Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Property and equipment	$ 511,205	$ 486,577
Deferred site rental receivable	238,203	164,867
Intangible assets	655,512	689,597
Total deferred income tax liabilities	1,404,920	1,341,041
Net operating loss carryforwards	908,747	926,444
Deferred ground lease payable	109,948	104,324
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	3,591	3,591
Accrued liabilities	81,719	78,752
Receivable allowance	2,253	2,175
Prepaid lease	405,993	430,558
Derivative instruments	74,214	75,960
Available-for-sale securities	29,402	25,289
Other	5,293	4,415
Valuation allowance, asset	(228,417)	(318,055)
Total deferred income tax assets, net	1,392,743	1,333,453
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$ (12,177)	$ (7,588)