Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Reclassified to AOCI Reclassified to AOCI [Member] Reclassified to AOCI [Member] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items] Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), in AOCI and Income Statement Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), in AOCI and Income Statement Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), in AOCI and Income Statement Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), reclassified as AOCI Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), reclassified as AOCI Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), reclassified as AOCI Unrealized foreign currency (losses) gains Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Balance as of January 1 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Current year increases Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Write-offs, net of recoveries and other Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance as of December 31 SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract] Adjusted Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Adjusted Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Adjusted Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Adjusted Real Estate Gross At Carrying Value Adjusted Real Estate Gross At Carrying Value Adjusted Real Estate Gross At Carrying Value. Updated for purchase accounting adjustments. SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward] Gross amount at beginning SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross Acquisitions through foreclosures SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Acquisitions Through Foreclosures Other acquisitions SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Other Acquisitions Discretionary capital projects Amount of discretionary capital projects made to real estate investments during the period. Discretionary ground lease purchases Amount of ground lease purchase investments during the period. Redevelopment capital expenditures Amount of redevelopment capital expenditures made to real estate investments during the period. Capital improvements SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Improvements Start-up capital expenditures Start Up Capital Expenditures Start Up Capital Expenditures Other additions SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Other Additions Total additions Real Estate, Period Additions to Cost Total additions to cost during the period. Cost of real estate sold or disposed SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Cost of Real Estate Sold Other deductions SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Other Deductions Total deductions Real Estate, Period Deductions to Cost Total deductions to cost during the period. Balance at end SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward] Gross amount of accumulated depreciation at beginning SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Depreciation SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense Other additions SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Additions Total additions Real Estate Period, Additions To Accumulated Depreciation Total additions to accumulated depreciation during the period. Amount of accumulated depreciation for assets sold or disposed SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Real Estate Sold Other deductions SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions Total deductions Real Estate, Period Deductions To Accumulated Depreciation Total deductions to accumulated depreciation during the period. Balance at end Changes in allowances Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Dividends Paid [Table] Dividends Paid [Table] Dividends Paid [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Dividends Paid [Line Items] Dividends Paid [Line Items] [Line Items] for Dividends Paid [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gain(Loss) Recognized in OCI - Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion Gain(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income - Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred Stock Schedule of Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Axis] Schedule of Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Axis] Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Financial Instrument [Domain] Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Financial Instrument [Domain] Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Dividends Declared and Paid Dividends Declared and Paid [Member] Dividends Declared and Paid [Member] Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, rate of preferred stock Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Conversion factor, preferred stock Conversion factor, preferred stock Conversion factor, preferred stock Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Authorized repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Remaining stock value of buyback Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Proceeds from stock options and stock purchase plan Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Accrued dividend RSU Accrued Dividend RSU Accrued dividends payable upon the vesting of restricted stock units. Paid dividend RSU Paid Dividend RSU Amount of distributions payable paid upon the vesting of restricted stock units during the period. Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Alternative [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] MIPT Acquisition MIPT Acquisition [Member] MIPT Acquisition [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] MIPT MIPT [Member] MIPT [Member] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Domain] Tranche [Domain] [Domain] for Tranche [Axis] Series 2011-1 Class C Notes Series 2011-1 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2011-1 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2011-2 Class C Notes Series 2011-2 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2011-2 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2011-2 Class F Notes Series 2011-2 Class F Notes [Member] Series 2011-2 Class F Notes [Member] Series 2012-1 Class A Notes Series 2012-1 Class A Notes [Member] Series 2012-1 Class A Notes [Member] Series 2012-2 Class A Notes Series 2012-2 Class A Notes [Member] Series 2012-2 Class A Notes [Member] Series 2012-2 Class B Notes Series 2012-2 Class B Notes [Member] Series 2012-2 Class B Notes [Member] Series 2012-2 Class C Notes Series 2012-2 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2012-2 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2013-1 Class C Notes Series 2013-1 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2013-1 Class C Notes [Member] Series 2013-1 Class F Notes Series 2013-1 Class F Notes [Member] Series 2013-1 Class F Notes [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] GTP Notes GTP Notes [Member] GTP Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Principal amount Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term debt, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] First portfolio First portfolio [Member] First portfolio [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] At T Transaction At T Transaction [Member] At&T Transaction [Member] ALLTEL Transaction ALLTEL Transaction [Member] ALLTEL Transaction [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Television And Radio Broadcast Television And Radio Broadcast [Member] Television And Radio Broadcast [Member] International Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Aggregate rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Leased assets, number of units Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Average lease term (in years) Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period Purchased subleased towers, number of units Purchased Subleased Towers, Number Of Units Purchased Subleased Towers, Number Of Units Aggregate purchase option price for towers Aggregate Purchase Option Price For Towers Aggregate Purchase Option Price For Towers Purchase price accretion rate (per year) Purchase Price Accretion Rate Accretion rate stated in purchase agreement (per year) Successive terms to renew lease Successive Terms To Renew Lease Number of successive terms to renew lease. Renewal term Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term Cash purchase price per tower Purchase Price Per Tower Cash purchase price per tower Purchase price of tower in shares of common stock Purchase Price Of Tower In Shares Common Stock Purchase Price Of Tower In Shares Common Stock Value of potential shares payable Purchase Price Value Value of shares at period end if seller requires payment in shares of common stock, rather than cash India tax assessment India Tax Assessment India Tax Assessment Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Outstanding as of January 1, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 Expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures, as of December 31, 2014 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instrument Other Than Options Expected To Vest Net Of Forfeitures The net number of shares under a share-based award plan, other than a stock option plan, that are expected to vest. