Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 1,360,723	$ 1,320,826
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)	614,434	584,069
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)	423,628	372,710
Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization)	69,198	52,347
Depreciation and amortization	175,366	183,711
Other operating income - net	3,124	16,714
Operating income	81,221	144,703
Interest expense	374,016	369,666
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates	3,555	2,975
Other expense - net	(16,273)	(2,036)
Loss before income taxes	(305,513)	(224,024)
Income tax benefit	157,398	92,661
Consolidated net loss	(148,115)	(131,363)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4,486)	469
Net loss attributable to the Company	(143,629)	(131,832)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	37,089	39,307
Unrealized gain on securities and derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities	12,048	2,952
Unrealized holding gain on cash flow derivatives	8,579	13,342
Reclassification adjustment	63	89
Other comprehensive income	57,779	55,690
Comprehensive loss	(85,850)	(76,142)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,655	6,698
Comprehensive loss attributable to the Company	$ (89,505)	$ (82,840)