Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 towers
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	5 years
Tower Count	31,500
Leased or Operated Under Sprint Agreement [Member]
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	32
Purchase Option Price	2,300
Tower Count	6,500
Leased or Operated Under T-Mobile Agreement [Member]
Ground Lease Agreement Initial Term	28
Tower Count	6,200
T-Mobile [Member]
Purchase Option Price	2,000
Subject to Lease and Sublease With AT&T [Member]
Tower Count	470
AT&T [Member]
Purchase Option Price	405
AT&T Prior to 2025 [Member]
Purchase Option Price	0
CCUSA [Member]
Tower Count	29,800
CCAL [Member]
Tower Count	1,700