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding as of January 1, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 Expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures, as of December 31, 2014 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected To Vest Net Of Estimated Forfeitures Weighted average grant date fair value of shares expected to vest, net of forfeitures. Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Number of customers, concentration of credit risk Number Of Customers Concentration Of Credit Risk Number of customers deriving the largest portion of revenues. Labor costs capitalized Labor Costs Capitalized Amount of interest capitalized during the period. Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Estimated useful life of respective assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Distributions paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Cash distribution per share Dividend Per Share Cash distribution to stockholders per share amount Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Preferred stock, dividends per share, cash paid Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Payments of ordinary dividends, preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Preferred stock, dividends per share, declared Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Straight line revenue Straight Line Revenue Straight-line revenue recognized over the term of non-cancellable tenant leases that contain fixed escalation clauses. Straight-line ground rent expense Straight Line Expense Straight-line ground rent expense recognized over the term of non-cancellable ground leases that contain fixed escalation clauses. Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Employers percentage of employees first 6 percent Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Employee maximum annual contribution eligible for match Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent Company's contribution Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Excluding Semaan impairment [Member] Excluding Semaan impairment [Member] Excluding Semaan impairment [Member] NII Holdings [Member] NII Holdings [Member] NII Holdings [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Operations In Panama and Portion of Engineering Business Operations In Panama and Portion of Engineering Business [Member] Operations in Panama and Portion of Engineering Business [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, low Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Assets held and used, original carrying value Assets held and used long lived fair value disclosure Assets held and used long-lived fair value, carrying value after impairment Assets held and used long lived, net realizable value Assets Held And Used, Long-Lived, Carrying Value Assets Held And Used, Long-Lived, Carrying Value before Impairment Impairment charges to write down certain assets to net realizable value Asset Impairment Charges Aggregate sale price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Property, plant and equipment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Intangible noncurrent assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent Goodwill and intangible asset impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Debt, long-term and short-term, combined amount Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Changes in the carrying value of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Finite Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Expected future amortization expenses Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Unearned revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred rent liability Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Other miscellaneous liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent Balance as of December 31, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of earnings per basic and diluted by common class Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Description [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Intangible type [Axis] Intangible type [Axis] Intangible type [Axis] Intangible type [Domain] Intangible type [Domain] [Domain] for Intangible type [Axis] Customer-related and network location intangible assets [Member] Customer-related and network location intangible assets [Member] Customer-related and network location intangible assets [Member] Maximum Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Mexico MEXICO Brazil BRAZIL Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Other US Acquisition 2014 Other US Acquisition 2014 [Member] Other US Acquisition 2014 [Member] Richland Acquisition Richland Acquisition [Member] Richland Acquisition [Member] Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation [Member] Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation [Member] Adjusted Purchase Price Allocation Adjusted Purchase Price Allocation [Member] Adjusted Purchase Price Allocation [Member] BR Towers BR Towers [Member] BR Towers [Member] Other International Acquisitions 2014 Other International Acquisitions 2014 [Member] Other International Acquisitions 2014 [Member] MIPT Acquisition Axtel Mexico Acquisition Mexico Axtel Acquisition [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- NII Holdings Acquisition NII Holdings Acquisition [Member] NII Holdings Acquisition [Member] Z-Sites Acquisition Z-Sites Acquisition [Member] Z-Sites Acquisition [Member] Other International Acquisition Other International Acquisition [Member] Other International Acquisition [Member] Other U.S. Acquisition 2013 Other Us Acquisition 2013 [Member] Other Us Acquisition 2013 [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Acquired Network Location Acquired Network Location [Member] Acquired network location [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Restricted cash Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Restricted Cash Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Restricted Cash Accounts receivable, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Prepaid and other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Non-current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Customer-related intangible assets Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross Network location intangible assets Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other intangible assets Finite-Lived License Agreements, Gross Notes receivable and other non-current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Accrued expenses Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Liabilities Accrued Expense Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Liabilities Accrued Expense Accrued interest Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Liabilities Accrued Interest Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Liabilities Accrued Interest Current portion of long-term obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Unearned revenue Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Deferred Revenue Long-term obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Asset retirement obligations Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Noncurrent Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Noncurrent Liabilities Asset Retirement Obligation Other non-current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Goodwill Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Noncash or part noncash acquisition, value of liabilities assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Value added tax receivable, current Value Added Tax Receivable, Current Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions Preferred Stock Assumed Through Acquisitions Preferred Stock Assumed Through Acquisitions Preferred Stock Assumed Through Acquisitions Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] South African Facility South African Facility [Member] Credit Facility established in South Africa Colombian Long Term Credit Facility Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] Long-term credit facility established by one of the Company's Colombian subsidiaries 2014 Colombian Long Term Credit Facility 2014 Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] 2014 Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] Costa Rica Loan Costa Rica Loan [Member] Costa Rica Loan [Member] Number of interest rate swap agreements Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Interest rate swap agreements Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative liability, fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation expense Depreciation Capital leases, which are primarily classified as towers or land and improvements Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds of $8,476, $19,701 and $20,847, respectively) Income Taxes Paid, Net Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Purchases of property and equipment under capital leases Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Settlement of accounts receivable related to acquisitions Settlement Of Accounts Receivable Due To Acquisition Settlement of Accounts Receivable due to Acquisition Conversion of third-party debt to equity Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Dividends declared on preferred stock NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive securities Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] 2014 Ghana Loan 2014 Ghana Loan [Member] 2014 Ghana Loan [Member] Uganda Loan Uganda Loan [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Ghana Loan Ghana Loan [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Long-term debt Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate at period end Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Interest Costs Capitalized Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] BR Towers Sublimit B BR Towers Sublimit B [Member] BR Towers Sublimit B [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Minimum Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2013 Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2013 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- BR Towers Debentures BR Towers Debentures [Member] BR Towers Debentures [Member] BR Towers Credit Facility BR Towers Credit Facility [Member] BR Towers Credit Facility [Member] Secured Cellular Site Revenue Notes Secured Cellular Site Revenue Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Mexican loan Mexican loan [Member] Mexican loan [Member] Colombian Bridge Loan Colombian Bridge Loan [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Colombian Loan Colombian Loan [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Shareholder Loans Shareholder Loans [Member] Shareholder Loans [Member] BR Towers Debt BR Towers Debt [Member] BR Towers Debt [Member] BR Towers Sublimit A BR Towers Sublimit A [Member] BR Towers Sublimit A [Member] BR Towers Sublimit C BR Towers Sublimit C [Member] BR Towers Sublimit C [Member] Credit Facility 2012 Credit Facility 2012 [Member] 2012 Credit Facility Member Credit Facility 2013 Credit Facility 2013 [Member] Credit Facility 2013 [Member] Term Loan 2013 Term Loan 2013 [Member] Term Loan 2013 [Member] Credit Facility 2014 Credit Facility 2014 [Member] Credit Facility 2014 [Member] 4.625% Senior Notes Four Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] Four Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes Member 7.00% Senior Notes Seven Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Seven Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Member 4.50% Senior Notes Four Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Four Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] 3.40% Senior Notes Three Point Four Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point Four Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] 7.25% Senior Notes Seven Point Two Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] Seven Point Two Five Percent Senior Notes Member 5.05% Senior Notes Five Point Zero Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] Five Point Zero Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] 3.450% Senior Notes Three Point Four Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point Four Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] 5.90% Senior Notes Five Point Nine Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 4.70% Senior Notes Four Point Seven Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 3.50% Senior Notes Three Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 5.00% Senior Notes Five Point Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Five Point Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt Short-term Debt [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A [Member] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Parent Parent Company [Member] Total long term obligation Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Other debt, including capital lease obligations Other Long-term Debt Less current portion of long-term obligations Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, excluding current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Interest rate at period end Debt instrument, unamortized premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Notes Receivable And Other Long Term Assets [Abstract] Notes receivable and other long-term assets [Abstract] Notes Receivable and Other Non-Current Assets Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $151, $(374) and $905, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income, net of taxes of $(158), $(237) and $(208), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Reclassification of unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities to net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $14,247, $9,207 and $7,677, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Employee Stock Employee Stock [Member] Minimum range of risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Maximum range of risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Weighted average risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected life of option grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted average expected volatility of underlying stock price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Minimum range of expected volatility of underlying stock price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Maximum range of expected volatility of underlying stock price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Weighted average expected volatility of underlying stock price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Expected annual dividends Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] TV Azteca TV Azteca [Member] TV Azteca [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] REVENUES: Revenues [Abstract] Rental and management Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Network development services Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total operating revenues Revenue, Net OPERATING EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Rental and management (including stock-based compensation expense of $1,397, $977 and $793, respectively) Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Network development services (including stock-based compensation expense of $440, $567 and $968, respectively) Cost of Services Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $78,316, $66,594 and $50,222, respectively) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses OPERATING INCOME Operating Income (Loss) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $1,482, $1,483 and $1,485, respectively Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest income Interest Income, Other Interest expense Interest Expense Loss on retirement of long-term obligations Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Other expense (including unrealized foreign currency losses of $49,319, $211,722 and $34,330, respectively) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INCOME ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income on equity method investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments NET INCOME Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS Dividends declared on preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS: WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] BASIC (in shares) DILUTED (in shares) Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), avaliable-for-sale securities, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Tax adjustment related to REIT Tax Adjustment Related To REIT Tax adjustment related to REIT State taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Foreign taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Foreign withholding taxes Foreign Withholding Taxes Foreign withholding taxes Domestic TRS restructuring Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Domestic TRS Restructuring Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Domestic TRS Restructuring Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Dividend paid deduction, percentage Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Restructuring Charges, Percent Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Assumptions used to determine the grant date fair value for options granted Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of the company's option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of options outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Summary of the company's restricted stock unit activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of employee stock purchase plan valuation assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Foreign Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] 2015 to 2019 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years One Through Five Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years One Through Five 2020 to 2024 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Six Through Ten Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Six Through Ten 2025 to 2029 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Eleven Through Fifteen Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Eleven Through Fifteen 2030 to 2034 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Sixteen Through Twenty Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Sixteen Through Twenty Indefinite Carryforward Net operating losses with an indefinite carryforward period Total Operating Loss Carryforwards Income tax provision from continuing operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Reconciliation between the U.S. statutory rate and the effective rate from continuing operations Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of the net deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Net operating loss carryforwards expire Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Change in unrecognized tax benefit Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment or Disposal [Abstract] Impairments, Net Loss on Sale of Long-lived Assets Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Acquired Network Location Acquired Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles [Member] Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles Member Economic Rights, TV Azteca Economic Rights, TV Azteca [Member] Economic Rights TV Azteca [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Deferred financing costs, net Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Range One Range One [Member] Range One [Member] Range Two Range Two [Member] Range Two [Member] Range Three Range Three [Member] Range Three [Member] Range Four Range Four [Member] Range Four [Member] Range Five Range Five [Member] Range Five [Member] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Outstanding Number of Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Range of Exercise Price Per Share Minimum Range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Range of Exercise Price Per Share Maximum Range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options Exercisable Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Allowances, accruals and other items not currently deductible Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Current deferred liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Subtotal Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Current Net current deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Net operating loss carryforwards Net Long Term Operating Loss Carry Forwards Net Long Term Operating Loss Carry Forwards Accrued asset retirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Unearned revenue Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Unrealized loss on foreign currency Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses Items not currently deductible and other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liability Depreciation And Amortization Deferred Tax Liability Depreciation And Amortization Deferred rent Deferred Tax Deferred Rent Noncurrent Deferred Tax Deferred Rent Noncurrent Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Subtotal Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Net non-current deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment, Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Chile CHILE Colombia COLOMBIA Costa Rica COSTA RICA Germany GERMANY Ghana GHANA India INDIA Panama (2) PANAMA Peru PERU South Africa SOUTH AFRICA Uganda UGANDA Total international International [Member] International Segment Member Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment revenues Notes receivable and other non-current assets Schedule Of Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Rental And Management Rental And Management [Member] Rental And Management [Member] Network Development Services Network Development Services [Member] Network Development Services [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Domestic Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Assets Assets 3.50% Notes Three Point Five Zero Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unamortized (Discount) Premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total cash obligations Long Term Debt Total Cash Obligations Long Term Debt Total Cash Obligations Unamortized discounts and premiums, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Balance as of December 31, 2014 Long-Term Obligations Long-term Debt [Text Block] Restricted Stock Employee Stock Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Stock based compensation expenses related to modification of the vesting and exercise terms for a certain employee's equity awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Capitalized stock-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares issuable under stock incentive plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Accelerated recognition of stock-based compensation expense, retirement eligibility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Total unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Expected recognition of stock award compensation expense weighted average period in years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee service share-based compensation, cash received from exercise of stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Total fair value of restricted stock units vested during period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Employee stock purchase plan employee discount Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Discount Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Discount Employee purchase shares not exceeding of gross compensation Percentage Of Employee Purchases Not To Exceed Gross Compensation Maximum percentage of employee's gross compensation which can be contributed to purchase shares under the employee stock purchase plan Employee purchase value not exceeding Maximum Employee Purchase Value During Period Maximum amount stock an employee is able to purchase through the employee stock purchase plan during a calendar year. Number of shares purchased by employees under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Weighted average prices per share for the ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Employee stock purchase plan offering, expense recognition period, months Employee Stock Purchase Plan Offering Expense Recognition Period In Months Employee Stock Purchase Plan Offering Expense Recognition Period In Months Employee stock purchase plan, fair value per share (in dollars per share) Purchase Shares Fair Value Price Per Share ESPP Purchase Shares Fair Value Price Per Share ESPP Employee stock purchase plan, shares remain reserved for future issuance Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Shares Remain Reserved for Future Issuance Employee stock purchase plan, Shares remain reserved for future issuance Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Treasury Lock Treasury Lock [Member] Foreign Currency Items Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Balance as of January 1, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Balance as of December 31, 2014 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Number of Units SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Number of Units Amount of Encumbrances SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Gross amount at which the assets and improvements are carried at the end of the period. Accumulated Depreciation Date of construction Real Estate, Date of Construction Date the property was constructed. Date Acquired Real Estate, Date Acquired Date the property was acquired. Percentage Of Gross Amounts Maximum Percentage Of Gross Amounts Maximum SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation Notes Receivable And Other NonCurrent Assets [Table] Notes Receivable And Other NonCurrent Assets [Table] Notes Receivable And Other Non-Current Assets [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Repayment of Principal [Member] Repayment of Principal [Member] Repayment of Principal [Member] Prepayment Penalty [Member] Prepayment Penalty [Member] Prepayment Penalty [Member] Receivable [Axis] Receivable [Axis] [Axis] Receivable [Axis] Notes Receivable And Other NonCurrent Assets [Line Items] Notes Receivable And Other NonCurrent Assets [Line Items] [Line Items] for Notes Receivable And Other Non-Current Assets [Table] Loans receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Loan interest rate Loan Receivable Interest Rate Interest rate stated in the contractual loan agreement and payable to the Company. Term of the loan, years Term Of Loan Term of the Loan Loan prepayment without penalty, period, years Loan Prepayment Without Penalty, Period, Years Loan Prepayment without Penalty, Period, Years Proceeds from collection of notes receivable Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Interest income Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases Loans receivable, net of discount Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount Number of broadcast towers Number of broadcast towers Number of broadcast towers Commercial rights, annual payment Commercial Rights Payment Amount of the total commercial rights payments made during the annual reporting period. Percentage of the revenues from leasing of towers Percentage Of Revenues From Leasing Of Towers Percentage of the revenues the Company is entitled to from the leasing of towers Capital lease, liability Capital Leases Balance Sheet Liabilities The amount of corresponding capital lease liability initially recorded. Capital lease, asset Capital lease asset and discount on note Aggregate Capital Lease Asset And Discount On Note Aggregate Capital Lease Asset And Discount On Note Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Short-term investments Short-term Investments Acquisition-related contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Interest rate swap agreements Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] AT&T Mobility Atandt Mobility [Member] AT&T Mobility Sprint Nextel Sprint Nextel [Member] Sprint Nextel Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless [Member] Verizon Wireless T-Mobile T-Mobile [Member] T-Mobile [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Expected annual dividend yield Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Other non-current liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Impairment charges and net losses on sales or disposals of long-lived assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Impairment charges Impairment charge, termination of tenant lease Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Losses associated with the sale or disposal of certain non-core towers, other assets and other miscellaneous items Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Beginning balance as of January 1, Asset Retirement Obligation Additions Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Revisions in estimates Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Settlements Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Balance as of December 31, Long-term financing arrangements Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of GTP securitizations Schedule of GTP Securitizations [Table Text Block] Schedule of GTP Securitizations [Table Text Block] Schedule of BR Towers credit facility sublimits Schedule of BR Towers Credit Facility Sublimits [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Schedule of BR Towers Credit Facility Sublimits [Table] Schedule of shareholder loans Schedule of shareholder loans [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Schedule of shareholder loans [Table] Schedule of debt discounts Schedule of Debt Discounts [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Discounts [Table Text Block] Aggregate carrying value of long-term debt, including capital leases Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Future minimum payments under capital leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Future minimum rental receipts under operating lease agreements Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Receipts [Table Text Block] Future minimum rental receipts under operating lease agreements Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding as of January 1, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding as of January 1, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average contractual term, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average contractual term, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average contractual term, vested or expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, vested or expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Preferred Stock Common Stock Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Earnings (Distributions) in Excess of Distributions (Earnings) Retained Earnings [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] BALANCE Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest BALANCE (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Stock based compensation related activity (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation related activity Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of common stock-Stock Purchase Plan (shares) Issuance of common stock—stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of preferred stock (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of preferred stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Treasury stock activity (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock activity Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Contributions from noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Distributions to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Dividends/distributions declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash BALANCE BALANCE (shares) BALANCE Preferred (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Operating revenues Cost of operations Cost Of Operations Cost of operating expense, exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion, selling, general, administrative and development expense, and other operating expense. Operating income Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share) Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share) Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance as of January 1 Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Change in fair value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Foreign currency translation adjustment Contingent Consideration Change F X This element represents total gains or losses for the period (unrealized), arising from liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in foreign currency rates Contingent consideration, other Contingent consideration, other Contingent consideration, other Balance as of December 31 Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Measurement period [Axis] Measurement period [Axis] Measurement period [Axis] Measurement period [Domain] Measurement period [Domain] [Domain] for Measurement period [Axis] First measurement period First measurement period [Member] The Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio effective for the period of the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2014 through the end of the fiscal quarter ending immediately prior to the closing of the Proposed Verizon Transaction Second measurement period Second measurement period [Member] The Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio effective for the period of the first and second fiscal quarters ending on or after the closing of the Proposed Verizon Transaction Third measurement period Third measurement period [Member] The Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio effective for the period of the third and fourth fiscal quarter ending on or after the closing of the Proposed Verizon Transaction Fourth measurement period Fourth measurement