asset is limited by the maximum depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure (20 years), as a result of the interdependency of the wireless infrastructure and site rental contracts and customer relationships. In contrast, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are estimated to provide economic benefits for several decades because of the low rate of customer cancellations and high rate of renewals experienced to date. Thus, while site rental contracts and customer relationships are valued based upon the fair value, which includes assumptions regarding both (1) customers' exercise of optional renewals contained in the acquired contracts and (2) renewals of the acquired contracts past the contractual term including exercisable options, the site rental contracts and customer relationships are amortized over a period not to exceed 20 years as a result of the useful life being limited by the depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure. The carrying value of other intangible assets with finite useful lives will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company has a dual grouping policy for purposes of determining the unit of account for testing impairment of the site rental contracts and customer relationships intangible assets. First, the Company pools the site rental contracts and customer relationships with the related wireless infrastructure assets into portfolio groups for purposes of determining the unit of account for impairment testing. Second and separately, the Company evaluates the site rental contracts and customer relationships by significant customer or by customer grouping for individually insignificant customers, as appropriate. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Financing Costs | Deferred Financing Costs Costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the related borrowing using the effective yield method. Deferred financing costs are included in "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Estimated Property Taxes | Accrued Estimated Property Taxes The accrual for estimated property tax obligations is based on assessments currently in effect and estimates of additional taxes. The Company recognizes the benefit of tax appeals upon ultimate resolution of the appeal. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Site rental revenues are recognized on a monthly basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the relevant contract (generally ranging from five to 15 years), regardless of whether the payments from the customer are received in equal monthly amounts. The Company's contracts contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the consumer price index ("CPI")). If the payment terms call for fixed escalations or rent free periods, the effect is recognized on a straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancelable term of the agreement. When calculating straight-line rental revenues, the Company considers all fixed elements of tenant contractual escalation provisions, even if such escalation provisions contain a variable element in addition to a minimum. The Company's assets related to straight-line site rental revenues are included in "deferred site rental receivables and other current assets, net" and "deferred site rental receivables, net" and amounts received in advance are recorded as "deferred revenues." Network services revenues are recognized after completion of the applicable service. Nearly all of the antenna installation services are billed on a cost-plus profit basis. Sales taxes and value-added taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Operations | Costs of Operations Approximately two-thirds of the Company's site rental costs of operations expenses consist of ground lease expenses, and the remainder includes property taxes, repairs and maintenance expenses, employee compensation and related benefit costs, and utilities. Network services and other costs of operations predominately consist of third party service providers such as contractors and professional service firms. Generally, the ground lease agreements are specific to each site and are for an initial term of five years and are renewable for pre-determined periods. The Company also enters into term easements and ground leases in which it prepays the entire term in advance. Ground lease expense is recognized on a monthly basis, regardless of whether the lease agreement payment terms require the Company to make payments annually, quarterly, monthly, or for the entire term in advance. The Company's ground leases contain fixed escalation clauses (such as fixed dollar or fixed percentage increases) or inflation-based escalation clauses (such as those tied to the CPI). If the payment terms include fixed escalation provisions, the effect of such increases is recognized on a straight-line basis. The Company calculates the straight-line ground lease expense using a time period that equals or exceeds the remaining depreciable life of the wireless infrastructure asset. Further, when a tenant has exercisable renewal options that would compel the Company to exercise existing ground lease renewal options, the Company has straight-lined the ground lease expense over a sufficient portion of such ground lease renewals to coincide with the final termination of the tenant's renewal options. The Company's liability related to straight-line ground lease expense is included in "deferred ground lease payable and other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company's asset related to prepaid ground leases is included in "prepaid expenses" and "long-term prepaid rent, deferred financing costs and other assets, net" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and Integration Costs | Acquisition and Integration Costs All direct or incremental costs related to a business combination are expensed as incurred. These business combination costs are included in "acquisition and integration costs" on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation Restricted Stock Awards. The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those nonvested stock awards ("restricted stock awards") for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. The cumulative effect of a change in the estimated number of restricted stock awards for which the requisite service is expected to be or has been rendered is recognized in the period of the change in the estimate. To the extent that the requisite service is rendered, compensation cost for accounting purposes is not reversed; rather, it is recognized regardless of whether or not the awards vest. A discussion of the Company's valuation techniques and related assumptions and estimates used to measure the Company's stock-based compensation is as follows: Valuation. The fair value of restricted stock awards without market conditions is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company's stock at the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock awards with market conditions granted using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Company's determination of the fair value of restricted stock awards with market conditions on the date of grant is affected by its stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. The determination of fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, and other reasonable assumptions could provide differing results. Amortization Method. The Company amortizes the fair value of all restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis for each separately vesting tranche of the award (graded vesting schedule) over the requisite service periods. In the case of accelerated vesting based on the market performance of the Company's common stock, the compensation costs related to the vested awards that have not previously been amortized are recognized upon vesting. Expected Volatility. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock and implied volatility on publicly traded options on the Company's common stock. Risk-Free Rate. The Company bases the risk-free rate on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award. Forfeitures. The Company uses historical data and management's judgment about the future employee turnover rates to estimate the number of shares for which the requisite service period will not be rendered. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs | Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
The Company amortizes discounts on long-term debt over the term of the related borrowing using the effective interest yield method. Discounts are presented as a reduction to the related debt obligation on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when it is "more likely than not" that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews the recoverability of deferred tax assets each quarter and based upon projections of future taxable income, reversing deferred tax liabilities and other known events that are expected to affect future taxable income, records a valuation allowance for assets that do not meet the "more likely than not" realization threshold. Valuation allowances may be reversed if related deferred tax assets are deemed realizable based upon changes in facts and circumstances that impact the recoverability of the asset. The Company recognizes a tax position if it is more likely than not that it will be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company reports penalties and tax-related interest expense as a component of the benefit (provision) for income taxes. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per Share Information | Per Share Information Basic net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus any potential dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable (1) upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards as determined under the treasury stock method and (2) upon conversion of the Company's preferred stock, as determined under the if-converted method. The Company's restricted stock awards are considered participating securities and may be included in the computation of earnings pursuant to the two-class. However, the Company does not present the two-class method when there is no difference between the per share amount under the two-class method and the treasury stock method. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Currency Translation | Foreign Currency Translation The Company's international operations use the local currency as their functional currency. The Company translates the results of these international operations using the applicable average exchange rate for the period, and translates the assets and liabilities using the applicable exchange rate at the end of the period. The cumulative effect of changes in the exchange rate is recorded as "foreign currency translation adjustments" in other comprehensive income (loss). See note 16. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Values | Fair Values The Company's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are (1) Level 1 — quoted prices (unadjusted) in active and accessible markets, (2) Level 2 — observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets but corroborated by market data, and (3) Level 3 — unobservable inputs and are not corroborated by market data. The Company evaluates level classifications quarterly, and transfers between levels are effective at the end of the quarterly period. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate the carrying value. The Company determines fair value of its debt securities based on indicative quotes (that is non-binding quotes) from brokers that require judgment to interpret market information including implied credit spreads for similar borrowings on recent trades or bid/ask prices or quotes from active markets if applicable. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the income approach and is predominately based on observable interest rates and yield curves and, to a lesser extent, the Company's and the contract counterparty's credit risk. There were no changes since December 31, 2010 in the Company's valuation techniques used to measure fair values. See note 8 for a further discussion of fair values. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments The Company enters into interest rate swaps, to manage and reduce its interest rate risk. Derivative financial instruments are entered into for periods that match the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of these exposures. The Company can designate derivative financial instruments as hedges. The Company can also enter into derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges. Derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity, captioned "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)," and recognized as increases or decreases to "interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs" when the hedged item affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is included in "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). If a hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, any change in the fair value of the derivative since the date it ceased to qualify is recorded to "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps." However, any amounts previously recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" would remain there until the original forecasted transaction affects earnings. In a situation where it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains or losses that have been recorded to "accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" are immediately reclassified to earnings. Derivatives that do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting are marked to market through "net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps" on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Forward-starting interest rate swaps with an other-than-insignificant financing element at inception are classified as cash provided by financing activities, while other interest rate swaps are classified as cash provided by operating activities. To qualify for hedge accounting, the details of the hedging relationship must be formally documented at the inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risks that are being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness will be measured. The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows for the risk being hedged. In the context of hedging relationships, effectiveness refers to the degree to which fair value changes in the hedging instrument offset the corresponding expected earnings effects of the hedged item. The Company assesses the effectiveness of hedging relationships using regression analysis both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis. In measuring ineffectiveness, the Company uses the hypothetical derivative method which compares the change in fair value of the actual swap with the change in fair value of a hypothetical swap that would have terms that would identically match the critical terms of the hedged floating rate liability. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements In October 2009, Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that addressed how to recognize revenue for transactions with multiple deliverables. This guidance revises the criteria for separating, measuring and allocating arrangement consideration to each consideration deliverable, which must be estimated if there is not a history of selling the deliverable on a stand-alone basis or third-party evidence of selling price. The provisions of this guidance were effective for the Company as of January 1, 2011 and were applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and did not result in a change to the pattern and timing of its revenue recognition. In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on goodwill impairment testing. The amended guidance permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is concluded that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it is then necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The Company adopted this amended guidance during 2011. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as of October 1, 2011 and determined that no additional testing of goodwill is required. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy related to accrued estimated property taxes No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Policy. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for determining amounts to accrue and charge against earnings so as to satisfy legal obligations associated with the retirement (through sale, abandonment, recycling, or disposal in some other manner) of a tangible long-lived asset that result from the acquisition, construction, or development and (or) the normal operation of a long-lived asset. This accounting policy disclosure excludes obligations arising 1) in connection with leased property, whether imposed by a lease agreement or by a party other than the lessor, that meet the definition of either minimum lease payments or contingent rentals; 2) solely from a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of a long-lived asset and 3) from certain environmental remediation liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for completed business combinations (purchase method, acquisition method or combination of entities under common control). This accounting policy may include a general discussion of the purchase method or acquisition method of accounting (including for example, the treatment accorded contingent consideration, the identification of assets and liabilities, the purchase price allocation process, how the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities are determined) and the entity's specific application thereof. An entity that acquires another entity in a leveraged buyout transaction generally discloses the accounting policy followed by the acquiring entity in determining the basis used to value its interest in the acquired entity, and the rationale for that accounting policy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Entity's cash and cash equivalents accounting policy with respect to restricted balances. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for cash and cash equivalents with respect to unrestricted balances. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for recognition of costs in the period which correspond to the sales and revenue categories presented in the statement of operations. The accounting policy may include the amount and nature of costs incurred, provisions associated with inventories, purchase discounts, freight and other costs included in cost of sales incurred and recorded in the period. This disclosure also includes the nature of costs of sales incurred and recorded in the statement of operations for the period relating to transactions with related parties. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for deferral and amortization of significant deferred charges. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for its derivative instruments and hedging activities. Disclosure may include: (1) Each method used to account for derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments ("derivatives"); (2) the types of derivatives accounted for under each method; (3) the criteria required to be met for each accounting method used, including a discussion of the criteria required to be met for hedge or deferral accounting and accrual or settlement accounting (for example, whether and how risk reduction, correlation, designation, and effectiveness tests are applied); (4) the accounting method used if the criteria specified for hedge accounting are not met; (5) the method used to account for termination of derivatives designated as hedges or derivatives used to affect directly or indirectly the terms, fair values, or cash flows of a designated item; (6) the method used to account for derivatives when the designated item matures, is sold, is extinguished, or is terminated. In addition, the method used to account for derivatives designated to an anticipated transaction, when the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; and (7) where and when derivatives, and their related gains or losses are reported in the statement of financial position, cash flows, and results of operations and (8) an accounting policy decision to offset fair value amounts with counterparties. An entity may also describe its embedded derivatives, and the method(s) used to determine the fair values of derivatives and any significant assumptions used in such valuations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for computing basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses all significant policy factors, including any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for determining the fair value of financial instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for (1) transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting enterprise's functional currency, (2) translating foreign currency financial statements that are incorporated into the financial statements of the reporting enterprise by consolidation, combination, or the equity method of accounting, and (3) remeasurement of the financial statements of a foreign reporting enterprise in a hyperinflationary economy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for goodwill. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill, how reporting units are determined, how goodwill is allocated to such units, and how the fair values of the reporting units are determined. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for intangible assets. This accounting policy may address both intangible assets subject to amortization and those that are not. The following also may be disclosed: (1) a description of intangible assets (2) the estimated useful lives of those assets (3) the amortization method used (4) how the entity assesses and measures impairment of such assets (5) how future cash flows are estimated (6) how the fair values of such asset are determined. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for income taxes, which may include its accounting policies for recognizing and measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances, recognizing investment tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and other carryforwards, methodologies for determining its effective income tax rate and the characterization of interest and penalties in the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for recognizing interest expense, including the method of amortizing debt issuance costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for property, plant and equipment which may include the basis of such assets, depreciation methods used and estimated useful lives, the entity's capitalization policy, including its accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities, whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated, how disposals of such assets are accounted for and how impairment of such assets is assessed and recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for stock option and stock incentive plans. This disclosure may include (1) the types of stock option or incentive plans sponsored by the entity (2) the groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) significant plan provisions and (4) how stock compensation is measured, and the methodologies and significant assumptions used to determine that measurement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivables. This disclosure may include the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (for example, net realizable value), how the entity determines the level of its allowance for doubtful accounts, when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized, and the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including its treatment of related fees and costs, its treatment of premiums, discounts or unearned income, when accrual of interest is discontinued, how the entity records payments received on nonaccrual receivables and its policy for resuming accrual of interest on such receivables. If the enterprise holds a large number of similar loans, disclosure may include the accounting policy for the anticipation of prepayments and significant assumptions underlying prepayment estimates for amortization of premiums, discounts, and nonrefundable fees and costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs | The components of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations | A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Schedule of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per-share (or per-unit) computations for income from continuing operations, including the effect that has been given to preferred dividends. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Property and Equipment (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Major Classes of Property and Equipment | The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible Assets | The following is a summary of the Company's intangible assets.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Amortization Expense | Amortization expense related to intangible assets is classified as follows on the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss):
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Above Market Leases | The following is a summary of the Company's above-market leases.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Site Rental Contracts and Customer Relationships [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense | The estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets (inclusive of those recorded to "site rental costs of operations") for the years ended December 31, 2012 to 2016 is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Above Market Leases [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense | The estimated annual amortization expense related to above-market leases for land interests under the Company's towers for the years ended December 31, 2012 to 2016 is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Schedule of above market leases at carrying value, less accumulated depreciation, and net book value No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Schedule of amortization expense related to intangible assets on the balance sheet No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments | The following is a summary of the Company's indebtedness.
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt | The following are the scheduled contractual maturities of the total debt and other long-term obligations outstanding at December 31, 2011, exclusive of the 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock. These maturities reflect contractual maturity dates and do not consider the principal payments that will commence following the anticipated repayment dates on the Tower Revenue Notes. If the Tower Revenue Notes are not paid in full on or prior to 2015, 2017 and 2020, as applicable, then the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) of the issuers of such notes will be used to repay principal of the applicable series and class of the Tower Revenue Notes, and additional interest (of an additional approximately 5% per annum) will accrue on the Tower Revenue Notes. See note 20.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt | The following is a summary of the partial purchases and repayments of debt during the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
____________________
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to short-term and long-debt instruments or arrangements, including but not limited to identification of terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of debt extinguished which may include, amount of gain (loss), the income tax effect and the per share amount of the aggregate gain (loss), net of the related income tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the combined aggregate amount of maturities and sinking fund requirements for all long-term borrowings for each of the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet date presented. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Interest Rate Swaps (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance | The following table shows the effect of interest rate swaps on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The estimated net amount, pre-tax, loss that is expected to be reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is approximately $65 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. See also note 8.
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Disclosures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities | The following table shows the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, along with the carrying amounts of the related assets (liabilities).
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Activity for Interest Rate Swap Liabilities Classified as Level 3 Fair Value Measurements | The following table shows a summary of the activity for fair value classified as Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2010:
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs) by class of liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes | Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic area is as follows:
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes | The benefit (provision) for income taxes consists of the following:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate | A reconciliation between the benefit (provision) for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the loss before income taxes is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities | The components of the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jurisdictional Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities | The components of the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward | The aggregate changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
A table representing the jurisdictional components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities disclosed as gross, the associtated valuation allowance, and net. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Rollforward schedule of unrecognized tax benefits. Includes beginning of year balance, additions based on current year tax positions, reductions as a result of the lapse of statute limitations, and balance at the end of the year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for each year presented including, but not limited to: current tax expense (benefit), deferred tax expense (benefit), investment tax credits, government grants, the benefits of operating loss carryforwards, tax expense that results from allocating certain tax benefits either directly to contributed capital or to reduce goodwill or other noncurrent intangible assets of an acquired entity, adjustments of a deferred tax liability or asset for enacted changes in tax laws or rates or a change in the tax status of the entity, and adjustments of the beginning-of-the-year balances of a valuation allowance because of a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset in future years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of net deferred tax asset or liability recognized in an entity's statement of financial position, including the following: the total of all deferred tax liabilities, the total of all deferred tax assets, the total valuation allowance recognized for deferred tax assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation using percentage or dollar amounts of the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the year to the amount of income tax expense that would result from applying domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of income before income tax between domestic and foreign jurisdictions. No definition available.
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based Compensation [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity | The following is a summary of the restricted stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2011.
____________________ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value | The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the grant-date fair value for the awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, with market conditions.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Vested | The following table is a summary of the restricted stock awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2011 to 2009.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation Expense | The following table discloses the components of stock-based compensation expense. No amounts have been included in the carrying value of assets during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded tax benefits, exclusive of the change in the valuation allowance, of $11.4 million, $12.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively, related to stock-based compensation expense (see note 9).
