Statement Of Financial Position Classified (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 229,674	$ 143,077
Restricted cash	50,795	51,866
Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities	3,844	2,028
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	71,271	51,313
Prepaid and other current assets	78,723	61,415
Deferred income taxes	191,623	163,981
Total current assets	625,930	473,680
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	3,128,120	3,022,636
GOODWILL	2,239,420	2,186,233
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	1,532,400	1,566,155
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	225,728	381,428
NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS	643,226	581,533
TOTAL	8,394,824	8,211,665
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	165,957	151,985
Accrued interest	47,270	28,635
Current portion of long-term obligations	7,717	1,837
Unearned revenue	120,057	120,188
Total current liabilities	341,001	302,645
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	4,179,038	4,331,309
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	639,634	583,232
Total liabilities	5,159,673	5,217,186
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock: $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Class A Common Stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 478,505,841 and 468,513,843 shares issued, and 401,059,793 and 396,976,896 shares outstanding, respectively	4,785	4,685
Additional paid-in capital	8,352,944	8,109,224
Accumulated deficit	(2,173,882)	(2,356,127)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(18,420)	(20,031)
Treasury stock (77,446,048 and 71,536,947 shares at cost, respectively)	(2,933,612)	(2,746,429)
Total American Tower Corporation stockholders' equity	3,231,815	2,991,322
Noncontrolling interest	3,336	3,157
Total stockholders' equity	3,235,151	2,994,479
TOTAL	$ 8,394,824	$ 8,211,665

Statement Of Financial Position Classified (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Preferred Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class A Common Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Class A Common Stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Class A Common Stock, shares issued	478,505,841	468,513,843
Class A Common Stock, shares outstanding	401,059,793	396,976,896
Treasury stock, shares	77,446,048	71,536,947

Statement Of Income Alternative (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2008	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2008
REVENUES:
Rental and management	$ 430,525	$ 394,396	$ 1,233,222	$ 1,152,722
Network development services	13,580	14,872	42,919	32,458
Total operating revenues	444,105	409,268	1,276,141	1,185,180
Costs of operations (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Rental and management	101,128	93,696	283,549	272,579
Network development services	7,466	10,161	25,324	18,710
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	105,543	104,389	307,874	301,158
Selling, general, administrative and development expense (including stock-based compensation expense of $12,950, $13,249, $50,124, and $43,111 respectively)	47,865	44,719	155,357	135,412
Other operating expenses	3,026	1,936	8,228	3,308
Total operating expenses	265,028	254,901	780,332	731,167
OPERATING INCOME	179,077	154,367	495,809	454,013
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:
Interest income, TV Azteca, net of interest expense of $372, $372, $1,116 and $1,117, respectively	3,585	3,586	10,669	10,711
Interest income	736	1,017	1,717	2,959
Interest expense	(64,122)	(63,546)	(188,345)	(191,568)
Loss on retirement of long-term obligations	(391)	(959)	(6,385)	(1,195)
Other income (expense)	42	1,059	1,096	(1,045)
Total other expense	(60,150)	(58,843)	(181,248)	(180,138)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND INCOME ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS	118,927	95,524	314,561	273,875
Income tax provision	(51,348)	(34,918)	(139,883)	(120,254)
Income on equity method investments	3	5	20	18
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	67,582	60,611	174,698	153,639
(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT OF $2, $28, $3,174 and $104,966, RESPECTIVELY	(4)	(50)	8,127	108,034
NET INCOME	67,578	60,561	182,825	261,673
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(223)	(95)	(580)	(266)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION	$ 67,355	$ 60,466	$ 182,245	$ 261,407
BASIC:
Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation	$ 0.17	$ 0.15	$ 0.44	$ 0.39
(Loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to American Tower Corporation	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.02	$ 0.27
Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation	$ 0.17	$ 0.15	$ 0.46	$ 0.66
DILUTED:
Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation	$ 0.17	$ 0.15	$ 0.43	$ 0.36
(Loss) income from discontinued operations attributable to American Tower Corporation	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.02	$ 0.26
Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation	$ 0.17	$ 0.15	$ 0.45	$ 0.62
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BASIC	397,315	393,567	397,305	396,187
DILUTED	405,728	416,541	408,303	421,703

