Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Depreciation (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	[1]	$ 2,994
Gross Amount of Property Carried		26,679	$ 25,441	$ 23,854
Gross Amount of Accumulated Depreciation Carried		$ (11,582)	(10,478)	$ (9,382)
Tower Count		40,000
Fiber Miles		80,000
Other Acquisitions	[2]	$ 75	68
Communications Infrastructure Construction and Improvements		1,047	1,438
Purchase of land interests		66	64
Sustaining Capital Expenditures		69	66
Other Additions	[3]	32	47
Total Additions		1,289	1,683
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount		(51)	(96)
Cost of Real Estate Sold or Disposed		(51)	(96)
SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Deduction		0	0
Depreciation		(1,137)	(1,114)
Amount of Accumulated Depreciation Sold or Disposed		25	18
Other Deductions to Accumulated Depreciation		8	0
Real Estate Period Deductions to Accumulated Depreciation		$ 33	$ 18

[1] Encumbrances are reported at face value, without contemplating the effect of deferred financing costs, discounts or premiums. Certain of the Company's debt is secured by (1) a security interest in substantially all of the applicable issuers' assignable personal property, (2) a pledge of the equity interests in each applicable issuer and (3) a security interest in the applicable issuers' leases with tenants to lease tower space (space licenses).

[2] Includes acquisitions of communications infrastructure.

[3] Predominately relates to the purchase of property and equipment under finance leases and installment land purchases.