Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 93,901		$ 200,888		$ 171,460
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	774,215		622,592		552,951
Gains (losses) on retirement of long-term obligations	37,127	[1]	131,974	[2]	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs and other non-cash interest	99,245		109,350		102,943
Stock-based compensation expense	39,030		41,944		32,610
Asset write-down charges	14,863		15,548		22,285
Deferred income tax benefit (provision)	180,275		(110,374)		4,626
Other adjustments	2,974		612		4,122
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	12,990		(13,520)		201
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	28,665		34,543		(7,497)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues, deferred ground lease payables, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities	242,465		98,686		19,606
Decrease (increase) in receivables	(60,217)		(98,570)		(17,407)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses, deferred site rental receivables, long-term prepaid rent, restricted cash and other assets	(227,877)		(261,116)		(242,446)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,237,656		772,557		643,454
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(4,960,435)		(3,759,475)		(37,551)
Capital expenditures	(567,810)		(441,383)		(347,942)
Other investing activities, net	7,276		1,262		(14,372)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(5,520,969)		(4,199,596)		(399,865)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,618,430		5,250,000		0
Net proceeds from issuance of capital stock	2,980,586		258		1,557
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	950,886		0		0
Principal payments on debt and other long-term obligations	(101,322)		(80,818)		(35,345)
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	(762,970)		(1,978,709)		0
Purchases of capital stock	(99,458)		(36,043)		(303,414)
Purchases of preferred stock	0		0		(15,002)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	976,032		1,253,000		283,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	(1,855,032)		(251,000)		(189,000)
Payments for financing costs	(30,001)		(78,641)		0
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	385,982		(288,763)		1,979
Dividends on preferred stock	0		(2,481)		(19,487)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	4,063,133		3,786,803		(275,712)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,210		1,480		(288)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(217,970)		361,244		(32,411)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	441,364		80,120		112,531
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 223,394		$ 441,364		$ 80,120

[1] The losses predominantly relate to cash losses, including with respect to make whole payments.

[2] Inclusive of $48.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts. In addition, the remainder relates to cash losses including with respect to make whole payments.