Business Segments (Additional Information Relating to the Company's Operating Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 20,272,571		$ 14,089,429	[1]	$ 12,242,395
Operating Segments [Member] | Rental And Management [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	13,480,641		8,471,169	[1]	7,789,578
Operating Segments [Member] | Rental And Management [Member] | Total international
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	6,564,840	[2]	5,190,987	[1],[2]	3,942,258	[2]
Operating Segments [Member] | Network Development Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	47,607		63,956	[1]	33,941
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 179,483	[3]	$ 363,317	[1],[3]	$ 476,618	[3]

[1] Balances have been revised to reflect purchase accounting measurement period adjustments.

[2] Balances are translated at the applicable period end exchange rate and therefore may impact comparability between periods.

[3] Balances include corporate assets such as cash and cash equivalents, certain tangible and intangible assets and income tax accounts which have not been allocated to specific segments.