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of the number of restricted stock awards that vested during the period and the fair value on the vesting date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the allocation of equity-based compensation costs to a given line item on the balance sheet and income statement for the period. This may include the reporting line for the costs and the amount capitalized and expensed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant date fair value for restricted stock and restricted stock units that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, and the number of restricted stock and restricted stock units that were granted, vested, or forfeited during the year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Leases (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leases [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tenant Leases | The tenants' rental payments included in the table below are through the current terms with a maximum current term of 20 years and do not assume exercise of tenant renewal options.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Leases |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of future minimum payments required in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year and the total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of rental expense from operating leases for each period for which an income statement is presented with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Results of Operating Segments | The financial results for the Company's operating segments are as follows:
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA | The following are reconciliations of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
____________________
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Net Revenue by Country | A summary of net revenues by country, based on the location of the Company's subsidiaries, is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Long-Lived Assets by Country of Location | A summary of long-lived assets (property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets) by country of location is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Summary of the Percentage of the Consolidated Revenues for Those Customers Accounting for More than 10% of the Consolidated Revenues | The following table summarizes the percentage of the consolidated revenues for those customers accounting for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues, all of which relates to CCUSA.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The schedule of the reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the names of foreign countries in which material long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets are located, and amount of such long-lived assets located in that country or foreign geographic area. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the extent of the entity's reliance on its major customers, if revenues from transactions with a single external customer amount to 10 percent or more of entity revenues, including the disclosure of that fact, the total amount of revenues from each such customer, and the identity of the reportable segment or segments reporting the revenues. The entity need not disclose the identity of a major customer or the amount of revenues that each segment reports from that customer. For these purposes, a group of companies known to the entity to be under common control is considered a single customer, and the federal government, a state government, a local government such as a county or municipality, or a foreign government is each considered a single customer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the names of foreign countries from which revenue is material and the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to those countries. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities | The following table is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of supplemental cash flow information for the periods presented. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) | Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure includes financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and earnings per share data. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
years
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Increase (decrease) in restricted cash for operating activities | $ 17.9 | $ 18.9 | $ 3.6 |
| Increase (decrease) in restricted cash for investing activities | 15.4 | 0 | 0 |
| Allowance for deferred site rental receivables | $ 0 | $ 5.1 | |
| Useful life of site rental contracts and customer relationships (years) | 20 | ||
| Revenue recognition, non-cancelable lease term, minimum (years) | 5 | ||
| Revenue recognition, non-cancelable lease term, maximum (years) | 15 | ||
| Portion of company site rental costs that are ground lease expenses | 0.667 | ||
| Ground lease agreement initial term | 5 years | ||
| Percentage of tax position that is likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement | 50.00% | ||
|
Maximum [Member]
|
|||
| Original Maturities of Highly Liquid Investments | 3 months | ||
|
Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
|
|||
| Property, plant and equipment estimated useful life, maximum (years) | 20 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
An allowance for uncollectible amount to offset the deferred site rental receivable that arises from site rental revenue recognized in excess of amount currently due under lease agreement. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This disclosure represents the initial term of the Company’s ground lease agreements No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This disclosure represents the original maturities of the Company's cash equivalents on the balance sheet No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The threshold percentage of an uncertain tax position at which the Company will recognize a tax position. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Portion of Company site rental costs That are related to ground lease expenses No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Revenue Recognition Non Cancelable Lease Term, Range (Maximum) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Revenue Recognition Non-cancelable Lease Term, Range (Minimum) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The useful life of all finite-lived intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. This may include cash restricted for regulatory purposes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. No definition available.
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||
| Interest expense on debt obligations | $ 404,644 | $ 404,815 | $ 384,525 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 15,086 | 15,397 | 26,953 |
| Amortization of discounts on long-term debt | 16,090 | 14,481 | 12,219 |
| Amortization of interest rate swaps | 71,707 | 54,169 | 18,818 |
| Other, net of capitalized interest | 60 | 1,407 | 3,367 |
| Total | $ 507,587 | $ 490,269 | $ 445,882 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds and the amortization of interest rate swaps accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of interest expense representing the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the related debt instruments. Excludes amortization of financing costs. Alternate caption: Noncash Interest Expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of interest expense comprised of the periodic charge against earnings over the life of the financing arrangement to which such costs relate. Alternate captions include Noncash Interest Expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of losses on a cash flow hedge reclassified in the period to interest expense from accumulated other comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the portion of interest incurred in the period on debt arrangements that was charged against earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest expense on all other items not previously classified. For example, includes dividends associated with redeemable preferred stock of a subsidiary that is treated as a liability in the parent's consolidated balance sheet. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Per Share Information) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Jun. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | $ 48,911 | $ 51,278 | $ 30,871 | $ 40,017 | $ 40,873 | $ (135,009) | $ (97,529) | $ (119,275) | $ 171,077 | $ (310,940) | $ (114,332) |
| Dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock | (22,940) | (20,806) | (20,806) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock | $ 148,137 | $ (331,746) | $ (135,138) | ||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic weighted-average number of common stock outstanding | 283,821,000 | 286,764,000 | 286,622,000 | ||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding | 285,947,000 | 286,764,000 | 286,622,000 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share: | |||||||||||
| Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0.16 | $ 0.16 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.12 | $ 0.52 | $ (1.16) | $ (0.47) | ||||
| Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 0.16 | $ 0.15 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.12 | $ 0.52 | $ (1.16) | $ (0.47) | ||||
|
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
|
|||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share: | |||||||||||
| Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) | 8,300,000 | 8,600,000 | 8,600,000 | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage | 6.25% | ||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock, per common share: | |||||||||||
| Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) | 900,000 | ||||||||||
|
Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards | 2,126,000 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on preferred stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate value of preferred stock dividends and other adjustments necessary to derive net income apportioned to common stockholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of dilutive potential common shares or units used in the calculation of the diluted per-share or per-unit computation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Acquisitions (Details) (NewPath Networks Inc. [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
1 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2010
distributed_antenna_systems
|
|
|
NewPath Networks Inc. [Member]
|
|
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | |
| Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, cash paid | $ 128 |
| Number of distributed antenna system networks in operation or under construction | 35 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of distributed antenna systems in operation or under construction at the time of acquisition. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash paid to acquire the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Gross property and equipment | $ 8,685,363,000 | $ 8,345,126,000 | |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (3,824,136,000) | (3,451,475,000) | |
| Total property and equipment, net | 4,861,227,000 | 4,893,651,000 | |
| Depreciation expense | 387,800,000 | 379,300,000 | 379,600,000 |
|
Land owned in fee and perpetual easements [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Gross property and equipment | 960,191,000 | 753,988,000 | |
| Estimated useful life, maximum, in years | 0 | ||
|
Buildings [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Gross property and equipment | 37,454,000 | 37,165,000 | |
| Estimated Useful Life, Average | 40 | ||
|
Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Gross property and equipment | 7,329,889,000 | 7,242,887,000 | |
| Estimated useful life, minimum, in years | 1 | ||
| Estimated useful life, maximum, in years | 20 | ||
|
Furniture Transportation and Other Equipment [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Gross property and equipment | 181,583,000 | 164,077,000 | |
| Estimated useful life, minimum, in years | 2 | ||
| Estimated useful life, maximum, in years | 10 | ||
|
Construction in Process [Member]
|
|||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
| Gross property and equipment | $ 176,246,000 | $ 147,009,000 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. This can include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The minimum useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. No definition available.
|
|
Intangible Assets and Deferred Credits (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Finite-lived intangible assets, gross | $ 2,976,207,000 | $ 2,950,362,000 | |
| Accumulated amortization of intangible assets | (798,025,000) | (636,433,000) | |
| Other intangible assets, net | 103,200,000 | 116,551,000 | |
| Finite-lived intangible assets, net | 2,178,182,000 | 2,313,929,000 | |
| Amortization expense | 163,187,000 | 159,914,000 | 149,243,000 |
| 2012 | 159,509,000 | ||
| 2013 | 151,288,000 | ||
| 2014 | 145,761,000 | ||
| 2015 | 140,146,000 | ||
| 2016 | 140,139,000 | ||
|
Above Market Leases [Member]
|
|||
| Deferred Credits [Abstract] | |||
| Deferred credit carrying value, gross | 67,132,000 | 70,331,000 | |
| Deferred credit accumulated amortization | (17,816,000) | (17,669,000) | |
| Deferred credit carrying value, net | 49,316,000 | 52,662,000 | |
| 2012 | 3,504,000 | ||
| 2013 | 3,434,000 | ||
| 2014 | 3,410,000 | ||
| 2015 | 3,386,000 | ||
| 2016 | 3,469,000 | ||
|
Site Rental Contracts and Customer Relationships [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Finite-lived intangible assets, gross | 2,823,832,000 | 2,799,804,000 | |
| Accumulated amortization of intangible assets | (748,850,000) | (602,426,000) | |
| Finite-lived intangible assets, net | 2,074,982,000 | 2,197,378,000 | |
| Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, amount | 23,400,000 | 39,100,000 | |
|
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Finite-lived intangible assets, gross | 152,375,000 | 150,558,000 | |
| Accumulated amortization of intangible assets | (49,175,000) | (34,007,000) | |
| Other intangible assets, net | 103,200,000 | 116,551,000 | |
|
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Amortization expense | 159,478,000 | 156,150,000 | 145,192,000 |
|
Site Rental Costs of Operations [Member]
|
|||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | |||
| Amortization expense | 3,709,000 | 3,764,000 | 4,051,000 |
|
Site Rental Costs of Operations [Member] | Above Market Leases [Member]
|
|||
| Deferred Credits [Abstract] | |||
| Deferred credit amortization expense | $ 3,800,000 | $ 4,400,000 | $ 4,500,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred Credit Accumulated Amortization No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred Credit Amortization Expense No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amortization expense within the fifth year from the balance sheet date related to the Company’s above-market leases recorded in site rental costs of operations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amortization expense within the fourth year from the balance sheet date related to the Company’s above-market leases recorded in site rental costs of operations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amortization expense within one year of the balance sheet date related to the Company’s above-market leases recorded in site rental costs of operations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amortization expense within the third year from the balance sheet date related to the Company’s above-market leases recorded in site rental costs of operations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amortization expense within the second year from the balance sheet date related to the Company’s above-market leases recorded in site rental costs of operations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred Credit Carrying Value Gross No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred Credit Carrying Value, Net No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount assigned to a major class of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets (in either an asset acquisition or business combination). A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year five of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year four of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year one of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year three of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year two of the five succeeding fiscal years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of other indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets that are not separately presented on the statement of financial position. No definition available.
