Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations
Repayments of Other Debt
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis]
August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.650% Notes [Member]
August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.650% Notes [Member]
August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.650% Notes [Member]
Performance Awards - 3 year period [Member]
Performance Awards - 3 year period [Member]
Performance Awards - 3 year period
Award Type [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain]
Award Type [Domain]
Fair Value as of Grant Date
Award Grant Date Fair Value
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes [Member]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five
December 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.600% Notes
December 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.600% Notes [Member]
December 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.600% Notes
Bank Debt [Member]
Bank Debt [Member]
Bank Debt [Member]
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity
Restatement does not require Recovery
Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block]
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Equity [Text Block]
Basis of Presentation
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]
Expected dividend rate
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate
Deferred site rental receivables, current
Deferred Rent Receivables, Net
Major Customers [Axis]
Customer [Axis]
T-Mobile weighted-average initial term
T-Mobile weighted-average initial term
T-Mobile weighted-average initial term
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses
5.250% Senior Notes [Member]
5.250% Senior Notes [Member]
5.250% Senior Notes [Member]
Dividends/distributions paid on common stock
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Amortization of Below Market Tenant Lease
Amortization of Below Market Lease
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Service revenue payment terms
Service revenue payment terms
Service revenue payment terms
Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Receivables, net of allowance of $19 and $19, respectively
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Foreign tax
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations
Principal amount
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Trading Symbol
Trading Symbol
Restructuring Plan [Domain]
Restructuring Plan [Domain]
August 2019 Senior Notes [Domain]
August 2019 Senior Notes [Domain]
August 2019 Senior Notes
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
The Plan
The Plan [Member]
The Plan
Debt, interest rate increase if not paid by anticipated repayment date
Debt, interest rate increase if not paid by anticipated repayment date
Debt, interest rate increase if not paid by anticipated repayment date
Contracted revenues
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received
Accrued Payroll and Other Compensation
Accrued Payroll and Other Compensation
Accrued Payroll and Other Compensation
CCI stockholders' equity:
Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Reconciliation of the Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Executive Category:
Executive Category [Axis]
February 2019 Senior Notes [Domain]
February 2019 Senior Notes [Domain]
February 2019 Senior Notes [Domain]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Total deferred income tax assets, net
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Major Classes of Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Additional 402(v) Disclosure
Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block]
Shares available for future issuance (in shares)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Contractual Maturities - Year 2
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Entity Small Business
Entity Small Business
Estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets - Year 4
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four
June 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.500% Notes
June 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.500% Notes [Member]
June 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.500% Notes
Local Phone Number
Local Phone Number
Base Rate Adjustment [Axis]
Base Rate Adjustment [Axis]
Base Rate Adjustment
Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items]
Sustaining Capital Expenditures
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Improvements
Extended Maturity
Extended Maturity [Member]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]
Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount
Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate [Roll Forward]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate [Roll Forward]
Depreciation expense
Depreciation
Maximum Downward Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Member]
Maximum Downward Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Member]
Maximum Downward Adjustment - Commitment Fee
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 4.241% due 2048 [Member]
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 4.241% due 2048 [Member]
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 4.241% due 2048 [Member]
Net Revenues
Net Revenues
Revenues
Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs, net
Interest Expense, Debt
Aggregate Available
Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount
Other Expenses
Other Expenses
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block]
Restructuring Reserve
Restructuring Reserve
Award Type [Axis]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
August 2019 Senior Unsecured 3.100% Notes [Member]
August 2019 Senior Unsecured 3.100% Notes [Member]
August 2019 Senior Unsecured 3.100% Notes [Member]
Real Estate Period Deductions to Accumulated Depreciation
Real Estate Period Deductions to Accumulated Depreciation
SEC Schedule III - Real Estate Period Deductions to Accumulated Depreciation
Shares granted, number of shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag
Gross property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
ROU assets recorded in exchange for operating lease liabilities
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability
Dividends Declared
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount
PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount
PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount
Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 1.350% Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 1.350% Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 1.350% Notes [Domain]
Income Taxes (Jurisdictional components of deferred taxes)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table]
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Current
Prepaid expenses
Prepaid Expense, Current
Real Estate [Domain]
Real Estate [Domain]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Non-Taxable Distribution
Non-Taxable Distribution
Non-Taxable Distribution
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two
AT&T weighted-average initial term
AT&T weighted-average initial term
AT&T weighted-average initial term
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes A-2 [Member]
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes A-2 [Member]
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes A-2 [Member]
Interest income
Investment Income, Interest
Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method
Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block]
Foreign
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 3.720% due 2043 [Member]
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 3.720% due 2043 [Member]
2018 Tower Revenue Notes 3.720% due 2043 [Member]
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage
Security Exchange Name
Security Exchange Name
3.150% Senior Notes [Member]
3.150% Senior Notes [Member]
3.150% Senior Notes [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Employee Stock Option
Employee Stock Option [Member]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 4.450% [Member]
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 4.450% [Member]
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 4.450%
Total operating expenses
Costs and Expenses
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member]
Site Rental Cost of Operations [Member]
Site rental cost of operations
Maximum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring and Related Costs
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]
Compensation cost not yet recognized
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net
Document Type
Document Type
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Tabular List, Table
Tabular List [Table Text Block]
Vesting Period
Vesting Period
Represents the vesting period for the Company's restricted stock.
Contractual Maturities - Thereafter
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, after Year Five
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Stock-based Compensation
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]
Current Federal
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
Segment Services and Other Cost of Operations
Segment Services and Other Cost of Operations
Segment Services and Other Cost of Operations
Tax Treatment of Dividends [Axis]
Tax Treatment of Dividends [Axis]
Tax Treatment of Dividends [Axis]
Other non-cash adjustments, net
Other Noncash Income (Expense)
Shares available for issuance under future awards pursuant to the 2022 LTIP
Shares available for issuance under future awards pursuant to the 2022 LTIP
Shares available for issuance under future awards pursuant to the 2022 LTIP
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
February 2021 Senior Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Notes
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent
Customer Concentration Risk
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Acquisition and integration costs
Acquisition and integration costs
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; integration costs; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities.
Title of 12(b) Security
Title of 12(b) Security
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined
Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block]
T-Mobile weighted-average initial term, option to purchase in 2037
T-Mobile weighted-average initial term, option to purchase in 2037
T-Mobile weighted-average initial term, option to purchase in 2037
May 2015 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
May 2015 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
May 2015 Tower Revenue Notes
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount
Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount
Entity Tax Identification Number
Entity Tax Identification Number
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block]
Lease, Cost
Lease, Cost
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Interest expense on debt obligations
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Financial Statement Line Item
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Entity Interactive Data Current
Entity Interactive Data Current
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contracted revenues, Year 4
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Rolling Year Four
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.250% Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.250% Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.250% Notes [Domain]
Measure:
Measure [Axis]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Name
Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Remaining obligations under facility leases
Remaining obligations under facility leases [Member]
Remaining obligations under facility leases
3.400% Senior Notes [Member]
3.400% Senior Notes [Member]
3.400% Senior Notes [Member]
Estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets - Year 1
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One
Cash payments related to operating lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Payments
Common stock, shares outstanding
Balance, (in shares)
Balance, (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Dividends
Dividends
PEO
PEO [Member]
Fiber [Member]
Fiber [Member]
Fiber
Auditor Location
Auditor Location
Site rental contracts and tenant relationships, net
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Site Rental Contracts And Tenant Relationships Net
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Site Rental Contracts And Tenant Relationships Net
State tax (provision) benefit, net of federal
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount
T-Mobile purchase option 2035 through 2049
T-Mobile purchase option 2035 through 2049 [Member]
T-Mobile purchase option 2035 through 2049
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Sale of Stock [Axis]
Sale of Stock [Axis]
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Segment cost of operations share-based compensation [Member]
Segment cost of operations share-based compensation [Member]
Segment cost of operations share-based compensation
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Net income (loss)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Purchases and retirement of capital stock, value
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount
Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount
Repayments of Debt
Repayments of Debt
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block]
Total liabilities
Liabilities
Total current
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Expected volatility
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Capitalized Labor Costs
Capitalized Labor Costs
Internal labor costs capitalized during the current period
Net issuances (repayments) under commercial paper program
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag]
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction
Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain]
Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Performance Obligations
Performance Obligations [Member]
Performance Obligations
Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table
Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block]
June 2020 Senior Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Notes [Domain]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Axis]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Axis]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee
Current State
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Qualified Taxable Dividend Per Share [Member]
Qualified Taxable Dividend Per Share [Member]
Qualified Taxable Dividend Per Share [Member]
Asset write-down charges
Asset Impairment Charges
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain]
Restructuring Type [Axis]
Restructuring Type [Axis]
Revenue Recognition Non-cancelable Term - Fiber
Revenue Recognition for Fiber Solutions Tenants
Revenue Recognition for Fiber Solutions Tenants
Per Share Information
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Purchases of common stock, shares
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Purchase Option, Percentage of Towers
Purchase Option, Percentage of Towers
Purchase Option, Percentage of Towers
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances
2018 Tower Revenue Notes Risk Retention Tranche [Member]
2018 Tower Revenue Notes Risk Retention Tranche [Member]
2018 Tower Revenue Notes Risk Retention Tranche [Member]
Communications Infrastructure Construction and Improvements
Communications Infrastructure Construction
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Additions - Wireless Infrastructure Construction
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Shares granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets - Year 5
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five
Receivables Allowance
Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Schedule of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Entities [Table]
Entities [Table]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Axis]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Axis]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee
April 2020 Senior Notes [Domain] [Domain]
April 2020 Senior Notes [Domain] [Domain]
April 2020 Senior Notes [Domain]
Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery
Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table]
