Face value of debt assumed in an acquisition.

No definition available.

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Additional interest rate margin that will accrue on certain debt instruments if they are not paid in full on or prior to their anticipated repayment dates.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The LIBOR rate floor for purposes of determining the interest rate for debt instruments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Restricted cash acquired to be spent on third-party land interests.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	cci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 7

-Footnote 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3044-108585

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 8, 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 7, 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash Equivalents

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

When presenting a range of interest rates, the highest stated (contractual) rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

When presenting a range of maturity dates, the latest date when the outstanding debt instruments are required to be repaid. May be presented in a variety of ways (for example: year only, month and year, day, month and year, and number of years).

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	us-types:dateStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

When presenting a range of maturity dates, the earliest date when the outstanding debt instruments are required to be repaid. May be presented in a variety of ways (for example: year only, month and year, day, month and year, and number of years).

+ References

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of unused borrowing capacity under the long-term financing arrangement that is available to the entity as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Subparagraph b

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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Debt and Other Obligations (Indebtedness) (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts	$ 7,000,000
Total cash obligations	8,434,076,000
Cash and cash equivalents	96,175,000	80,120,000	108,116,000	112,531,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt 2010 Tower Revenue Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional interest accruing following anticipated repayment dates	5.00%
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	350,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt January 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	1,300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes First Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	250,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	300,000,000
Fixed Rate Securitized Debt August 2010 Tower Revenue Notes Third Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	1,000,000,000
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes First Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total cash obligations	137,500,000
Fixed Rate Debt 2009 Securitized Notes Second Tranche [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total cash obligations	70,000,000
WCP Securitized Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional interest accruing following anticipated repayment dates	5.00%
Effective yield rate, inclusive of discount	4.00%
Business acquisition, purchase price allocation, face value of debt assumed	320,100,000
Restricted cash acquired to be spent on third-party land interests	29,500,000
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 9% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective yield rate, inclusive of discount	11.30%
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.75% Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective yield rate, inclusive of discount	8.20%
Fixed Rate - High Yield Bonds, 7.125% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective yield rate, inclusive of discount	7.20%
Capital Lease Obligations and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage rate range maximum	10.00%
Contractual maturity date, start	one
Contractual maturity date, end	20 years
2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.40%
CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	3,100,000,000
CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total revolving commitment	1,000,000,000
Availablity on revolver	1,000,000,000
CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	500,000,000
CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	1,600,000,000
CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member] \| Security Interest [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 42,100,000
CCOC [Member] \| Senior Secured Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	3.00%
Debt Instrument, LIBOR Floor	1.00%
Minimum [Member] \| CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Maximum [Member] \| CCOC [Member] \| 2012 Credit Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured 2012 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.75%