Business acquisitions performance target period

No definition available.

Name:	sbac_BusinessAcquisitionsPerformanceTargetPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	sbac_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Business acquistions period after closing date to determine additional adjustments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sbac_BusinessAcquistionsPeriodAfterClosingDateToDetermineAdditionalAdjustments
Namespace Prefix:	sbac_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Duration of site development projects

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sbac_DurationOfSiteDevelopmentProjects
Namespace Prefix:	sbac_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Intercompany Loan Maxiumum Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	sbac_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16265-109275

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Noncurrent portion of 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.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 410

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392692&loc=d3e7535-110849

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after adjustment, of cost-method investment. Adjustments include, but are not limited to, dividends received in excess of earnings after date of investment that are considered a return of investment and other than temporary impairments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 325

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 325

-SubTopic 20

-Section 35

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29638308&loc=d3e40346-111594

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents an other than temporary decline in value that has been recognized against an investment accounted for under the cost method of accounting. The excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the investment represents the amount of the write down which is or was reflected in earnings. The written down value is a new cost basis with the adjusted value of the investment becoming its new carrying value. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 325

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872867&loc=d3e40691-111596

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the accumulated amortization, as of the reporting date, which represents the periodic charge to earnings of initial direct costs which have been deferred and are being allocated over the lease term in proportion to the recognition of rental income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 35

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453741&loc=d3e40879-112712

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 25

-Paragraph 16

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6748888&loc=d3e40588-112709

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, this element represents costs incurred by the lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. Those activities are: evaluating the prospective lessee's financial condition; evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral, and other security arrangements; negotiating lease terms; preparing and processing lease documents; and closing the transaction. This amount is before considering accumulated amortization representing the periodic charge to earnings to recognize the deferred costs over the term of the related lease.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents costs incurred by the lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. Those activities are: evaluating the prospective lessee's financial condition; evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral, and other security arrangements; negotiating lease terms; preparing and processing lease documents; and closing the transaction. This element is net of accumulated amortization.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 25

-Paragraph 17

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-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 35

-Paragraph 2

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-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 25

-Paragraph 16

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6748888&loc=d3e40588-112709

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction realized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450189&loc=d3e30690-110894

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450189&loc=d3e30700-110894

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The difference between the carrying value and the sale price of an investment. A gain would be recognized when the sale price of the investment is greater than the carrying value of the investment. This element refers to the Gain included in earnings and not to the cash proceeds of the sale.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainOnSaleOfInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2420-110228

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 958

-SubTopic 225

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph (a)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Impairment

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515133

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long-lived assets held for abandonment, exchange or sale.

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of an intercompany foreign currency transactions that is of a long-term-investment nature, that is, settlement is not planned of anticipated in the foreseeable future.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of interest capitalized, including amount of allowance for funds used during construction.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504829

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 980

-SubTopic 835

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501662&loc=d3e56162-110433

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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale of other investments not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 24

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 26

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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- Details

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 25, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 25, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cost-method investments, carrying value		$ 43.3us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments	$ 51.7us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments
Cost-method investments, impairment loss		0	0	0
Interest cost capitalized		0.3	0.1	0.3
Deferred lease costs		12.4us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingGross	12.8us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingGross	10.2us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingGross
Amortization expense		6.8	5.5	4.6
Unamortized deferred lease costs		28.5us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingNet	22.9us-gaap_DeferredCostsLeasingNet
Intangible assets, useful life		15 years
Impairment charge recognized, related to long-lived assets		23.8	29.0	6.4
Write-offs relating to long-lived assets and intangibles		16.8	23.1	0
Asset retirement obligation		5.9	5.3
Business acquistions period after closing date to determine additional adjustments		1 year
Acquired intangible assets, useful life		15 years
Intercompany Loan Maxiumum Amount	750.0sbac_IntercompanyLoanMaxiumumAmount
Intercompany Foreign Currency Balance, Amount	455.8				455.8
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized		23.0
Privately Held Company [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cost-method investments, carrying value		8.4
Proceeds from sale of other investments		20.9
Gain on sale of investments		$ 12.5
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Lease term		5 years
Duration of site development projects		3 months
Business acquisitions performance target period		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Lease term		10 years
Duration of site development projects		12 months
Business acquisitions performance target period		3 years