Award Timing, How MNPI Considered
Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block]
Contractual Terms [Domain]
Contractual Terms [Domain]
Contractual Terms [Domain]
Lease Contractual Term [Domain]
Lease Contractual Term [Domain]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Information [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Commercial Paper [Member]
Commercial Paper [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Valuation allowances
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table]
April 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.300% Notes [Member]
April 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.300% Notes [Member]
April 2020 Senior Unsecured 3.300% Notes [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Asset retirement obligation [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member]
Debt and other long-term obligations
Non-current portion of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation
Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis]
Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis]
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases
Purchase of property and equipment under capital leases and installment purchases
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Site Rental Contracts and Customer Relationships [Member]
Site Rental Contracts and Tenant Relationships [Member]
Site Rental Contracts and Tenant Relationships
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
April 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.100% Notes
April 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.100% Notes [Member]
April 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.100% Notes
Fiber Miles
Fiber Miles
Fiber Miles that the Company owns and operates.
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One
Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table
Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Maximum Upward Adjustment - Spread
Maximum Upward Adjustment - Spread [Member]
Maximum Upward Adjustment - Spread
Title
Trading Arrangement, Individual Title
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, fair value amount
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure
The fair value of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage.
Segment site rental gross margin
Segment site rental gross margin
Segment site rental gross margin is defined as segment site rental revenues less segment site rental cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense and prepaid lease purchase price adjustments recorded in consolidated cost of operations.
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Individual:
Individual [Axis]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, basic
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
Contracted revenues, Year 1
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Next Rolling 12 Months
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Total equity
Balance, value
Balance, value
Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
General, Leases [Policy Text Block]
General, Leases [Policy Text Block]
General, Leases [Policy Text Block]
Minimum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net
Total property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
June 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.500% Notes [Domain]
June 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.500% Notes [Domain]
June 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.500% Notes
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Award Timing MNPI Disclosure
Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt
Capitalized interest
Interest Costs Capitalized
Maximum Upward Adjustment - Commitment Fee
Maximum Upward Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Member]
Maximum Upward Adjustment - Commitment Fee
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Other Current Assets [Member]
Other Current Assets [Member]
Costs Incurred, Asset Retirement Obligation Incurred
Costs Incurred, Asset Retirement Obligation Incurred
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share
Other investing activities, net
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote
Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block]
Basic (in dollars per share)
Basic (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Sale of Stock [Domain]
Sale of Stock [Domain]
Erroneous Compensation Analysis
Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block]
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Restricted stock or unit expense
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.222% due 2042 [Member]
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.222% due 2042 [Member]
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.222% due 2042 [Member]
February 2019 Senior Unsecured 5.200% Notes [Member]
February 2019 Senior Unsecured 5.200% Notes [Member]
February 2019 Senior Unsecured 5.200% Notes [Member]
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO or AT&T [Member]
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO or AT&T [Member]
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO or AT&T [Member]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]
[Table Text Block] for Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt
Tax adjustment related to REIT operations
Tax adjustment related to REIT operations
Total tax adjustment to the consolidated statement of operations related to the Company's REIT operations in the current year
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Document Transition Report
Document Transition Report
Award Timing Predetermined
Award Timing Predetermined [Flag]
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Time Vesting Awards - 1 year period
Time Vesting Awards - 1 year period [Member]
Time Vesting Awards - 1 year period
Payments under revolving credit facility
Repayments of Lines of Credit
Contracted revenue, thereafter Year 5
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Rolling Year Five
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
A Summary of the Percentage of the Consolidated Revenues for Those Customers Accounting for More than 10% of the Consolidated Revenues
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Ordinary Taxable Dividend Per Share [Member]
Ordinary Taxable Dividend Per Share [Member]
Ordinary Taxable Dividend Per Share [Member]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
Total Cash Obligations
Long-Term Debt, Gross
All Trading Arrangements
All Trading Arrangements [Member]
Small cells on Air on Under Contract
Small cells on Air on Under Contract
Small cells on Air on Under Contract
Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
All Adjustments to Compensation
All Adjustments to Compensation [Member]
Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared
Dividends Payable, Date Declared
Compensation Amount
Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount
Period of tower lease
Ground Lease Agreement Term
This disclosure represents the term of the Company’s ground lease agreements
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block]
Deferred rental revenues [Domain]
Deferred Revenue [Domain]
Fair value on vesting date
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Deferred site rental receivable
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
Total deferred
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Audit Information [Abstract]
Audit Information [Abstract]
Audit Information
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, before Tax, Total
Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, before Tax
Contractual Maturities - Year 1