Statement Of Income Alternative (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2008	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2008
Selling, general, administrative and development expense, stock-based compensation expense	$ 12,950	$ 13,249	$ 50,124	$ 43,111
Interest income, TV Azteca, interest expense	372	372	1,116	1,117
(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, INCOME TAX BENEFIT	$ 2	$ 28	$ 3,174	$ 104,966

Statement Of Cash Flows Indirect (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2009	Sep. 30, 2008
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 182,825	$ 261,673
Stock-based compensation expense	50,124	43,111
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	307,874	301,158
Deferred income taxes related to discontinued operations	(3,174)	(104,966)
Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations	147,146	112,033
Increase in net deferred rent asset	(8,329)	(16,651)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	4,236	(1,008)
Increase in assets	(49,297)	(15,489)
Increase in liabilities	17,994	6,465
Cash provided by operating activities	649,399	586,326
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities	(182,427)	(165,194)
Payments for acquisitions	(161,175)	(32,633)
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities and other long-term assets	3,550	4,517
Deposits, restricted cash and investments	(4,329)	1,843
Cash used for investing activities	(344,381)	(191,467)
CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of senior debt	300,000	0
Borrowings under credit facilities	0	525,000
Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities and capital leases	(354,644)	(326,929)
Purchases of Class A common stock	(189,670)	(631,901)
Proceeds from stock options, warrants and stock purchase plan	35,987	75,910
Deferred financing costs and other financing activities	(10,128)	(3,827)
Cash used for financing activities	(218,455)	(361,747)
Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	34	0
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	86,597	33,112
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	143,077	33,123
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	229,674	66,235
CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES	32,760	27,442
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST	$ 160,567	$ 168,815

Statement Of Shareholders Equity And Other Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Class A Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Noncontrolling Interest	Total Comprehensive Income(Loss)
BEGINNING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2007	$ 3,025,434	$ 4,527	$ (2,047,818)	$ 7,772,382	$ (3,626)	$ (2,703,373)	$ 3,342
BEGINNING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2007		452,759,969	(53,241,427)
Share based compensation related activity		4,037,294
Share based compensation related activity	118,423	41		118,382
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants		672,540
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants	338	7		331
Issuance of common stock - Stock Purchase Plan		25,723
Issuance of common stock - Stock Purchase Plan	982			982
Treasury stock activity			(15,511,299)
Treasury stock activity	(619,165)		(619,165)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax	2,901				2,901			2,901
Net realized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(76)				(76)			(76)
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(226)				(226)			(226)
Convertible notes exchanged for common stock		3,241,587
Convertible notes exchanged for common stock	53,366	32		53,334
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(421)						(421)
Net income	261,673					261,407	266	261,673
Total comprehensive income								264,272
ENDING BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2008	2,843,229	4,607	(2,666,983)	7,945,411	(1,027)	(2,441,966)	3,187
ENDING BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2008		460,737,113	(68,752,726)
BEGINNING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2008	2,994,479	4,685	(2,746,429)	8,109,224	(20,031)	(2,356,127)	3,157
BEGINNING BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2008		468,513,843	(71,536,947)
Share based compensation related activity		2,004,347
Share based compensation related activity	82,369	20		82,349
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants		32,013
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants	138			138
Issuance of common stock - Stock Purchase Plan		46,639
Issuance of common stock - Stock Purchase Plan	1,007	1		1,006
Treasury stock activity			(5,909,101)
Treasury stock activity	(187,183)		(187,183)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax	2,348				2,348			2,348
Net realized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	89				89			89
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	225				225			225
Convertible notes exchanged for common stock		7,908,999
Convertible notes exchanged for common stock	160,306	79		160,227
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,051)				(1,051)			(1,051)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(401)						(401)
Net income	182,825					182,245	580	182,825
Total comprehensive income								184,436
ENDING BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2009	$ 3,235,151	$ 4,785	$ (2,933,612)	$ 8,352,944	$ (18,420)	$ (2,173,882)	$ 3,336
ENDING BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2009		478,505,841	(77,446,048)

1.Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

1.Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

1.	Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

American Tower Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively, ATC or the Company) is an independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications sites in the United States, Mexico, Brazil and India. The Company’s primary business is the leasing of antenna space on multi-tenant communications sites to wireless service providers and radio and television broadcast companies. The Company also manages rooftop and tower sites for property owners, operates in-building distributed antenna system (DAS) networks, and provides network development services that support its rental and management operations and the addition of new tenants and equipment on its sites.

