Impairments, Net Loss on Sale of Long-Lived Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment or Disposal [Abstract]

Impairments, Net Loss on Sale of Long-lived Assets

IMPAIRMENTS, NET LOSS ON SALES OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded impairment charges and net losses on sales or disposals of long-lived assets of $53.6 million, $29.8 million and $28.5 million, respectively. These charges were primarily related to assets included in the Company’s U.S. property segment and are included in Other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Included in these amounts were impairment charges of $28.5 million, $15.1 million and $15.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to write down certain assets to net realizable value after an indicator of impairment was identified. These assets consisted primarily of towers, which are assessed on an individual basis, and network location intangibles, which relate directly to towers. For the year ended December 31, 2016, impairment charges also included amounts related to land easements. Also included in these amounts were net losses associated with the sale or disposal of certain non-core towers, other assets and other miscellaneous items of $25.1 million, $14.7 million and $13.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.