Restricted Cash (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Surety, payment and performance bonds	$ 39.2	$ 38.6
Collateral payment for performance bonds	0.5	$ 0.7
Collateral related to workers compensation policy	$ 2.5

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