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | $ 6,885,699 | $ 6,778,894 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations | 32,517 | 28,687 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations | 6,853,182 | 6,750,207 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 9.00% | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 7.75% | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 7.125% | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Various | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | Various | [1] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 54,406 | 34,537 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage of debt instrument interest rate stated | Various | [1],[2] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Bank Debt [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 870,125 | 782,625 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Bank Debt [Member] | Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Jan. 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | Sept. 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 251,000 | [3] | 157,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 2.40% | [2],[4] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Bank Debt [Member] | Variable Rate 2007 Term Loans [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Jan./March 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | March 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 619,125 | 625,625 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 1.70% | [2],[4] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Securitized Debt [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 3,666,431 | 3,683,085 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Jan. 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | 2035 - 2040 | [5] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 1,900,000 | 1,900,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 5.80% | [2],[5] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Aug. 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | 2035 - 2040 | [5] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 1,550,000 | 1,550,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 4.50% | [2],[5] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Securitized Debt [Member] | Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | July 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | 2019/2029 | [6] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 216,431 | 233,085 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 7.00% | [2] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
High Yield Bonds [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 2,294,737 | 2,278,647 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Jan. 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | Jan. 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 817,799 | 804,971 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 9.00% | [2],[7] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | April 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | May 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 978,983 | 975,913 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 7.80% | [2],[8] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Oct. 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | Nov. 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 497,904 | 497,712 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 7.10% | [2],[9] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
High Yield Bonds [Member] | Fixed Rate High Yield Bonds 7.5% Senior Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Original issue date | Dec. 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date | Dec. 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | $ 51 | $ 51 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 7.50% | [2] | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Date range when the debt instrument is schedule to be fully repaid, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month, and year, quarter, etc). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreements. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all debt, including all short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which are due within one year (or one business cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Date when the debt instrument was issued, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter, etc.). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2008
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
|
Jun. 30, 2011
Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2010
Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Rate 2007 Term Loans [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes First Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes Second Tranche [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2010
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
High Yield Bonds - Senior Notes [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Collateralized [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Collateralized [Member]
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2007
2007 Credit Agreement [Member]
CCOC [Member]
Term Loan Joinder Pursuant [Member]
Variable Rate 2007 Term Loans [Member]
|
Mar. 31, 2007
2007 Credit Agreement [Member]
CCOC [Member]
Second Term Loan Joinder Pursuant [Member]
Variable Rate 2007 Term Loans [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
2007 Credit Agreement [Member]
CCOC [Member]
Security Interest [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2011
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Issuance of Debt [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
CCOC [Member]
|
|
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revolving commitment | $ 450,000,000 | $ 400,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt and other obligations | 6,885,699,000 | 6,778,894,000 | 54,406,000 | 34,537,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Availablity on revolver | 199,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument Additional Interest Rate Federal Funds Rate | 0.50% | 0.50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt instrument credit spread prime federal funds rate, minimum | 1.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument Credit Spread Prime Federal Funds Rate Maximum | 1.40% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt instrument credit spread LIBOR rate minimum | 2.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument Credit Spread Libor Rate Maximum | 2.40% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate | 1.50% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional interest accruing following anticipated repayment dates | 5.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Face amount of debt instrument | 300,000,000 | 350,000,000 | 1,300,000,000 | 250,000,000 | 300,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 3,100,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal balance outstanding on debt instruments | 6,958,306,000 | 146,400,000 | 70,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective yield rate, inclusive of discount | 11.30% | 8.20% | 7.20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage rate range maximum | 10.00% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date, start | 1 year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturity date, end | 20 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Line of credit facility possible additional borrowing capacity | 50,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional borrowings | 600,000,000 | 50,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Security interest | 80,120,000 | 112,531,000 | 766,146,000 | 155,219,000 | 47,800,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitment fee | 0.40% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ 4,861,227,000 | $ 4,893,651,000 | $ 1,700,000,000 | $ 1,200,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stated interest rate | 9.00% | 7.75% | 7.125% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Covenant Description | 7.0 to 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio | 7.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption pricing percentage of principal amount | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage | 6.25% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt instrument additional interest rate federal funds rate. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Additional interest rate margin that will accrue on certain debt instruments if they are not paid in full on or prior to their anticipated repayment dates. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt instrument credit spread LIBOR rate. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum credit spread incremental to the LIBOR rate for purposes of determining the interest rate for a debt instrument. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The minimum credit spread incremental to the LIBOR rate for purposes of determining the interest rate for a debt instrument. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum credit spread incremental to the prime federal funds rate plus 0.5%. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The minimum credit spread incremental to the prime federal funds rate plus 0.5%. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range Beginning No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range Ending No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Debt to Adjusted Cash Flow Ratio No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the total increase in aggregate revolving commitment availability in the designated period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of the principal amount that may be redeemed. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all debt, including all short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Description of minimum financial levels (for example, tangible net worth and working capital) and achievement of certain financial ratios (for example, working capital ratio and debt service coverage ratio), and adherence to certain clauses which generally require or restrict certain actions (for example, entering into a debt arrangement with equal or greater seniority, and selling or discontinuing a certain business segment or material subsidiary) to be in compliance with the covenant clauses of the debt agreement. May also include a discussion of the adverse consequences that would result if the entity violates or fails to satisfy the covenants. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
When presenting a range of interest rates, the highest stated (contractual) rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of unused borrowing capacity under the long-term financing arrangement that is available to the entity as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Obligation related to long-term debt (excluding convertible debt) and capital leases, the portion which is due in one year or less in the future. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on preferred stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations (Scheduled Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2011
|
|---|---|
| Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract] | |
| 2012 | $ 32,684 |
| 2013 | 283,434 |
| 2014 | 631,662 |
| 2015 | 892,276 |
| 2016 | 23,711 |
| Thereafter | 5,094,539 |
| Total Cash Obligations | 6,958,306 |
| Unamortized Discounts | (72,607) |
| Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding | $ 6,885,699 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Debt and Other Obligations (Debt Purchases and Repayments) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Jun. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | $ 3,426,324,000 | [1] | $ 2,324,289,000 | [2] | |||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 3,541,312,000 | [1],[3] | 2,411,119,000 | [2],[3] | |||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | 0 | (71,933,000) | 0 | (66,434,000) | 0 | (138,367,000) | [1] | (91,079,000) | [2] | ||||||||||
| Write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts | 23,400,000 | 4,200,000 | |||||||||||||||||
|
2004 Mortgage Loan [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 293,505,000 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 293,716,000 | [3],[4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (2,128,000) | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
|
2006 Mortgage Loan [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 1,550,000,000 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 1,634,184,000 | [3],[4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (85,659,000) | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2005 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 1,638,616,000 | 261,384,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 1,651,255,000 | [3] | 263,819,000 | [3] | |||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (15,718,000) | (3,292,000) | |||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2006 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 1,550,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 1,629,920,000 | [3] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (87,755,000) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 5,000,000 | [5] | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 5,250,000 | [3],[5] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (393,000) | [5] | |||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 33,115,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 36,116,000 | [3] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (6,425,000) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 199,593,000 | [5] | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 218,771,000 | [3],[5] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | (28,076,000) | [5] | |||||||||||||||||
|
Variable Rate Revolver [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Amount | 219,400,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Paid | 219,400,000 | [3] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) | $ 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Write-off of amounts previously capitalized as debt issuance cost in an extinguishment of debt. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross amount of debt extinguished. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow attributable to repayments of borrowings not otherwise defined in the taxonomy (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Interest Rate Swaps (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps, combined notional amount | $ 5,300,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Settlement amount of forward-starting interest rate swaps | 0 | 697,821,000 | 36,670,000 | |||||||||
| Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion) | (973,000) | [1] | (125,850,000) | [1] | 140,056,000 | [1] | ||||||
| Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) | (71,707,000) | [1] | (54,169,000) | [1] | (19,158,000) | [1] | ||||||
| Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion excluded from effectiveness testing) | 0 | [1] | 0 | [1] | (3,920,000) | [1] | ||||||
| Gain (loss) recognized in income | 0 | [1] | (286,435,000) | [1],[2] | (89,046,000) | [1],[3] | ||||||
|
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Forward-starting Derivative Interest Rate Swap Maturity Period | 5 years | |||||||||||
|
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Refinancings of Debt [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Loss recognized in income discontinuation of hedge accounts | 3,400,000 | 132,900,000 | ||||||||||
|
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Estimated amount expected to be reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during next twelve months | $ 65,000,000 | |||||||||||
|
Weighted-Average Actual Five Year LIBOR Upon Issuance of the Anticpated Refinancings [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Derivative, average variable interest rate | 2.40% | |||||||||||
|
Weighted-Average Hedged Five Year LIBOR on the Anticipated Refinancings [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Derivative, average variable interest rate | 5.20% | |||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maturity period for forward-starting interest rate derivatives No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Loss Recognized in Income, due to discontinuation of hedge accounting on interest rate swaps previously qualifying for hedge accounting No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the settlement of forward-starting interest rate swaps. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Monetary amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Average variable interest rate related to the group of interest rate derivatives. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments representing (a) the amount of the hedge ineffectiveness and (b) the amount, if any, excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net gains or losses on interest rate cash flow hedges reclassified during the period to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income upon the hedged transaction affecting earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The estimated net amount of unrealized gains or losses on interest rate cash flow hedges as of the balance sheet date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Pre tax change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2008
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value | $ 80,120 | $ 112,531 | $ 766,146 | $ 155,219 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, fair value | 80,120 | 112,531 | ||
| Restricted cash, carrying value | 257,368 | 226,015 | ||
| Restricted cash, fair value | 257,368 | 226,015 | ||
| Long-term debt and other obligations, carrying amount | 6,885,699 | 6,778,894 | ||
| Long-term debt and other obligations, fair value | $ 7,355,652 | $ 7,121,156 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the fair values as of the balance sheet date of all debt, including all short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and capital lease obligations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fair value of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Company may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all debt, including all short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Fair Value Disclosures (Activity for Interest Rate Swap Liabilities Classified as Level 3 Fair Value Measurements) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
||||||
| Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] | ||||||
| Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Income | $ 0 | |||||
|
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
|
||||||
| Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] | ||||||
| Beginning Balance | 300,040 | |||||
| Settlements | (703,754) | |||||
| Less: total gains (losses) included in earnings | 283,062 | [1] | ||||
| Less: total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) | 125,850 | |||||
| Transfers out of Level 3 | (5,198) | [2] | ||||
| Ending Balance | $ 0 | |||||
|
||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in other income. Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those liabilities still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Transfers out of liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy that have taken place during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents a liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Alternative minimum tax carryback refund | $ 9,600,000 | ||
| Income refund receivable | 5,600,000 | ||
| Federal tax benefits | (3,213,000) | (4,038,000) | (5,803,000) |
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate | 8,400,000 | ||
| Change in unrecognized tax benefits | 1,693,000 | 0 | 0 |
| Unrecognized tax benefits | 8,376,000 | 9,255,000 | 3,213,000 |
|
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
|
|||
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits Resulting in Net Operating Loss Carryforward | 55,300,000 | 42,700,000 | |
| Operating loss carryforwards | 100,000,000 | ||
|
Discrete Events, Including Acquisitions [Member]
|
|||
| Federal tax benefits | 19,800,000 | ||
|
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
|
|||
| Income refund receivable | 4,000,000 | ||
|
U.S. Federal [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards | 2,500,000,000 | ||
| Change in unrecognized tax benefits | (3,200,000) | ||
|
U.S. Federal [Member] | Starting [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates | 2021 | ||
|
U.S. Federal [Member] | Ending [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates | 2030 | ||
|
State [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards | 1,100,000,000 | ||
| Unrecognized tax benefits | 8,400,000 | ||
|
State [Member] | Starting [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates | 2012 | ||
|
State [Member] | Ending [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates | 2031 | ||
|
Foreign [Member]
|
|||
| Operating loss carryforwards | $ 100,000,000 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Alternative minimum tax carryback refund. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also called income tax refund receivable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of domestic, foreign and state and local operating loss carryforwards, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The expiration date of each operating loss carryforward included in total operating loss carryforwards, or the applicable range of such expiration dates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of all increases and decreases in unrecognized tax benefits for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of an unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward. This amount is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset in the balance sheet if that deferred tax asset is not used. This amount is presented separately from the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward if this unrelated tax benefit is associated with a different tax position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
||||||
| Income Taxes [Abstract] | ||||||||
| Domestic | $ 168,804 | $ (342,333) | $ (193,055) | |||||
| Foreign | 11,003 | [1] | 4,228 | [1] | 2,532 | [1] | ||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ 179,807 | $ (338,105) | $ (190,523) | |||||
|
||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to domestic operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to foreign operations, which is defined as Income or Loss generated from operations located outside the entity's country of domicile. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Income Taxes [Abstract] | |||
| Current Federal | $ 3,213 | $ 4,038 | $ 5,803 |
| Current Foreign | (3,377) | (2,187) | (1,904) |
| Current State | (3,557) | (1,201) | (1,909) |
| Total current | (3,721) | 650 | 1,990 |
| Deferred Federal | 1,054 | 30,770 | 56,152 |
| Deferred Foreign | (694) | (298) | 0 |
| Deferred State | (4,986) | (4,276) | 18,258 |
| Total deferred | (4,626) | 26,196 | 74,410 |
| Total benefit (provision) for income taxes | $ (8,347) | $ 26,846 | $ 76,400 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of foreign enacted tax law to the foreign taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's net foreign deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of applicable enacted tax laws of countries other than the country of domicile. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Effective Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Income Taxes [Abstract] | |||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes at statutory rate | $ (62,932) | $ 118,337 | $ 66,683 |
| Tax effect of foreign income (losses) | 3,851 | 1,480 | 886 |
| Expenses for which no federal tax benefit was recognized | (5,433) | (3,657) | (803) |
| Valuation allowances | 61,921 | (85,605) | 0 |
| State tax (provision) benefit, net of federal | (4,565) | (3,560) | 10,627 |
| Foreign tax | (4,071) | (2,485) | (1,904) |
| Change in unrecognized tax benefits | 1,693 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1,189 | 2,336 | 911 |
| Total benefit (provision) for income taxes | $ (8,347) | $ 26,846 | $ 76,400 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference between total income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible capital loses under enacted tax laws. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of foreign current income tax expense or benefit and foreign deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to Income or Loss from continuing foreign operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to total foreign income tax expense or benefit. The foreign income tax expense or benefit difference represents the income tax expense or benefit at applicable domestic statutory income tax rates applied to foreign earnings or loss for the period versus the foreign income tax expense or benefit calculated by applying the appropriate foreign tax rates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses under enacted tax laws, or differences in the methodologies used to determine expense amounts for financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the year/accounting period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to all other items not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to state and local income tax expense or benefit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of all increases and decreases in unrecognized tax benefits for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|---|---|---|
| Income Taxes [Abstract] | ||
| Property and equipment | $ 511,205 | $ 486,577 |
| Deferred site rental receivable | 238,203 | 164,867 |
| Intangible assets | 655,512 | 689,597 |
| Total deferred income tax liabilities | 1,404,920 | 1,341,041 |
| Net operating loss carryforwards | 908,747 | 926,444 |
| Deferred ground lease payable | 109,948 | 104,324 |
| Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward | 3,591 | 3,591 |
| Accrued liabilities | 81,719 | 78,752 |
| Receivable allowance | 2,253 | 2,175 |
| Prepaid lease | 405,993 | 430,558 |
| Derivative instruments | 74,214 | 75,960 |
| Available-for-sale securities | 29,402 | 25,289 |
| Other | 5,293 | 4,415 |
| Valuation allowance, asset | (228,417) | (318,055) |
| Total deferred income tax assets, net | 1,392,743 | 1,333,453 |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | $ (12,177) | $ (7,588) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Deferred tax assets available-for-sale securities. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from currently nondeductible expenses in prepaid leases. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to derivative instruments which can only be deducted for tax purposes when losses on such instruments are realized, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities. A temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will reverse in ensuing periods. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; net of deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of tax deductions over gross income in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from other temporary differences not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax deductions arising from unused alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards; a tax credit carryforward is the amount by which tax credits available for utilization exceeded statutory limits on inclusion in historical filings, and which can only be utilized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods and providing tax laws continue to allow such utilization. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from currently nondeductible expenses in accrued liabilities, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when such items are actually incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from estimated losses reflected in the allowance for doubtful accounts, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual bad debts are known, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from deferred rent, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when rent escalations actually take effect, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Deferred rent generally arises as a result of straight-lining minimum rent over the term of a lease when minimum rent escalates from time to time over such term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the portions of deferred tax assets as of the balance sheet date for which, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not will not be realized through future reductions of tax-based income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cumulative amount of all deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will result in taxable amounts in one or more future periods. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of intangible assets and the basis of intangible assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, whether due to amortization or other reasons, will increase future taxable income when such difference reverses. Intangible assets include, but are not limited to, assets such as patents, trademarks and customer lists. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to differences between the methods used to account for leasing arrangements for tax purposes and under generally accepted accounting principles which will increase future taxable income when such differences reverse. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of capital assets and the basis of capital assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, attributable to different capitalization of costs, depreciation, or amortization methodologies, will increase future taxable income when such basis difference is realized. Capital assets include but are not limited to assets such as land, real estate, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Income Taxes (Jurisdictional Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|---|---|---|
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Gross, asset | $ 216,240 | $ 310,467 |
| Valuation allowance, asset | (228,417) | (318,055) |
| Net, asset | 1,392,743 | 1,333,453 |
| Net, liability | (1,404,920) | (1,341,041) |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | (12,177) | (7,588) |
|
U.S. Federal [Member]
|
||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Gross, asset | 33,103 | 93,970 |
| Valuation allowance, asset | (55,980) | (117,901) |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | (22,877) | (23,931) |
|
State [Member]
|
||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Gross, asset | 45,813 | 51,799 |
| Valuation allowance, asset | (34,156) | (35,155) |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | 11,657 | 16,644 |
|
Foreign [Member]
|
||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Gross, asset | 63,110 | 68,365 |
| Valuation allowance, asset | (64,067) | (68,666) |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | (957) | (301) |
|
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
|
||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Gross, asset | 74,214 | 96,333 |
| Valuation allowance, asset | (74,214) | (96,333) |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amounts of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws ( before the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such sum amount to net realizable value). Includes any tax benefit realized in deferred tax assets for significant impacts of tax planning strategies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities. A temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will reverse in ensuing periods. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; net of deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the portions of deferred tax assets as of the balance sheet date for which, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not will not be realized through future reductions of tax-based income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cumulative amount of all deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will result in taxable amounts in one or more future periods. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Income Taxes Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
|
| Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] | ||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ 9,255 | $ 3,213 |
| Additions based on current year tax positions | 2,334 | 6,042 |
| Reductions as a result of the lapse of statute limitations | (3,213) | 0 |
| Balance at end of year | $ 8,376 | $ 9,255 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of increases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions that have been or will be taken in the tax return for the current period, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
Dec. 31, 2008
|
|
| Temporary Equity [Line Items] | ||||
| 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock | $ 305,032 | $ 316,581 | ||
| Dividends on preferred stock | 19,487 | 19,879 | 19,878 | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 15,086 | 15,397 | 26,953 | |
|
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
|
||||
| Temporary Equity [Line Items] | ||||
| Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | 8.1 | |||
| Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage | 6.25% | |||
| 6.25% Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock | 305,032 | 316,581 | 315,654 | 314,726 |
| Convertible Preferred Stock, liquidation preference per share | $ 50.00 | |||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | $ 900 | $ 900 | $ 900 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of shares of convertible preferred stock issued on the original issuance date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of interest expense comprised of the periodic charge against earnings over the life of the financing arrangement to which such costs relate. Alternate captions include Noncash Interest Expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for the return on capital for preferred shareholders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on preferred stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in Stockholders Equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of stock classified as temporary equity that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Purchases of common stock, value | $ 303,414,000 | $ 159,639,000 | $ 2,900,000 |
|
Non-Employee Director [Member]
|
|||
| Shares issued to non-employee directors | 29,213 | 34,428 | 59,500 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | $ 1,300,000 | $ 1,300,000 | $ 1,000,000 |
|
Common Stock
|
|||
| Purchases of common stock, shares | 7,377,803 | 4,133,858 | 115,875 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross value of stock (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Stock issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Shares available for future issuance (in shares) | 8,100,000 | ||
|
CCAL [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation, liability for options and restricted units | $ 8.9 | $ 6.4 | |
|
Restricted Stock [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Shares granted, number of shares | 900,000 | 1,100,000 | 2,200,000 |
| Shares granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 37.05 | $ 31.13 | $ 10.08 |
| Weighted-average requisite service period (years) | 2.5 | ||
|
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period | 5 years | ||
|
Performance Awards [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Shares granted, number of shares | 400,000 | ||
| Restricted Stock Award Vesting Period Price Appreciation Hurdle | 20 days | ||
| Vesting Performance Period | 180 days | ||
|
Time Vesting Awards [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Shares granted, number of shares | 500,000 | ||
|
Time Vesting Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period | 3 years | ||
|
Time Vesting Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period | 5 years | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the amount of consecutive days that the stock price appreciation hurdle must be met for the Company's performance vesting restricted stock awards to vest. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the vesting period for performance vesting restricted stock. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for stock option plans and other equity-based compensation arrangements. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Description of the estimated period of time over which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the equity-based payment award, which often is the vesting period. This period may be explicit or implicit based on the terms of the award, and may be presented in a variety of ways (for example, year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter of a year). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Description of the period of time over which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, which may be expressed in a variety of ways (for example, in years, month and year). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
|
Restricted Stock [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Shares granted, number of shares | 900 | 1,100 | 2,200 |
| Shares granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 37.05 | $ 31.13 | $ 10.08 |
|
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, number of shares | 4,297 | ||
| Shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 20.2 | ||
| Shares granted, number of shares | 886 | ||
| Shares granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 37.1 | ||
| Shares vested, number of shares | (1,717) | ||
| Shares vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 27.3 | ||
| Shares forfeited, number of shares | (63) | ||
| Shares forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 19.4 | ||
| Shares outstanding at the end of year, number of shares | 3,403 | ||
| Shares outstanding at the end of the year, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 21.1 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were forfeited during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect during the reporting period as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event specified in the contractual agreement of the plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value) (Details)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Share-based Compensation [Abstract] | |||
| Risk-free rate | 1.40% | 1.50% | 1.30% |
| Expected volatility | 48.00% | 49.00% | 46.00% |
| Expected dividend rate | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The estimated measure of the percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Vested) (Details) (USD $)
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Total shares vested | 1,717 | 891 | 366 |
| Fair value on vesting date | $ 74,754,000 | $ 34,813,000 | $ 9,190,000 |
|
Restricted Stock [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 31,300,000 | 35,200,000 | 28,200,000 |
|
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
|
|||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
| Unrecognized compensation expense on restricted stock awards | $ 25,100,000 | ||
| Unrecognized compensation expense on restricted stock awards, weighted average period, years | 1 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, using a decimal to express in number of years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock or unit distributed to employees as compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total number of shares issued during the period, including shares forfeited, as a result of Restricted Stock Awards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards issued during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Summary of CCIC Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
years
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Share-based Compensation [Abstract] | |||
| Options outstanding (in shares) | 0.1 | 0.2 | |
| Intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $ 4.8 | $ 28.2 | $ 38.2 |
| Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable | 2.6 | ||
| Cash received from exercise of stock options | $ 1.6 | $ 18.7 | $ 44.7 |
| Stock options outstanding and exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 4.09 | ||
| Stock options outstanding and exercisable, weighted-average remaining contractual term, years | 1 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the option plan as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average period between the balance sheet date and expiration for all vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable (or convertible) under the plan, which may be expressed in a decimal value for number of years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total accumulated difference between fair values of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on options which were exercised (or share units converted) into shares during the reporting period under the plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Stock-based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefits | $ 11,400,000 | $ 12,800,000 | $ 10,200,000 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 35,991,000 | 39,965,000 | 30,305,000 |
|
CCUSA [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 32,610,000 | 36,540,000 | 29,225,000 |
|
CCAL [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 3,381,000 | 3,425,000 | 1,080,000 |
|
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 942,000 | 1,131,000 | 967,000 |
|
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 942,000 | 1,131,000 | 967,000 |
|
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member] | CCAL [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Network Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,555,000 | 1,568,000 | 1,207,000 |
|
Network Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,555,000 | 1,568,000 | 1,207,000 |
|
Network Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member] | CCAL [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 33,494,000 | 37,266,000 | 28,131,000 |
|
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 30,113,000 | 33,841,000 | 27,051,000 |
|
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | CCAL [Member]
|
|||
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | |||
| Stock-based compensation expense | $ 3,381,000 | $ 3,425,000 | $ 1,080,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total recognized tax benefit related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements recognized in income during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
| Defined contribution plan cost to the Company | $ 6.1 | $ 5.5 | $ 5.2 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Accretion expense related to liabilities for contingent retirement obligations | $ 5,600,000 | $ 5,300,000 | $ 4,900,000 |
| Asset retirement obligation | 68,500,000 | 63,800,000 | |
| Asset retirement obligation future outlay | 1,400,000,000 | ||
| Increase in property tax commitment | 3.00% | ||
| Letters of credit | 10,800,000 | ||
|
Sprint [Member]
|
|||
| Estimated future property tax commitment | 15,800,000 | ||
|
Property Taxes [Member] | Sprint [Member]
|
|||
| Payments for other taxes | $ 15,400,000 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Estimated future property tax commitment. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This disclosure represents the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be paid relating to asset retirement obligations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Property tax commitments annual percentage increase. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amount of a liability for an asset retirement obligation. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accretion expense recognized during the period that is associated with an asset retirement obligation. Accretion expense measures and incorporates changes due to the passage of time into the carrying amount of the liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid during the current period for taxes other than income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Leases (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
