Asset Write-Down Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Asset write-down charges	$ 15,548	$ 22,285	$ 13,687
CCUSA [Member]
Asset write-down charges	15,226	21,986	13,243
Tower Write-Down Charges [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
Asset write-down charges	$ 11,700	$ 15,800	$ 8,600