Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 21,531	$ (53,668)	$ (36,747)	$ (131,153)
Income from discontinued operations		969		2,349
Foreign currency translation adjustments	16,909	1,686	(15,355)	1,449
Comprehensive income (loss)	23,140	(51,013)	(52,102)	(127,355)
Comprehensive (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest		254		256
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SBA Communications Corp.	$ 23,140	$ (50,759)	$ (52,102)	$ (127,099)

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

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Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax before extraordinary items allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, net of tax, income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

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- Definition

Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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