Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net [Member]	Total
BALANCE, value at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 1,148	$ 2,243,457	$ (1,929,670)	$ 2,175	$ 317,110
BALANCE, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	114,832
Net loss attributable to SBA Communications Corporation			(64,070)		(64,070)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(38)		249	211
Non-cash compensation		6,002			6,002
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans/restriction lapse	3	6,343			6,346
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans/restriction lapse, shares	357
Equity component related to repurchases of the 1.875%		(2,607)			(2,607)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(37)		(150,034)		(150,071)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, shares	(3,740)
BALANCE, value at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 1,114	$ 2,253,157	$ (2,143,774)	$ 2,424	$ 112,921
BALANCE, shares at Jun. 30, 2011	111,449