period [Member] The Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio effective for the period of the fifth fiscal quarter ending on or after the closing of the Proposed Verizon Transaction and all periods thereafter Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Second portfolio Second portfolio [Member] Second portfolio [Member] Proposed Verizon Transaction Proposed Verizon Transaction [Member] Proposed Verizon Transaction [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Debt amount of principal redemption percentage Debt Amount Of Principal Redemption Percentage Debt Amount Of Principal Redemption Percentage Repayments of Senior Debt Repayments of Senior Debt Number Of Sites Acquired Number Of Sites Acquired Number Of Communications Sites Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Right to lease, weighted average term Right to lease, weighted average term Weighted average period for which the Company has the exclusive right to lease and operate certain sites Termination fee Termination fee Amount of termination fee that would be payable by the Company in the event that the parties have irrevocably committed to consummate the transaction and conditions to close the transaction have been satisfied, but the Company fails to consummate the transaction Customer Lease Initial Term Minimum Customer Lease Initial Term Minimum Customer Lease Initial Term Minimum Future monthly sublease rent per tower Future monthly sublease rent per tower Future monthly sublease rent amount receivable per tower Fixed annual rent escalation percentage Fixed annual rent escalation percentage Fixed annual rent escalation percentage on non-cancellable lease revenue Ratio of total debt to EBITDA Ratio of total debt to EBITDA Ratio of total debt to EBITDA Maximum incremental term loan commitment Maximum incremental term loan commitment Maximum amount of incremental term loan commitments available under the current term loan agreement Maximum revolving loan commitments Maximum revolving loan commitments Maximum amount of revolving loan commitments under the current loan agreement Term Loan, optional additional commitments Term Loan, optional additional commitments Optional additional commitments available under the term loan Line of credit facility, optional additional commitments Line of credit facility, optional additional commitments Line of credit facility, optional additional commitments Bridge Loan Bridge Loan Line of credit facility, amount of increase in borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, amount of increase in borrowing capacity Increase in borrowing capacity on a line of credit facility Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Fair value of consideration transferred Fair Value Of Consideration Transferred [Table Text Block] The fair value of consideration transferred to seller Pro forma information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued Expenses Accrued Liabilities Current [Text Block] The entire disclosure for accrued liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Tax Treatment [Axis] Tax Treatment [Axis] Tax Treatment [Axis] Tax Treatment [Domain] Tax Treatment [Domain] [Domain] for Tax Treatment [Axis] Ordinary Income Ordinary Income [Member] Ordinary Income [Member] Capital Gain Capital Gain [Member] capital gain [Member] Return of Capital Return of Capital [Member] Return of Capital [Member] Distribution Type [Axis] Distribution Type [Axis] Distribution Type [Domain] Distribution Type [Domain] Common Stock Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared, Percentage of Total Preferred Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Preferred Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared, Percentage of Total Common Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Common Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Payroll and related withholdings Accrued Property and Real Estate Taxes Accrued Property and Real Estate Taxes Accrued property and real estate taxes Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued construction costs Construction Payable, Current Accrued rent Accrued Rent, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Balance as of December 31, Accrued Liabilities, Current Schedule of derivative financial instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest rate swap agreements' impact on other comprehensive income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summarized financial information concerning the company's reportable segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of assets from segments to consolidated Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue from external customers attributed to foreign countries by geographic area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of disclosure on geographic areas, long-lived assets Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue by major customers Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Federal, current Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State, current Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign, current Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal, deferred Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State, deferred Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign, deferred Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Prepaid operating ground leases Prepaid Operating Ground Leases Prepaid Operating Ground Leases Prepaid income tax Prepaid Taxes Unbilled receivables Unbilled Receivables, Current Prepaid assets Prepaid Expense, Current Value added tax receivable Value Added Tax Receivable Other miscellaneous current assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Balance as of December 31, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Foreign currency Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increase Decrease Resulting From Foreign Currency Changes Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increase Decrease Resulting From Foreign Currency Changes Reduction as a result of the lapse of statute of limitations and effective settlements (1) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance at December 31 Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Pro forma operating revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro forma net income attributable to American Tower Corporation Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations Estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations Estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations Carrying value of asset retirement obligations Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Income tax expense, restructuring domestic TRS Income Tax Expense Restructuring Domestic TRS Income tax expense resulting from a restructuring of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Excess tax benefit from the exercise of employee stock options Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Employee Stock Options Tax credit carryforward Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the ETR Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Impact of uncertain tax positions, minimum Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound Impact of uncertain tax positions, maximum Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, lapse of applicable statute of limitations Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation expense Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Loss on investments, unrealized foreign currency loss and other non-cash expense Loss (gain) on investments and other non-cash (income) expense Loss (gain) on investments and other non-cash (income) expense Impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets, non-cash restructuring and merger related expenses Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Loss on early retirement of long-term obligations Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Amortization of deferred financing costs, debt discounts and premiums and other non-cash interest Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Provision for losses on accounts receivable Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deferred rent asset Straight Line Rent Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Unearned revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred rent liability Increase Decrease In Deferred Rent Liability Increase/decrease in deferred rent associated with non-cancellable ground leases that contain fixed escalation clauses over the terms of the applicable leases. Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property Held-for-sale Proceeds from sales of short-term investments, available-for-sale securities and other long-term assets Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities And Other Productive Assets The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities. Also includes the cash inflow from the sale of other tangible or intangible assets used to produce goods or deliver services not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Payments for short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Deposits, restricted cash and other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Borrowings under credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from term loan Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from other long-term borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of Securities in Securitization transaction, net Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders, net Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Distributions paid on preferred stock Purchase of preferred stock assumed in acquisition Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Payment for early retirement of long-term obligations Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Deferred financing costs and other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Purchase of noncontrolling interest Payments for Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest Payments for Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest Cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Other (2) Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, ending balance Schedule of fair value Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of contingent consideration changes Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Short Term Credit Facility Short Term Credit Facility [Member] Short Term Credit Facility [Member] Indian Facility Indian Facility [Member] Indian Facility [Member] Richland Notes Richland Notes [Member] Richland Notes [Member] Series 2010-1 Class C Series 2010-1 Class C [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Series 2010-2 Class C Series 2010-2 Class C [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Series 20102 Class F Series 20102 Class F [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Three Point Four Zero and Five Point Zero Percent Senior Notes Three Point Four Zero and Five Point Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] [Member] Three Point Four Zero and Five Point Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] [Member] Reopened Three Point Four Zero Percent Senior Notes Reopened Three Point Four Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Reopened Three Point Four Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] 2014 Colombian Long Term Credit Facility Colombian Credit Facility Colombian Credit Facility [Member] Colombian Credit Facility [Member] Reopened Five Point Zero Percent Reopened Five Point Zero Percent [Member] Reopened Five Point Zero Percent [Member] 2014 Ghana Loan BR Towers Private Debentures BR Towers Private Debentures [Member] BR Towers Private Debentures [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Domain] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Domain] [Domain] for Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Multicurrency Borrowings Multicurrency Borrowings [Member] A loan from a financial institution for multicurrency borrowings. Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Swingline Loan Swingline Loan [Member] A loan that grants institutions access to large amounts of cash in order to cover possible shortfalls from other debt commitments. Additional Commitments Additional Commitments [Member] The ability to borrow from a finanical institution for additional commitments. Number of communications sites Number Of Broadcast And Wireless Communications Towers Number of broadcast and wireless communications towers Number of subsidiaries Number Of Subsidiaries Number Of Subsidiaries Series of securities, number Series Of Securities The number of Series of Securities entered into in the Securitization Weighted average life, years Debt, Weighted Average Life The weighted average life of outstanding debt Weighted average, interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Cash Trap Debt Service Credit Ratio Cash Trap Debt Service Credit Ratio Cash Trap Debt Service Credit Ratio Minimum, DSCR Minimum Debt Service Credit Ratio The maximum debt service credit ratio covenant defined in the credit facility agreement. Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Property interests under communications sites Property Interests Under Communications Sites Number of property interest owned under communications sites Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold For Majority Of Holders In Event Of Default Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold For Majority Of Holders In Event Of Default Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold For Majority Of Holders In Event Of Default Long-term Debt, Fair Value Limit on indebtedness Limit On Indebtedness Limit On Indebtedness Percentage Of Gross Amounts Maximum Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Long-term debt, face value Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Base rate borrowing margin Base Rate Borrowing Margin The current margin over LIBOR that the Company would incur borrowings for the Credit Facility Percentage of debt hedged by interest rate swap agreements Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Derivative, Variable Interest Rate Derivative, Variable Interest Rate Number of bridge loans Number Of Bridge Loans Number Of Bridge Loans Proceeds from the issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Line of credit facility, capacity available Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Annual renewal periods, number Number of Annual Renewal Periods Number of Annual Renewal Periods Debt instrument, length of renewal period Debt instrument, length of renewal period Length of the optional renewal period on long-term debt instrument Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Maximum Adjusted EBITDA Maximum Adjusted EBITDA The maximum times Adjusted EBITDA for liens covenant as defined in the Senior Notes agreement. Repayment of indebtedness under credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Letters of credit, amount outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letter of credit, amount of increase in borrowing capacity Letter of credit, amount of increase in borrowing capacity Amount of increase in letter of credit Number of renewal periods Number of renewal periods Number of renewal periods Repurchase price as a percentage of principal Repurchase Price As Percentage Of Principal Repurchase price as percentage of principal Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligation and notes payable, interest rates, minimum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Rates Ranging Minimum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Rates Ranging Minimum Capital lease obligation and notes payable, interest rate, maximum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Rates Ranging Maximum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Rates Ranging Maximum Capital lease obligation and notes payable, interest maturity, minimum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Mature In Periods Minimum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Mature In Periods Minimum Capital lease obligation and notes payable, maturity, maximum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Mature In Periods Maximum Capital Lease Obligation And Notes Payable Interest Mature In Periods Ranging Approximately Seventy Years Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Equity Option Equity Option [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Shares issuable upon conversion of the stock-based awards and convertible notes Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less amounts representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Prepaid and Other Current Assets Other Current Assets [Text Block] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Tower Tower [Member] Tower [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Buildings and Improvements Building Improvements [Member] Land and Improvements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Towers Towers Asset Balance Gross Towers Asset Balance Gross Equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements Construction-in-progress Construction in Progress, Gross Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Estimated useful lives Selling General Administrative And Development