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes
Other Segments
Other Segments [Member]
Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain]
Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
Debt Instrument, PPE Collaterized Amount
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount
Other Additions
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Addition
2016 Senior Unsecured Notes [Domain]
2016 Senior Unsecured Notes [Domain]
Aggregate principal amount of 2016 Senior Unsecured Notes [Domain]
Deferred site rental receivables
Deferred Rent Receivables, Net, Noncurrent
Payments for Restructuring
Payments for Restructuring
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Adoption Date
Trading Arrangement Adoption Date
4.450% Senior Notes [Member]
4.450% Senior Notes [Member]
4.450% Senior Notes [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Segment services and other gross margin
Segment services and other gross margin
Segment services and other gross margin is defined as segment services and other revenues less segment services and other cost of operations, which excludes stock-based compensation expense recorded in consolidated cost of operations.
Gross amount of finance lease ROU asset
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization
Jurisdictional Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Jurisdictional Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]
A table representing the jurisdictional components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities disclosed as gross, the associtated valuation allowance, and net.
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Depreciation
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense
Payments for ATO Settlement
Payments for Legal Settlements
Cost of Real Estate Sold or Disposed
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Cost of Investment in Real Estate Sold
Equity [Abstract]
Equity [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate
Lessee, Operating Lease, Discount Rate
Site rental revenues
Site rental revenues
Contains revenue from accounted under both Topic 606 (Finance leases) and Topic 842 (Operating leases)
Straight-line rent expense liability
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Domain]
August 2017 Senior Notes [Member]
August 2017 Senior Notes [Member]
August 2017 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt and other obligations, fair value amount
Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block]
Summary of Valuation Allowance
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Revenue from Contract with Customer
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract]
Debt and Other Obligations [Abstract}
Additional Paid-in Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Document Annual Report
Document Annual Report
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes 6 [Member]
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes 6 [Member]
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes 6 [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities[Member]
Other Liabilities [Member]
Cover [Abstract]
Cover [Abstract]
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
Amortization of deferred financing costs and adjustments on long-term debt, net
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
Other long-term liabilities
Other Liabilities, non-current
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Deferred Credits
Deferred Credits [Policy Text Block]
Policy for accounting for deferred credits
Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs, Net
Interest Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Depreciation
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risks
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect
AT&T [Member]
AT&T [Member]
AT&T
Secured Debt [Member]
Secured Debt [Member]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Contractual Obligation
Contractual Obligation
Non-GAAP Measure Description
Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block]
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Operating income (loss)
Operating Income (Loss)
Facility Closing
Facility Closing [Member]
Contracted revenues, Year 3
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Rolling Year Three
Lessor, Leases Policy
Lessor, Leases [Policy Text Block]
Consolidated Entities [Domain]
Consolidated Entities [Domain]
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments [Text Block]
4.750% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] [Member]
4.750% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] [Member]
4.750% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] [Member]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Scenario [Domain]
Scenario [Domain]
Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount
Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount
Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures
Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table]
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share
Type of Restructuring [Domain]
Type of Restructuring [Domain]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis]
Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis]
Consolidated Entities [Axis]
Consolidated Entities [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items]
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Domain]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Underlying Security Market Price Change
Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent
Shares outstanding at the beginning of the year, number of shares
Shares outstanding at the end of year, number of shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Debt Disclosure
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description
MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value
MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Current
Restatement Determination Date:
Restatement Determination Date [Axis]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation [Member]
Share-based compensation
Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Three
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 3
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 3
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income - year 2
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income - year 2
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income - year 2
Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year One
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 1
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 1
Deferred revenues
Deferred Revenue, Current
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations
Weighted-average requisite service period (years)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, after Year Five
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 5
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 5
Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Four
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 4
Below-market tenant leases - amortization income, year 4
Shares available for issuance under existing award pursuant to the 2022 LTIP
Shares available for issuance under existing award pursuant to the 2022 LTIP
Shares available for issuance under existing award pursuant to the 2022 LTIP
AT&T purchase option 2032 through 2048
AT&T purchase option 2032 through 2048 [Member]
AT&T purchase option 2032 through 2048
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue [Policy Text Block]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Range
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).
