Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Shares - Hedge [Member]	Shares - Warrant [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member] Shares - Hedge [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member] Shares - Warrant [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Shares - Hedge [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Shares - Warrant [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]
BALANCE, Amount at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 652,991			$ 1,269			$ 3,111,107			$ (2,462,176)	$ 2,791
BALANCE, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012				126,933,000
Net loss attributable to SBA Communications	(36,747)									(36,747)
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Amount	10,167			6			10,161
Common stock issued in connection with stock purchase/option plans, Shares				638,000
Non-cash compensation	13,162						13,162
Adjustment associated with the acquisition of noncontrolling interest	5,703						5,703
Settlement of convertible notes, Amount	(321,923)			5			(321,928)
Settlement of convertible notes, Shares				438,000
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Shares					(82,000)	210,000
Settlement of convertible note hedges and common stock warrants, Amount		182,854	(42,423)		(1)	2		182,855	(42,425)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15,355)										(15,355)
BALANCE, Amount at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 448,429			$ 1,281			$ 2,958,635			$ (2,498,923)	$ (12,564)
BALANCE, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013				128,137,000