Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 6,161,352	$ 5,865,685	$ 5,551,909
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)	2,504,036	2,381,647	2,529,454
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)	1,617,258	1,570,212	1,520,402
Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)	227,096	284,042	253,964
Depreciation and amortization	763,306	732,869	765,474
Impairment charges	7,614	15,364	4,118,924
Other operating income (expense) - net	12,682	(16,710)	(50,837)
Operating income (loss)	1,054,724	864,841	(3,687,146)
Interest expense	1,466,246	1,533,341	1,500,866
Loss on marketable securities	(4,827)	(6,490)	(13,371)
Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates	26,958	5,702	(20,689)
Other income (expense) - net	(4,616)	46,455	679,716
Loss before income taxes	(394,007)	(622,833)	(4,542,356)
Income tax benefit	125,978	159,980	493,320
Consolidated net loss	(268,029)	(462,853)	(4,049,036)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest	34,065	16,236	(14,950)
Net loss attributable to the Company	(302,094)	(479,089)	(4,034,086)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(29,647)	26,301	151,422
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities and derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities	(224)	17,187	1,678
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on cash flow derivatives	33,775	15,112	(74,100)
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on securities included in net income and other	3,787	14,750	10,008
Other comprehensive income	7,691	73,350	89,008
Comprehensive loss	(294,403)	(405,739)	(3,945,078)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,324	8,857	20,788
Comprehensive loss attributable to the Company	$ (298,727)	$ (414,596)	$ (3,965,866)