Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$ 40.0	$ 42.0
Collateral payment for performance bonds	2.7	6.1
Collateral related to workers compensation policy	$ 2.6	$ 2.3

Collateral for surety payment and performance bonds.

No definition available.

Name:	sbac_CollateralForSuretyPaymentAndPerformanceBonds
Namespace Prefix:	sbac_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant