Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Detail) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2012
Subsequent Event [Member]
Assets sold from site leasing segment	$ 125
Cash in asset purchase agreement	100
Promissory note in asset purchase agreement	$ 25

Noncash Consideration Received As Part Of Sale Of Discontinued Operations

No definition available.

Name:	sbac_NoncashConsiderationReceivedAsPartOfSaleOfDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix:	sbac_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration