Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (55,909)	$ (181,390)	$ (126,892)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(2,296)
Depreciation, accretion, and amortization	533,334	408,467	309,146
Non-cash interest expense	49,085	70,110	63,629
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(6,642)	1,360	(1,686)
Non-cash asset impairment and decommission costs	23,819	6,383	5,472
Non-cash compensation expense	17,205	13,968	11,469
Amortization of deferred financing fees	15,560	12,870	9,188
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net	6,099	51,799	1,696
Gain on sale/settlement of bankruptcy claim on convertible hedge	(27,870)	(4,952)
Other non-cash items reflected in the Statements of Operations	(380)	(365)	768
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, net	(29,097)	(18,804)	(3,709)
Prepaid and other assets	(81,458)	(82,759)	(27,425)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,530	8,251	3,814
Accrued interest	4,651	13,882	58
Other liabilities	47,660	44,390	3,530
Net cash provided by operating activities	497,587	340,914	249,058
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions and related earn-outs	(686,703)	(2,258,655)	(379,320)
Capital expenditures	(168,893)	(113,265)	(126,938)
Proceeds from sale of DAS networks		100,000
Return of principal on long-term notes	26,000
Other investing activities	3,074	(3,131)	(1,630)
Net cash used in investing activities	(826,522)	(2,275,051)	(507,888)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility	340,000	584,000	250,000
Repayments under Revolving Credit Facility	(225,000)	(484,000)	(270,000)
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of fees		283,872
Proceeds from sale/settlement of bankruptcy claim on convertible hedge	27,870	4,952
Proceeds from employee stock purchase/stock option plans	10,205	31,152	15,801
Payments on settlement of convertible debt	(794,997)	(107,493)	(17,038)
Proceeds from settlement of convertible note hedges	182,855
Payments for settlement of common stock warrants	(97,912)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock			(225,072)
Other financing activities	(15,525)	(5,787)	(1,704)
Net cash provided by financing activities	220,161	2,116,412	242,047
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,213)	1,212	(155)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations from operating activities		2,296
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(110,987)	185,783	(16,938)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year	233,099	47,316	64,254
End of year	122,112	233,099	47,316
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	244,123	182,474	161,257
Income taxes	6,645	5,304	4,218
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION OF NON-CASH INVESTING & FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Assets acquired through capital leases	1,239	2,509	2,570
Issuance of stock for acquisitions		555,378
Issuance of stock for conversion of debt, hedges, and warrants	18,159
Promissory note received in connection with disposition of DAS assets		25,000
Deferred payment on Brazil acquired assets		175,890
Mobilitie Bridge Loan [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Long Term Debt, net of fees		395,000
Repayment of Debt Amount		(400,000)
5.625% and 5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Long Term Debt, net of fees		1,277,729
2012 Secured Tower Revenue Securities [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Long Term Debt, net of fees		596,083
Term Loan under the Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Term Loans, net of fees		493,107	492,560
Repayment of Term Loans	(512,000)	(10,000)	(2,500)
8.0% Notes and 8.25% Notes [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of Debt Amount		(542,203)
Tower Securities [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 1,304,665