towers
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] | |||
| Weighted average remaining term of tenant leases | 9 years | ||
| Maximum Current Term | 20 years | ||
| Tenant Leases 2012 | $ 1,661,458,000 | ||
| Tenant Leases 2013 | 1,666,996,000 | ||
| Tenant Leases 2014 | 1,631,813,000 | ||
| Tenant Leases 2015 | 1,575,337,000 | ||
| Tenant Leases 2016 | 1,468,813,000 | ||
| Tenant Leases thereafter | 9,185,611,000 | ||
| Total tenant leases | 17,190,028,000 | ||
| Percentage of wireless infrastructure, office space and equipment that is on land that has non-cancelable operating leases | 71.00% | ||
| Number of towers located on space that the company manages | 600 | ||
| Operating Leases, Owned Land Under Tower, Expiration Term | 20 years | ||
| Operating Leases, Leased Land Under Tower, Expiration Term | 10 years | ||
| Operating leases 2012 | 301,264,000 | ||
| Operating leases 2013 | 305,278,000 | ||
| Operating leases 2014 | 307,267,000 | ||
| Operating leases 2015 | 308,801,000 | ||
| Operating leases 2016 | 311,242,000 | ||
| Operating leases thereafter | 3,907,901,000 | ||
| Total operating leases | 5,441,753,000 | ||
| Rental expense from operating leases | 338,300,000 | 330,100,000 | 316,200,000 |
| Contingent rental payments | $ 56,400,000 | $ 55,100,000 | $ 53,100,000 |
|
Greater than 10 Years, Inclusive of Renewals at the Company's Option [Member]
|
|||
| Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] | |||
| Percentage of site rental gross margin that is derived from wireless infrastructure where the lease for the land has a final expiration date | 89.00% | ||
|
Greater than 20 Years, Inclusive of Renewals at the Company's Option [Member]
|
|||
| Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] | |||
| Percentage of site rental gross margin that is derived from wireless infrastructure where the lease for the land has a final expiration date | 73.00% | ||
|
Wireless Infrastructure [Member]
|
|||
| Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] | |||
| Estimated useful life, maximum, in years | 20 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum current term of tenant contracts, excluding the exercise of tenant renewal options. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum current lease expiration term, in years, of operating leases for tower under which the company owns land. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of towers located on space owned by third parties that the company manages. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Rental expense incurred for leased assets. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Operating Leases, Leased Land Under Tower, Expiration Term No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of site rental gross margin that is derived from towers where the lease for the land has a final expiration date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of towers, office space and equipment that is on land that has non-cancelable operating leases. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted-average remaining term of tenant leases, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total of future contractually required payments on leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within one year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the fifth year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the fourth year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the third year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due within the second year of the balance sheet date relating to leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year, required rental payments due after the fifth year from the balance sheet date on leases defined as operating. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future minimum rental payments in aggregate as of the balance sheet date under operating leases. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future rental payments receivable within one year of the balance sheet date under an operating lease. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future rental payments receivable within the fifth year from the balance sheet date under an operating lease. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future rental payments receivable within the fourth year from the balance sheet date under an operating lease. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future rental payments receivable within the third year from the balance sheet date under an operating lease. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future rental payments receivable within the second year from the balance sheet date under an operating lease. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future minimum lease payments receivable under operating leases for periods greater than five years following the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increases or decreases in lease payments that result from changes occurring after the inception of the lease in the factors (other than the passage of time) on which lease payments are based, except that any escalation of minimum lease payments relating to increases in construction or acquisition cost of the leased property or for increases in some measure of cost or value during the construction or preconstruction period, are excluded from contingent rentals. Contingent rentals also may include amounts for which the triggering events have not yet occurred or the specified targets for which have not yet been achieved (such as sales based percentage rent), but which events are considered probable of occurring or which specified targets are considered probable of being achieved. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum useful life of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Financial Results for the Company's Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Jun. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | $ 1,853,550 | $ 1,700,761 | $ 1,543,192 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 179,179 | 177,897 | 142,215 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 519,471 | 513,883 | 500,336 | 499,039 | 496,314 | 481,890 | 456,127 | 444,327 | 2,032,729 | 1,878,658 | 1,685,407 | ||||||||||||
| Costs of Operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 481,398 | [1] | 467,136 | [1] | 456,560 | [1] | |||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 106,987 | [1] | 114,241 | [1] | 92,808 | [1] | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 173,493 | 165,356 | 153,072 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 22,285 | 13,687 | 19,237 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 3,310 | 2,102 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 552,951 | 540,771 | 529,739 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 1,340,424 | 1,303,293 | 1,251,416 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 176,846 | 181,889 | 167,142 | 166,428 | 156,152 | 155,956 | 132,884 | 130,373 | 692,305 | 575,365 | 433,991 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | (507,587) | (490,269) | (445,882) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | (71,933) | 0 | (66,434) | 0 | (138,367) | [2] | (91,079) | [3] | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | (5,860) | 104,421 | 114,598 | 73,276 | 0 | (286,435) | (92,966) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 666 | 2,204 | 2,967 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | (5,577) | (603) | 2,446 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (8,347) | 26,846 | 76,400 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 171,460 | (311,259) | (114,123) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 383 | (319) | 209 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | 48,911 | 51,278 | 30,871 | 40,017 | 40,873 | (135,009) | (97,529) | (119,275) | 171,077 | (310,940) | (114,332) | ||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | 347,942 | 228,058 | 173,535 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (at year end) | 10,545,096 | 10,469,529 | 10,545,096 | 10,469,529 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,035,390 | 2,029,296 | 2,035,390 | 2,029,296 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
CCUSA [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 1,744,993 | 1,608,141 | 1,466,552 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 161,522 | 168,101 | 134,545 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 1,906,515 | 1,776,242 | 1,601,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs of Operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 446,868 | [1] | 437,812 | [1] | 433,481 | [1] | |||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 96,057 | [1] | 107,668 | [1] | 88,393 | [1] | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 151,737 | 148,374 | 141,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 21,986 | 13,243 | 18,611 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 3,310 | 2,102 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 522,681 | 513,433 | 502,017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 1,242,639 | 1,222,632 | 1,183,651 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 663,876 | 553,610 | 417,446 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | (507,264) | (488,863) | (443,960) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | (138,367) | (91,079) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 0 | (286,435) | (92,966) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 187 | 1,888 | 2,810 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | 17,048 | 19,151 | 14,619 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (6,126) | 28,808 | 77,718 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 167,721 | (310,208) | (115,412) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest | (348) | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | 168,069 | (310,208) | (115,412) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | 333,862 | 216,556 | 166,883 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (at year end) | 10,497,387 | 10,439,827 | 10,497,387 | 10,439,827 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,034,683 | 2,028,590 | 2,034,683 | 2,028,590 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
CCAL [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 108,557 | 92,620 | 76,640 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 17,657 | 9,796 | 7,670 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 126,214 | 102,416 | 84,310 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs of Operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 34,530 | [1] | 29,324 | [1] | 23,079 | [1] | |||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 10,930 | [1] | 6,573 | [1] | 4,415 | [1] | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 21,756 | 16,982 | 11,923 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 299 | 444 | 626 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 30,270 | 27,338 | 27,722 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 97,785 | 80,661 | 67,765 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 28,429 | 21,755 | 16,545 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | (22,974) | (21,381) | (15,403) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 479 | 316 | 157 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | 26 | 221 | 1,308 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (2,221) | (1,962) | (1,318) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 3,739 | (1,051) | 1,289 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 731 | (319) | 209 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | 3,008 | (732) | 1,080 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | 14,080 | 11,502 | 6,652 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (at year end) | 341,852 | 339,093 | 341,852 | 339,093 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 707 | 706 | 707 | 706 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Elimination [Member]
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Costs of Operations: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Site rental | 0 | [1],[4] | 0 | [1],[4] | 0 | [1],[4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Network services and other | 0 | [1],[4] | 0 | [1],[4] | 0 | [1],[4] | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 22,651 | [4] | 19,975 | [4] | 13,481 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | (22,651) | (19,975) | (13,481) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | 0 | [4] | 0 | [4] | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets (at year end) | (294,143) | [4] | (309,391) | (294,143) | [4] | (309,391) | |||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents acquisition and integration related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; integration costs; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gain Loss On Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Other Income (Expense) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds and the amortization of interest rate swaps accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs related to services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Costs incurred and are directly related to generating revenues from leased and rented property or equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of net Income or Loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue during the period from services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting allowances and discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Adjusted for EBITDA) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Jun. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
||||||||||
| Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ 171,460 | $ (311,259) | $ (114,123) | |||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 22,285 | 13,687 | 19,237 | |||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 3,310 | 2,102 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 552,951 | 540,771 | 529,739 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 507,587 | 490,269 | 445,882 | |||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | 71,933 | 0 | 66,434 | 0 | 138,367 | [1] | 91,079 | [2] | |||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 5,860 | (104,421) | (114,598) | (73,276) | 0 | 286,435 | 92,966 | |||||||||
| Interest income | (666) | (2,204) | (2,967) | |||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | 5,577 | 603 | (2,446) | |||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | 8,347 | (26,846) | (76,400) | |||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 35,991 | 39,965 | 30,305 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,306,842 | 1,171,890 | 1,013,272 | |||||||||||||