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.7% [Member]
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.7% [Member]
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.7% [Member]
PEO Total Compensation Amount
PEO Total Compensation Amount
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
May 2016 Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
May 2016 Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
May 2016 Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Amortization of below-market tenant leases
Below Market Lease, Future Amortization Income [Table Text Block]
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table]
Alternate Base Rate Adjustment [Axis]
Alternate Base Rate Adjustment [Axis]
Alternate Base Rate Adjustment
Communication Infrastructure [Member]
Communications infrastructure [Member]
Communications infrastructure
Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount
Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount
Net Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss)
T-Mobile leased or subleased, or operated and managed towers
T-Mobile leased or subleased, or operated and managed towers
T-Mobile leased or subleased, or operated and managed towers
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Changed Peer Group, Footnote
Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block]
Company Selected Measure Name
Company Selected Measure Name
Commercial Paper
Commercial Paper
Long-Term Capital Gain Distribution Per Share [Member]
Long-Term Capital Gain Distribution Per Share [Member]
Long-Term Capital Gain Distribution Per Share [Member]
Accrued interest
Interest Payable, Current
Site rental contracts and tenant relationships, net
Site Rental Contracts And Tenant Relationships Net
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.
Total debt and other obligations
Debt and other obligations, carrying amount
Debt and Lease Obligation
Revenue Recognition Non-cancelable Lease Term
Revenue Recognition Non-cancelable Lease Term for wireless tenants
Revenue Recognition Non-cancelable Lease Term for wireless tenants
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Goodwill and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchases of common stock, value
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Decrease (increase) in receivables
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables
Domestic
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Services and other
Segment services and other cost of operations
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
Stock Based Compensation Expense
Disclosure of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table Text Block]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Name
Measure Name
Towers [Member]
Towers [Member]
Towers
Name
Forgone Recovery, Individual Name
Goodwill
Goodwill
January 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.000% Notes
January 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.000% Notes [Member]
January 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.000% Notes
2016 Revolver [Member]
2016 Revolver [Member]
2016 Revolver [Member]
Underlying Securities
Award Underlying Securities Amount
Forecast
Forecast [Member]
Collateral Held [Axis]
Collateral Held [Axis]
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Operating lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis]
Financial Statement Line Item [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
March 2022 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes
March 2022 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes [Member]
March 2022 Senior Unsecured 2.900% Notes
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability, noncurrent [Member]
Deferred Tax Liability, noncurrent [Member]
Unamortized Discounts
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Maturity [Table Text Block]
Effect of assumed dilution from potential common shares relating to stock options and restricted stock awards
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment
Shares available for issuance under existing award pursuant to the 2013 LTIP
Shares available for issuance under existing award pursuant to the 2013 LTIP
Shares available for issuance under existing award pursuant to the 2013 LTIP
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 2.250% Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 2.250% Notes [Domain]
June 2020 Senior Unsecured 2.250% Notes [Domain]
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table]
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table]
Cost of Operations
Cost of Goods and Service [Policy Text Block]
2.9000% Senior Unsecured Notes
2.900% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
2.900% Senior Unsecured Notes
Estimated Fair Values and Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
Cash paid
Repayments of Other Long-Term Debt
Product and Service [Domain]
Product and Service [Domain]
Other Performance Measure, Amount
Other Performance Measure, Amount
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations
(Gains) losses on retirement of long-term obligations
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt
Contractual Terms [Axis]
Contractual Terms [Axis]
Contractual Terms [Axis]
Trading Arrangement:
Trading Arrangement [Axis]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.663% due 2045 [Member]
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.663% due 2045 [Member]
2015 Tower Revenue Notes 3.663% due 2045 [Member]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain]
Entity File Number
Entity File Number
Site rental
Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five
Contractual Maturities - Year 3
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three
Auditor Firm ID
Auditor Firm ID
Amortization expense
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Entity Shell Company
Entity Shell Company
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Segment Site Rental Cost of Operations
Segment Site Rental Cost of Operations
Segment Site Rental Cost of Operations
Restatement Determination Date
Restatement Determination Date
April 2020 Senior Unsecured 4.150% Notes [Member]
April 2020 Senior Unsecured 4.150% Notes [Member]
April 2020 Senior Unsecured 4.150% Notes [Member]
Verizon Wireless [Member]
Verizon Wireless [Member]
Verizon Wireless
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table]
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents
February 2016 Senior Note Upsizing [Member]
February 2016 Senior Note Upsizing [Member]
February 2016 Senior Note Upsizing [Member]
Variable Lease, Cost
Variable Lease, Cost
Acquisitions
Acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions
Common stock, shares issued
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments
Amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments
Represents the amortization of prepaid lease purchase price adjustments for the period presented.