ATC is a holding company that conducts its operations through its directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries. ATC’s principal United States operating subsidiaries are American Towers, Inc. and SpectraSite Communications, LLC (SpectraSite). ATC conducts its international operations through its subsidiary, American Tower International, Inc., which in turn conducts operations through its various international operating subsidiaries. The Company’s international operations consist primarily of its operations in Mexico, Brazil and also include its recently established operations in India.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, the Company believes that all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations for such periods have been included. Results of interim periods may not be indicative of results for the full year. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued as additional evidence for certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure. Subsequent events have been evaluated up to the date of issuance of these financial statements. (See note 13.) These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) became the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. All guidance contained in the FASB ASC carries an equal level of authority. The FASB ASC supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the FASB ASC is considered nonauthoritative. Beginning with the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, the Company has updated all financial statement disclosure to reference the FASB ASC. The implementation and adoption of the guidance provided by the FASB ASC had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” which was codified in the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC. Among other things, this guidance eliminated the step acquisition model, required that contingent consideration be recognized at the time of acquisition (instead of being recognized when it is probable), disallowed the capitalization of transaction costs, and changed when restructurings related to acquisitions can be recognized. This guidance also established additional disclosure requirements that enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of business combinations. This guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009 and, upon adoption, approximately $1.2 million of transaction costs previously capitalized in notes receivable and other long-term assets was expensed.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,” which was codified in the Consolidations Topic of the FASB ASC. This guidance requires the classification of noncontrolling interest as a separate component of equity and disclosure clearly identifying, and distinguishing between, parent and noncontrolling owner interests. This guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009 and did not materially impact the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position. However, the Company has adjusted its presentation of noncontrolling interests in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-2, which was codified in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC. The issuance of this guidance delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” to January 1, 2009 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis (that is, at least annually). The adoption of the provision of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic of the FASB ASC for non-financial assets and liabilities had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” which was codified in the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC. Among other things, this guidance changes disclosure requirements and requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why entities use derivative financial instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. The Company has included additional disclosures regarding its derivative instruments. (See note 5.) The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” which were codified in the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB ASC. This guidance amended SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting” to require additional disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. This guidance was effective for the Company as of April 1, 2009. Beginning with the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Company has included additional disclosures regarding the fair value of its financial instruments. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events,” which was codified in the Subsequent Events Topic of the FASB ASC. Among other things, this guidance sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should disclose events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date, and the disclosures entities should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This guidance was effective for the Company as of June 30, 2009. Beginning with the Company’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the Company has included additional disclosures regarding its review of subsequent events. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Accounting Standards Updates—In October 2009, the FASB issued an update to the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, which establishes accounting and reporting guidance for arrangements including multiple revenue-generating activities. The update requires companies to allocate the overall consideration to each deliverable under the arrangement using the estimated selling prices in the absence of vendor specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price for deliverables. The update is effective for any contracts entered into, or materially modified by, the Company after January 1, 2011, with early adoption available. The Company is evaluating the impact that this update will have on its condensed consolidated results of operations and financial position.

2.Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

2.Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities

2.	Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities

As of September 30, 2009, short-term investments and available-for-sale securities included Brazilian Treasury securities of approximately $3.4 million, whose original maturities were in excess of three months, and approximately $0.4 million of available-for-sale securities.

- Definition

This item represents the entire disclosure related to Investments in Certain Debt and Equity Securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References+ Details

3.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

3.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

3.	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 are as follows:


Balance as of December 31, 2008	$	2,186,233
Additions		53,789
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation		(602	)

Balance as of September 30, 2009	$	2,239,420

The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following:


	Estimated Useful Lives	September 30, 2009			December 31, 2008
	(years)	(in thousands)
Acquired network location (1)	20	$	1,078,406		$	1,055,313
Acquired customer base	15-20		749,962			737,108
Acquired customer relationships	20		812,062			775,000
Acquired licenses and other intangibles	5-15		21,574			21,574
Economic Rights, TV Azteca	70		30,292			30,292

Total			2,692,296			2,619,287
Less accumulated amortization			(1,204,447	)		(1,103,521	)

Intangible assets, net			1,487,849			1,515,766
Deferred financing costs, net (2)	N/A		44,551			50,389

Other intangible assets, net		$	1,532,400		$	1,566,155

(1)	Acquired network location intangibles are amortized over the shorter of the term of the corresponding ground lease or 20 years, as the Company considers these intangibles to be directly related to the tower assets.

(2)	Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the respective debt instruments to which they relate. This amortization is included in interest expense, rather than in amortization of intangibles.

The Company amortizes these intangibles on a straight-line basis. As of September 30, 2009, the weighted average amortization period of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding the TV Azteca Economic Rights detailed in note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, was approximately 11 years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately $36.2 million and $104.2 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense), respectively.

- Definition

Discloses the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain or loss on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. This element may be used as a single block of text to include the entire intangible asset disclosure including data and tables.

+ References+ Details

4.Financing Transactions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

4.Financing Transactions

4.	Financing Transactions

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan—As of September 30, 2009, the Company had $625.0 million outstanding under its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) and had approximately $4.7 million of undrawn letters of credit outstanding. In March 2008, the Company increased its borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility by adding $325.0 million of term loan commitments (Term Loan). As of September 30, 2009, the Term Loan was fully drawn. The Company continues to maintain the ability to draw down and repay amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility in the ordinary course.

7.25% Senior Notes Offering—On June 10, 2009, the Company completed an institutional private placement of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% senior unsecured notes due 2019 (7.25% Notes). The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $291.6 million, after deducting commissions and expenses. The Company used $210.2 million of the net proceeds to finance the repurchase of its outstanding 7.50% notes due 2012 (7.50% Notes) through a cash tender offer. In addition, the Company used $50.0 million of the net proceeds to repay certain of its outstanding indebtedness incurred under its Revolving Credit Facility.

The 7.25% Notes mature on May 15, 2019, and interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2009, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding May 1 and November 1, respectively. The Company may redeem the 7.25% Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. Interest on the notes will accrue from June 10, 2009 and will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If the Company undergoes a change of control and ratings decline, each as defined in the indenture for the 7.25% Notes, the Company may be required to repurchase all of the 7.25% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and additional interest, if any, to but not including the date of repurchase. The 7.25% Notes rank equally with all of the Company’s other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The indenture contains certain covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to merge, consolidate or sell assets and the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ abilities to incur liens. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that the Company and its subsidiaries may incur liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness, if the aggregate amount of such liens does not exceed 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the indenture.

Tender Offer for and Redemption of 7.50% Senior Notes—During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company repurchased $204.2 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Notes pursuant to a cash tender offer. The Company paid $210.2 million, including approximately $1.7 million in accrued and unpaid interest, to holders of the 7.50% Notes using net proceeds from the institutional private placement of the 7.25% Notes discussed above. On July 20, 2009, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining $20.8 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Notes. In accordance with the redemption provisions and the indenture for the 7.50% Notes, the remaining 7.50% Notes were redeemed at a price equal to 101.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, July 20, 2009, for an aggregate purchase price of $21.5 million. Upon completion of this redemption, none of the 7.50% Notes remained outstanding. The Company recorded a charge of $6.4 million related to amounts paid in excess of carrying value and the write-off of deferred financing fees, which is reflected in loss on retirement of long-term obligations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Redemption of 3.00% Convertible Notes—During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company issued a notice for the redemption of the remaining $162.2 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.00% convertible notes due August 15, 2012 (3.00% Notes). In accordance with the conversion provisions and the indenture for the 3.00% Notes, holders of the 3.00% Notes had the right at any time up to and including, but not after the close of business on August 26, 2009, to convert their 3.00% Notes into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (Common Stock) at a conversion rate of 48.7805 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes. Holders of approximately $162.1 million of the 3.00% Notes converted their notes into an aggregate of 7,908,316 shares of Common Stock prior to redemption. In accordance with the redemption provisions and the indenture for the 3.00% Notes, the remaining 3.00% Notes were redeemed at a price equal to 101.125% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, August 27, 2009, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.1 million. Upon completion of this redemption, none of the 3.00% Notes remained outstanding.