Expense Selling General Administrative And Development Expense [Member] Selling general administrative and development expense Interest Expense Unrealized foreign currency (losses) gains Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Business Nature of Operations Policy [Policy Text Block] Nature of Operations Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates Policy [Policy Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates Policy [Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Functional Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Short-Term Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Rent Asset Deferred Rent Asset [Policy Text Block] Policy on deferred rent asset Notes Receivable and Other Non-Current Assets Notes Receivable and Other Long-Term Assets [Policy Text Block] Notes Receivable and Other Long-Term Assets [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discount and Premium on Notes Discount And Premium On Notes Policy [Policy Text Block] Discount and Premium on Notes Policy Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock Policy [Policy Text Block] Distributions Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Rent Expense Rent Expense Policy [Policy Text Block] Rent Expense Policy [Text Block] Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Litigation Costs Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Operating Expenses Other Operating Expenses Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Operating Expenses Policy [Text Block] Loss on Retirement of Long-Term Obligations Loss on Retirement of Long-Term Obligations Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss on Retirement of Long-Term Obligations Policy [Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share-Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Retirement Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Nonpension Benefits, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Update New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-term prepaid ground rent Prepaid Long Term Operating Ground Leases Prepaid Long Term Operating Ground Leases Notes receivable Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Other miscellaneous assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Balance as of December 31, Other Assets, Noncurrent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument, additional spread on variable rate Debt instrument, additional spread on variable rate Debt instrument, additional spread on variable rate Operating Expense Operating Expense [Member] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment operating expenses Segment Operating Expenses Rental and management and network development expenses Segment gross margin Segment Reporting Segment Gross Profit Segment Reporting Segment Gross Profit Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense Segment selling, general, administration, and development expenses Segment selling, general, administration, and development expenses Segment operating profit Segment Operating Profit Segment operating profit Other selling, general, administrative and development expense Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other expense (principally interest expense and other expense) Other Expenses Capital expenditures Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Securitization 2007 Securitization 2007 [Member] Securitization 2007 [Member] Derivative, Lower Fixed Interest Rate Range Derivative, Lower Fixed Interest Rate Range Derivative, Higher Fixed Interest Rate Range Derivative, Higher Fixed Interest Rate Range Interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Loss on Derivative Derivative, Loss on Derivative Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Amortization period Amortization period Amortization period Business combination year [Axis] Business combination year [Axis] Business combination year [Axis] Business combination year [Domain] Business combination year [Domain] [Domain] for Business combination year [Axis] 2014 acquisitions [Member] 2014 acquisitions [Member] 2014 acquisitions [Member] 2013 Acquisitions [Member] 2013 Acquisitions [Member] 2013 Acquisitions [Member] 2012 Acquisitions [Member] 2012 Acquisitions [Member] 2012 Acquisitions [Member] Airtel Acquisition Airtel Acquisition [Member] Airtel Acquisition [Member] TIM Acquisition TIM Acquisition [Member] TIM Acquisition [Member] Ghana Acquisition Ghana Acquisition [Member] Ghana Acquisition [Member] Colombia Movil Acquisition Colombia Movil Acquisition [Member] Colombia Movil Acquisition [Member] Brazil, Ghana, Mexico, Uganda [Member] Brazil, Ghana, Mexico, Uganda [Member] Brazil, Ghana, Mexico, Uganda [Member] Business combination, pro forma information, revenue of acquiree since acquisition date, actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business combination pro forma information gross margin of acquiree since acquisition date actual Business combination pro forma information gross margin of acquiree since acquisition date actual This element represents the amount of gross margin of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for the reporting period. Business combination, acquisition and merger related expenses Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Number of communications sites acquired Number of property interests acquired Number of property interests acquired Number of property interests acquired under communications sites Additional communications sites to be acquired right to use sites acquired right to use sites acquired right to use property interests acquired right to use property interests acquired right to use property interests acquired Aggregate purchase price Payments for Repurchase of Trust Preferred Securities Payments for Repurchase of Trust Preferred Securities Repayments of Assumed Debt Repayments of Assumed Debt Contingent consideration Maximum number of communications sites to be acquired Number Of Sites To Be Acquired Maximum number of communications sites to be acquired under agreement Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Business Combination, Partial Cash Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Partial Cash Consideration Transferred Amount of total consideration transferred that included cash. Business combination, updated contingent consideration potential cash payment Business Combination, Updated Contingent Consideration Potential Cash Payment Updated fair value, as of the end of period, of potential payments under the contingent consideration arrangement including cash and shares. Additional contingent consideration Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, change in amount of contingent consideration, liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Previous contingent consideration payments Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Actual Cash Payment The amount of previous contingent consideration payments made under the arrangement. Partial payment of aggregate purchase price Partial payment of aggregate purchase price Partial payment of aggregate purchase price Short-term Debt Prepaid and other current assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of accrued expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of quarterly financial information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid and other current assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current assets Assets, Current PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net GOODWILL OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net DEFERRED INCOME TAXES Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent DEFERRED RENT ASSET Deferred Rent Receivables, Net, Noncurrent NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Distributions payable Dividends Payable, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Current portion of long-term obligations Unearned revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Total liabilities Liabilities COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies EQUITY: Preferred stock: $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 5.25% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, 6,000,000 and no shares issued and outstanding, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 399,508,751 and 397,674,350 shares issued; and 396,698,725 and 394,864,324 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Distributions in excess of earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock (2,810,026 shares at cost) Treasury Stock, Value Total American Tower Corporation equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity TOTAL Liabilities and Equity