Total Debt and Other Obligations Outstanding
Long-Term Debt
Segment Operating Profit
Segment Operating Profit
Segment Operating Profit is defined as segment site rental gross margin plus segment network services and other gross margin, less general and administrative expenses attributable to the respective segment.
Contractual Maturities - Year 4
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four
T-Mobile Purchase obligation 2037
T-Mobile Purchase obligation 2037 [Member]
T-Mobile Purchase obligation 2037
Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member]
Services and Other Costs of Operations [Member]
Services and other costs of operations
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance at beginning of year
Balance at end of year
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount
Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Axis]
Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Axis]
Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee
Period for recognition
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes [Domain]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes
U.S. Federal [Member]
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Entity Address, Address Line One
Entity Address, Address Line One
Entity Address, Address Line Two
Entity Address, Address Line Two
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Total Additions
Real Estate Period Additions to Cost
SEC Schedule III - Total Real Estate Period Additions to Cost
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Loan Restructuring Modification [Domain]
Loan Restructuring Modification [Domain]
Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Other accrued liabilities
Other Liabilities, Current
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Other Deductions to Accumulated Depreciation
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deduction
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread Max [Axis]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Axis]
Upward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag]
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Maximum Downward Adjustment - Spread
Maximum Downward Adjustment - Spread [Member]
Maximum Downward Adjustment - Spread
Accrued liabilities
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities
Base Rate Adjustment [Domain]
Base Rate Adjustment [Domain]
Base Rate Adjustment [Domain]
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, value
Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Benefit (provision) for income taxes at statutory rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount
Land owned in fee and perpetual easements [Member]
Land [Member]
Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Total Shareholder Return Amount
Total Shareholder Return Amount
Purchases of common stock
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote
Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block]
Deferred Foreign
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
AT&T purchase option prior to 2029
AT&T purchase option prior to 2029 [Member]
AT&T purchase option prior to 2029
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
2.250% Senior Notes [Member]
2.250% Senior Notes [Member]
2.250% Senior Notes [Member]
Dividends/distributions in excess of earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Total shares vested
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Collateral Held [Domain]
Collateral Held [Domain]
Time Vesting Awards [Member]
Time Vesting Awards - 3 year period [Member]
Time Vesting Awards - 3 year period
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Abstract]
3.800% Senior Notes [Member]
3.800% Senior Notes [Member]
3.800% Senior Notes [Member]
Entity Address, State or Province
Entity Address, State or Province
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations, basic
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Segment G&A share-based compensation [Member]
Segment G&A share-based compensation [Member]
Segment G&A share-based compensation
Name of Major Customer [Domain]
Customer [Domain]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Axis]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Axis]
Downward Sustainability Adjustment - Spread
Name of Property [Domain]
Name of Property [Domain]
Operating Lease, Liability
Operating Lease, Liability
Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group
Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount
Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount
Charged to operations
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense
All Executive Categories
All Executive Categories [Member]
Net income (loss), per common share:
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,200 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: December 31, 2023—434 and December 31, 2022—433
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Leases [Text Block]
Leases [Text Block]
This disclosure represents the Company’s Lease footnote (operating and financing leases)
Other Acquisitions
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Acquisition
Other intangible assets, net
Other Intangible Assets, Net
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
All Individuals
All Individuals [Member]
Other income (expense)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount
Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Effective Tax Rate
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Percentage of tax position that is likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement
Percentage of tax position that is likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement
The threshold percentage of an uncertain tax position at which the Company will recognize a tax position.