|
CCUSA [Member]
|
||||||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 167,721 | (310,208) | (115,412) | |||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 21,986 | 13,243 | 18,611 | |||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 3,310 | 2,102 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 522,681 | 513,433 | 502,017 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 507,264 | 488,863 | 443,960 | |||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | 138,367 | 91,079 | |||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 0 | 286,435 | 92,966 | |||||||||||||
| Interest income | (187) | (1,888) | (2,810) | |||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | (17,048) | (19,151) | (14,619) | |||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | 6,126 | (28,808) | (77,718) | |||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 32,610 | 36,540 | 29,225 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,244,463 | 1,118,928 | 967,299 | |||||||||||||
|
CCAL [Member]
|
||||||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners | 22.40% | |||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent | 77.60% | |||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 3,739 | (1,051) | 1,289 | |||||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 299 | 444 | 626 | |||||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 30,270 | 27,338 | 27,722 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 22,974 | 21,381 | 15,403 | |||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| Interest income | (479) | (316) | (157) | |||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | (26) | (221) | (1,308) | |||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | 2,221 | 1,962 | 1,318 | |||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 3,381 | 3,425 | 1,080 | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 62,379 | 52,962 | 45,973 | |||||||||||||
|
Elimination [Member]
|
||||||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Asset write-down charges | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Acquisition and integration costs | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | (22,651) | [3] | (19,975) | [3] | (13,481) | [3] | ||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Interest income | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | 22,651 | 19,975 | 13,481 | |||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ 0 | [3] | $ 0 | [3] | $ 0 | [3] | ||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents acquisition and integration related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; integration costs; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net income (loss) plus restructuring charges (credits), asset write-down charges, acquisition and integration costs, depreciation, amortization and accretion, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations, net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, impairment of available-for-sale securities, interest income, other income (expense), benefit (provision) for income taxes, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, income (loss) from discontinued operations and stock-based compensation expense. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gain Loss On Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Other Income (Expense) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds and the amortization of interest rate swaps accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Geographic Information) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Jun. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Net revenues | $ 519,471 | $ 513,883 | $ 500,336 | $ 499,039 | $ 496,314 | $ 481,890 | $ 456,127 | $ 444,327 | $ 2,032,729 | $ 1,878,658 | $ 1,685,407 |
| Total long-lived assets | 9,074,799 | 9,236,876 | 9,074,799 | 9,236,876 | |||||||
|
United States [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Net revenues | 1,902,536 | 1,772,793 | 1,597,790 | ||||||||
| United States long-lived assets | 8,847,161 | 8,997,016 | 8,847,161 | 8,997,016 | |||||||
|
Australia [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Net revenues | 126,214 | 102,416 | 84,310 | ||||||||
| Foreign countries long-lived assets | 212,067 | 222,938 | 212,067 | 222,938 | |||||||
|
Other Countries [Member]
|
|||||||||||
| Net revenues | 3,979 | 3,449 | 3,307 | ||||||||
| Foreign countries long-lived assets | $ 15,571 | $ 16,922 | $ 15,571 | $ 16,922 | |||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets, located in the entity's country of domicile. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets, located in foreign countries in total in which the entity holds assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Major Customers) (Details)
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of the consolidated revenues | 74.00% | 73.00% | 74.00% |
|
AT&T [Member]
|
|||
| Percentage of the consolidated revenues | 23.00% | 21.00% | 20.00% |
|
Sprint [Member]
|
|||
| Percentage of the consolidated revenues | 21.00% | 20.00% | 22.00% |
|
Verizon Wireless [Member]
|
|||
| Percentage of the consolidated revenues | 19.00% | 21.00% | 19.00% |
|
T-Mobile [Member]
|
|||
| Percentage of the consolidated revenues | 11.00% | 11.00% | 13.00% |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Asset Write-Down Charges (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Asset write-down charges | $ 22,285 | $ 13,687 | $ 19,237 |
|
CCUSA [Member]
|
|||
| Asset write-down charges | 21,986 | 13,243 | 18,611 |
|
Tower Write-Down Charges [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
|
|||
| Asset write-down charges | $ 15,800 | $ 8,600 | $ 18,300 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | |||
| Interest paid | $ 404,443 | $ 409,293 | $ 331,681 |
| Income taxes paid (refund) | 4,340 | (5,935) | 5,597 |
| Increase (decrease) in the fair value of forward-starting interest rate swaps (note 7) | 0 | (114,157) | (140,397) |
| Assets acquired through capital leases and installment sales | $ 27,094 | $ 18,682 | $ 17,351 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of forward-starting interest rate swaps. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase during the period in capital lease obligations due to entering into new capital leases. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid for interest during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Jun. 30, 2011
|
Mar. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Jun. 30, 2010
|
Mar. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|||||||
| Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ 519,471 | $ 513,883 | $ 500,336 | $ 499,039 | $ 496,314 | $ 481,890 | $ 456,127 | $ 444,327 | $ 2,032,729 | $ 1,878,658 | $ 1,685,407 | ||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 176,846 | 181,889 | 167,142 | 166,428 | 156,152 | 155,956 | 132,884 | 130,373 | 692,305 | 575,365 | 433,991 | ||||||
| Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations | 0 | (71,933) | 0 | (66,434) | 0 | (138,367) | [1] | (91,079) | [2] | ||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps | 5,860 | (104,421) | (114,598) | (73,276) | 0 | 286,435 | 92,966 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC stockholders | $ 48,911 | $ 51,278 | $ 30,871 | $ 40,017 | $ 40,873 | $ (135,009) | $ (97,529) | $ (119,275) | $ 171,077 | $ (310,940) | $ (114,332) | ||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to CCIC common stockholders, after deduction of dividends on preferred stock and losses on purchases of preferred stock, per common share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0.16 | $ 0.16 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.12 | $ 0.52 | $ (1.16) | $ (0.47) | ||||||||||
| Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 0.16 | $ 0.15 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.12 | $ 0.52 | $ (1.16) | $ (0.47) | ||||||||||
| Basic and Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 0.12 | $ (0.49) | $ (0.36) | $ (0.43) | |||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gain Loss On Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Other Income (Expense) No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share in instances when basic and diluted earnings per share are the same amount and reported as a single line item on the face of the financial statements. Basic earnings per share is the amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share includes the amount of net income or loss for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified |
1 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured Term Loan A [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured Term Loan B [Member]
|
Jun. 30, 2012
NextG Networks Inc. [Member]
Acquisition [Member]
|
Jun. 30, 2012
NextG Networks Inc. [Member]
Acquisition [Member]
In Construction [Member]
nodes
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Wireless Capital Partners, LLC [Member]
Acquisition [Member]
groundleaserelatedassets
|
Feb. 29, 2012
Common Stock
Conversion of Equity [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured Term Loan A [Member]
|
Jun. 30, 2012
Minimum [Member]
NextG Networks Inc. [Member]
Acquisition [Member]
mi
|
Jun. 30, 2012
Minimum [Member]
NextG Networks Inc. [Member]
Acquisition [Member]
On-Air [Member]
nodes
|
Jun. 30, 2012
Minimum [Member]
Wireless Capital Partners, LLC [Member]
Acquisition [Member]
groundleaserelatedassets
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2012
Maximum [Member]
Issuance of Debt [Member]
CCOC [Member]
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Secured Term Loan A [Member]
|
|
| Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price | $ 1,000,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Nodes | 1,500 | 7,000 | |||||||||||||
| Length of Fiber | 4,600 | ||||||||||||||
| Percentage of Total Nodes | 80.00% | ||||||||||||||
| Number of Ground Lease Related Assets | 2,300 | ||||||||||||||
| Number of Ground Lease Related Assets Related to Company Towers | 150 | ||||||||||||||
| Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired | 500,000,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Face amount of debt instrument | $ 3,100,000,000 | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 500,000,000 | $ 1,600,000,000 | |||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate | 3.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.75% | 2.75% | ||||||||||
| Debt Instrument, LIBOR Floor | 1.00% | ||||||||||||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities | 8.3 | ||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
LIBOR floor for debt instuments No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of ground lease assets related to the Company’s towers No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This disclosure represents the total length, in miles, of fiber installed. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
DAS antenna locations No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of total nodes in the top 10 basic trading areas. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of third party land interests. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total cost of the acquired entity including the cash paid to shareholders of acquired entities, fair value of debt and equity securities issued to shareholders of acquired entities, the fair value of the liabilities assumed, and direct costs of the acquisition. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to assets acquired. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
||||||
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Member]
|
||||||||
| Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | ||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ 5,683 | $ 5,497 | $ 6,267 | |||||
| Charged to operations | 1,819 | 1,829 | 998 | |||||
| Acquired | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Credited to operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Written off | (1,611) | (1,669) | (1,802) | |||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes or Other adjustments | 0 | 26 | 34 | |||||
| Balance at end of year | 5,891 | 5,683 | 5,497 | |||||
|
Allowance for Deferred Site Rental Receivables [Member]
|
||||||||
| Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | ||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | 5,080 | 3,600 | 0 | |||||
| Charged to operations | 0 | 7,200 | 3,600 | |||||
| Acquired | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Credited to operations | (5,080) | (5,720) | 0 | |||||
| Written off | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes or Other adjustments | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Balance at end of year | 0 | 5,080 | 3,600 | |||||
|
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]
|
||||||||
| Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | ||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | 318,055 | 190,848 | 256,325 | |||||
| Charged to operations | 0 | 76,125 | 0 | |||||
| Charged to additional paid-in-capital and other comprehensive income | 0 | 38,646 | 0 | |||||
| Credited to operations | (83,115) | 0 | (32,761) | |||||
| Credited to additional paid-in-capital and other comprehensive income | (22,119) | 0 | (45,657) | |||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes or Other adjustments | 15,596 | [1] | 12,436 | [1] | 12,941 | [1] | ||
| Balance at end of year | $ 228,417 | $ 318,055 | $ 190,848 | |||||
|
||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This disclosure represents valuation allowances and reserves credited to additional paid-in capital and other comprehensive income No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of the adjustments in a given period to allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, charged to costs and expenses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, charged to accounts other than costs and expenses in a given period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of the deductions in a given period to allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, representing receivables written off as uncollectible and portions of the reserves utilized, respectively. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of recoveries of amounts due the Entity that had previously been written off as uncollectible using allowances (the valuation accounts that are netted against the cost of an asset to value it at its carrying value) and total of reestablishments of reserves (liabilities established to represent expected future costs) that had previously been utilized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, acquired in a business combination. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|