Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 183,819	$ 175,549	$ 171,053	$ 167,749	$ 165,497	$ 158,642	$ 154,515	$ 147,965	$ 698,170	$ 626,619	$ 555,513
Depreciation, accretion and amortization	(79,441)	(78,136)	(76,691)	(74,878)	(72,723)	(69,727)	(68,831)	(67,446)	(309,146)	(278,727)	(258,537)
Operating income	31,980	27,571	27,209	23,899	16,695	20,668	20,024	16,886	110,659	74,273	54,954
Loss from extinguishment of debt, net				(1,696)	(6)	(10)	(48,932)	(112)	(1,696)	(49,060)	(5,661)
Net loss attributable to SBA Communications Corporation	$ (29,081)	$ (33,305)	$ (29,819)	$ (34,251)	$ (39,161)	$ (34,488)	$ (83,699)	$ (37,326)	$ (126,456)	$ (194,674)	$ (140,871)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted	$ (0.27)	$ (0.30)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.30)	$ (0.34)	$ (0.30)	$ (0.72)	$ (0.32)	$ (1.13)	$ (1.68)	$ (1.20)