Stock Repurchase Program—During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 5.9 million shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate of $187.2 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to its $1.5 billion stock repurchase program approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in February 2008 (2008 Buyback). Between October 1, 2009 and October 23, 2009, the Company repurchased an additional 0.02 million shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate of $0.8 million, including commissions and fees. As of October 23, 2009, the Company had repurchased a total of 19.9 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $721.3 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2008 Buyback.

Under the 2008 Buyback, the Company is authorized to purchase shares from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices in accordance with securities laws and other legal requirements, and subject to market conditions and other factors. To facilitate repurchases, the Company purchases its Common Stock pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, which allows the Company to repurchase shares during periods when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. In the near term, the Company expects to fund any further repurchases of its Common Stock through a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by operations and borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility. Purchases under the 2008 Buyback are subject to the Company having available cash to fund repurchases.

5.Derivative Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

5.Derivative Financial Instruments

5.	Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed through the use of derivative instruments is interest rate risk. The Company enters into interest rate protection agreements to manage exposure on the variable rate debt under its credit facilities and to manage variability in cash flows relating to forecasted interest payments. Under these agreements, the Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent that a counterparty fails to meet the terms of a contract. The Company’s credit risk exposure is limited to the current value of the contract at the time the counterparty fails to perform. The Company believes its contracts as of September 30, 2009 are with creditworthy institutions.

If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in the results of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in the results of operations. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, changes in fair value are recognized in the results of operations in the period in which the change occurs.

As of September 30, 2009, the Company held fifteen interest rate swap agreements, all of which have been designated as cash flow hedges, and which have an aggregate notional amount of $775.0 million, interest rates ranging from 2.86% to 4.08% and expiration dates through March 2011. The Company utilizes these interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to forecasted interest payments under its Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan. As of September 30, 2009, the carrying amounts of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, along with the estimated fair values of the related liabilities are as follows (in thousands):


	Balance Sheet Location	Notional Amount		Carrying Amount and Fair Value
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements	Other long-term liabilities	$	775,000	$	22,797

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the interest rate swap agreements held by the Company had the following impact on other comprehensive income (OCI) included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and in the condensed consolidated statement of operations:


Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)			Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
$(15,545)	Interest expense	$	(13,197	)	N/A	N/A

In May 2009, the Company entered into a foreign currency exchange contract to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with its acquisition of XCEL Telecom Private Limited (XCEL). (See note 11.) The foreign currency exchange contract was not designated as a hedging instrument and was settled upon the completion of the acquisition of XCEL on May 27, 2009. The settlement resulted in a gain of approximately $1.7 million, which was reflected in other income (expense) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

6.Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

6.Fair Value Measurements

6.	Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic describes the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:


Level 1		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2		Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis—Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2009 consist of the following (in thousands):


	Fair Value Measurements Using					Assets/Liabilities at Fair Value
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Assets/Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets:
Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities (1)	$	3,844				$	3,844
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements (2)			$	22,797		$	22,797

(1)	Consists of available-for-sale securities traded on active markets as well as certain Brazilian Treasury securities that are highly liquid and actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

(2)	Consists of interest rate swap agreements based on the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) swap rate whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements recorded as liabilities is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2009. Fair valuations of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements reflect the value of the instrument including the values associated with counterparty risk and the Company’s own credit standing. The Company includes in the valuation of the derivative instrument the value of the net credit differential between the counterparties to the derivative contract.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis—The Company’s long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company did not record any significant changes to the fair value of these assets as a result of an impairment.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, with the exception of long-term obligations, including current portion, reasonably estimate the related fair values as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its long-term obligations, including current portion, are based primarily upon reported market values. As of September 30, 2009, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including current portion, were $4.2 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including current portion, were $4.3 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.

- Definition

This element represents the disclosure related to the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities which includes [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity. Such assets and liabilities may be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The disclosures which may be required or desired include: (1) for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, disclosure may include: (a) the fair value measurements at the reporting date; (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3); (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (i) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (ii) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); (iii) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs); (d) the amount of the total gains or losses for the period in subparagraph (c) (i) above included in earnings (or changes in net assets) that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (e) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period and (2) for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired assets) disclosure may include, in addition to (a) above: (a) the reasons for the fair value measurements recorded; (b) the same as (b) above; (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs; and (d) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes, if any, in the valuation technique(s) used to measure similar assets and/or liabilities in prior periods.