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Operating Loss Carryforwards by Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
PEO Name
PEO Name
Max duration of CP
Max duration of CP
Max duration of CP
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Contracted revenues, Year 5
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Rolling Year Five
Buildings [Member]
Building [Member]
Credited to operations
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction
AT&T purchase option prior to 2032
AT&T purchase option prior to 2032 [Member]
AT&T purchase option prior to 2032
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Axis]
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread [Axis]
Sustainability Adjustment - Spread
2016 Term Loan A [Member]
2016 Term Loan A [Member]
2016 Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic
Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO or AT&T [Member]
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO (including Sprint) or AT&T [Member]
Subject to Capital Lease with TMO (including Sprint) or AT&T [Member]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
3.849% Secured Notes [Member]
3.849% Secured Notes [Member]
3.849% Secured Notes [Member]
Accumulated Amortization Related to Finance Leases
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization
Tax Treatment of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block]
Tax Treatment of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block]
[Table Text Block] for Tax Treatment of Dividends Paid [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Site rental revenue - remaining rental obligation
Site rental revenue - remaining rental obligation
Site rental revenue - remaining rental obligation
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes [Member]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes [Member]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 2.100% Notes
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.40% [Member]
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.40% [Member]
Senior Unsecured 2016 Notes 3.40%
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Named Executive Officers, Footnote
Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block]
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Useful life of site rental contracts and customer relationships (years)
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Member]
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations
Operating Lease, Expense
Operating Lease, Expense
Stock-based compensation expense, net
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
City Area Code
City Area Code
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Axis]
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block]
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
At the Market Stock Offering Program, aggregate value of common stock
At the Market Stock Offering Program, aggregate value of common stock
Represents the aggregate value of common stock that the Company may issue and sales shares through its the At the Market Stock Offering Program.
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Deduction
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Deduction
Gross Amount of Property Carried
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Gross
Exercise Price
Award Exercise Price
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Contracted revenues, Year 2
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Rolling Year Two
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income taxes paid (refund)
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Addition, Recovery
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Addition, Recovery
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Total liabilities and equity
Liabilities and Equity
Other assets, net
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount
Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount
Other Liabilities, by Type [Table]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table]
Risk-free rate
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset
Alternate Base Rate Adjustment [Domain]
Alternate Base Rate Adjustment [Domain]
Alternate Base Rate Adjustment [Domain]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table]
Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote
Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block]
Acquisitions and Integration Costs
Acquisitions and Integration Costs [Policy Text Block]
Acquisitions and Integration Costs
Current Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Collateral Pledged [Member]
Collateral Pledged [Member]
Employee severance and other one-time termination benefits
Employee severance and other one-time termination benefits [Member]
Employee severance and other one-time termination benefits
February 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.300% Notes [Member]
February 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.300% Notes [Member]
February 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.300% Notes [Member]
Arrangement Duration
Trading Arrangement Duration
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs, Net
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs, Net [Table Text Block]
Components of Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs, Net
Information technology assets and other [Member]
Information technology assets and other [Member]
Information technology assets and other
Entity Address, City or Town
Entity Address, City or Town
Award Timing MNPI Considered
Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Charges
Fair Values
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Termination Date
Trading Arrangement Termination Date
Common stock, shares authorized
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
August 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.000% Notes [Member]
August 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.000% Notes [Member]
August 2019 Senior Unsecured 4.000% Notes [Member]
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.200% Notes [Member]
August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.200% Notes [Member]
August 2017 Senior Unsecured 3.200% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease)
Estimated Future Undiscounted Cash Flows Expected To Be Paid Relating To Asset Retirement Obligations
Estimated Future Undiscounted Cash Flows Expected To Be Paid Relating To Asset Retirement Obligations
This disclosure represents the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be paid relating to asset retirement obligations
Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable for purchases of property and equipment
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued
Additional paid-in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares
Revenue recognition for Wireless Tenants
Revenue recognition for Wireless Tenants
Revenue recognition for Wireless Tenants
Restructuring Plan [Axis]
Restructuring Plan [Axis]
Summary of Restricted Stock Vested
Summary of Restricted Stock Vested [Text Block]
Disclosure of the number of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards that vested during the period and the fair value on the vesting date.
