Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 167,354	$ 71,138
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	291,882	275,464
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	14,586	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest	48,780	51,482
Stock-based compensation expense	17,105	17,254
Asset write-down charges	6,690	10,606
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)	(65,544)	2,545
Other adjustments	(41)	4,309
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	(1,950)	146
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	(2,488)	(7,094)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities	(3,145)	(40,120)
Decrease (increase) in receivables	(26,225)	3,468
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets	(122,662)	(105,389)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	324,342	283,809
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(1,199,316)	(12,375)
Capital expenditures	(159,697)	(116,690)
Other investing activities, net	1,188	829
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(1,357,825)	(128,236)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,100,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock	238	757
Principal payments on long-term debt and other long-term obligations	(34,744)	(16,792)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	(699,486)	0
Purchases of capital stock	(35,673)	(192,563)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	102,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	(251,000)	(71,000)
Payments for financing costs	(40,237)	(82)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	12,620	27,088
Dividends on preferred stock	(2,481)	(9,939)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	1,049,237	(160,531)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	301	543
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	16,055	(4,415)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	80,120	112,531
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 96,175	$ 108,116