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table]
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]
Income Taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Current maturities of debt and other obligations
Less: current maturities and short-term debt and other current obligations
Debt, Current
Estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets - Year 3
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three
3.700% Senior Notes [Member]
3.700% Senior Notes [Member]
3.700% Senior Notes [Member]
Loan Restructuring Modification [Axis]
Loan Restructuring Modification [Axis]
Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items]
Dividends Declared [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Abstract]
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax
Finance Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Finance Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Finance Lease Obligations and Other
Effect of exchange rate changes or Other adjustments
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Increase (Decrease) Adjustment
Stock-based compensation related activity, net of forfeitures, shares
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement
Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block]
Award Timing Method
Award Timing Method [Text Block]
Decrease (increase) in other assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets
Estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets - Year 2
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two
Segment General and Administrative Expenses
Segment General and Administrative Expenses
Segment General and Administrative Expenses
Maximum Adjustment
Maximum Adjustment [Member]
Maximum Adjustment
Adjustment to Compensation, Amount
Adjustment to Compensation Amount
Employee Severance [Member]
Employee Severance [Member]
Lease Contractual Term [Axis]
Lease Contractual Term [Axis]
Auditor Name
Auditor Name
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
Proceeds from Lines of Credit
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income
Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block]
Peer Group Issuers, Footnote
Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block]
Less: accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Corporate and Other [Member]
Corporate and Other [Member]
Dividends Payable, Date of Record
Dividends Payable, Date of Record
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt
Repayments of Long-Term Debt
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts
Payment Date
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Payments for financing costs
Payments of Financing Costs
Revenue Benchmark
Revenue Benchmark [Member]
Name
Trading Arrangement, Individual Name
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases at the Tenant's Option
Weighted Average Remaining Term Of Tenant Leases at the Tenant's Option
Weighted-average remaining term of tenant leases, exclusive of renewals at the tenant's option
Gross Amount of Accumulated Depreciation Carried
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation
Services and other revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax
Purchase of land interests
Purchase of land interests
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Additions - Purchase of land interests
Deferred credits, net [Member]
Deferred Credits, net [Member]
Deferred Credits, net [Member]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
Tax Treatment of Dividends [Domain]
Tax Treatment of Dividends [Domain]
[Domain] for Tax Treatment of Dividends [Axis]
Senior Unsecured 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility [Domain]
Senior Unsecured 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility [Domain]
Senior Unsecured 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis]
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Intangible assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
July 2018 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
July 2018 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
July 2018 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Interest paid
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value
Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value [Text Block]
Summary of the Assumptions Used in the Monte Carlo Simulation to Determine the Grant-Date Fair Value
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
4.000% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
4.000% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
4.000% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability
Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block]
Accelerated depreciation and asset write downs
Accelerated depreciation and asset write downs [Member]
Accelerated depreciation and asset write downs
T-Mobile [Member]
T-Mobile [Member]
T-Mobile
Tower Count
Tower Count
Represents the Company's tower count. Inclusive of towers and other structures, such as rooftops
Costs of Operations:
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Portion of company site rental costs that are Towers ground lease expenses
Portion of Company Site Rental Costs That Are Ground Lease Expenses
Portion of Company site rental costs That are related to ground lease expenses
Company Selected Measure Amount
Company Selected Measure Amount
Total assets
Assets
Assets
Name
Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name
at&T
AT&T leased or subleased, or operated and managed towers
AT&T leased or subleased, or operated and managed towers
Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Sustainability Adjustment - Commitment Fee [Domain]
Contractual Maturities - Year 5
Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five
December 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.800% Notes
December 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.800% Notes [Member]
December 2023 Senior Unsecured 5.800% Notes
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Non-NEOs
Non-NEOs [Member]
Construction in Process [Member]
Construction in Progress [Member]
Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Tower Revenue Notes
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Non-PEO NEO
Non-PEO NEO [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Adjustment to Compensation:
Adjustment to Compensation [Axis]
Net operating loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Bonds [Member]
Bonds [Member]
Property and equipment
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Amount of Accumulated Depreciation Sold or Disposed
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Investment in Real Estate Sold
Net revenues:
Revenues [Abstract]
Segment cost of operations
Cost of Revenue
April 2023 4.800% Senior Notes
April 2023 4.800% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
April 2023 4.800% Senior Unsecured Notes
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes [Member]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes [Member]
February 2021 Senior Unsecured 1.050% Notes
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Accelerated prepaid rent amort
Accelerated prepaid rent amortization
Accelerated prepaid rent amortization
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Name of Property [Axis]
Name of Property [Axis]