+ References+ Details

7.Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

7.Income Taxes

7.	Income Taxes

The Company provides for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on the estimated effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Cumulative adjustments to the Company’s estimate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the estimated annual effective rate is determined.

As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $43.3 million and $47.8 million, respectively. The Company expects the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next 12 months if certain tax matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this timeframe, as described in note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The impact of the amount of such changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $1.0 million.

The Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 of $0.4 million and $14.9 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest expense of $1.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets was $14.8 million and $29.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recognized approximately $10.2 million of tax benefits previously considered uncertain as a result of the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations in one of its foreign jurisdictions. In addition, as a result of the findings in the audit described below, the Company reviewed certain deductions and reversed approximately $4.5 million of previously recognized tax benefits which are now considered uncertain.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns, including U.S. federal and state tax returns and foreign tax returns. The Company is subject to examinations in various U.S. state jurisdictions for certain tax years. As a result of the Company’s ability to carry forward federal and state net operating losses, the applicable tax years remain open to examination until three years after the applicable loss carry forwards have been used or expired. The U.S. federal income tax examinations for tax years 2004 and 2005 were concluded during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Upon conclusion of the examinations, the Company recognized additional income tax expense of $13.7 million relating to the disallowance of certain deductions, which is reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

8.Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

8.Stock-Based Compensation

8.	Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 of approximately $13.0 million and $50.1 million, respectively, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 of approximately $13.2 million and $43.1 million, respectively. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes $6.6 million related to the modification of certain stock option awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The Company did not capitalize any non-cash stock-based compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

Stock Options—During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company granted stock options to purchase 1.7 million shares of its Common Stock pursuant to its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (2007 Plan).

The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009:


	Number of Options
Outstanding as of January 1, 2009	13,185,866
Granted	1,672,050
Exercised	(1,803,288	)
Forfeited	(361,603	)

Outstanding as of September 30, 2009	12,693,025

The Company estimates the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2009:


Range of risk-free interest rate		1.41% - 2.04%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate		1.71%
Expected life of option grants		4.00 years
Range of expected volatility of underlying stock price		36.16% - 36.63%
Weighted average expected volatility of underlying stock price		36.23%
Expected annual dividends		N/A

As of September 30, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $39.7 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years. A summary of the weighted average grant date fair value and the fair value of options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is as follows:


Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	8.92
Weighted average fair value of options vested (in millions)	$	40.43

Restricted Stock Units—During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company granted restricted stock units with respect to 1.3 million shares of its Common Stock pursuant to the 2007 Plan.

The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2009:


	Number of Units
Outstanding as of January 1, 2009	1,138,268
Granted	1,294,313
Vested	(285,111	)
Forfeited	(101,613	)

Outstanding as of September 30, 2009	2,045,857

The total fair value of the restricted stock units that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $10.6 million. As of September 30, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Plan was $48.9 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan—The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) for all eligible employees as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The offering periods run from June 1 through November 30 and from December 1 through May 31 of each year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, 46,639 shares were purchased by employees under the ESPP and the fair value of such shares was $5.98.

Key assumptions used to apply the Black-Scholes pricing model for shares purchased through the ESPP during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 are as follows:


		December 2008 Offering
Approximate risk-free interest rate		0.44%
Expected life of shares		6 months
Expected volatility of underlying stock price		35.31%
Expected annual dividends		N/A

9.Earnings per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

9.Earnings per Common Share

9.	Earnings per Common Share

Basic income from continuing operations per common share represents income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income from continuing operations per common share represents income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and any dilutive common share equivalents, including shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants as determined under the treasury stock method and upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes, as determined under the if-converted method.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes of 1.2 million, and shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 7.4 million and 10.4 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excludes shares issuable upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes of 1.2 million, and shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s stock options and share based awards of 6.2 million and 6.1 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth basic and diluted income from continuing operations per common share computational data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
Income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation	$	67,359	$	60,516	$	174,118	$	153,373

Effect of convertible notes		249		22		1,743		120

Income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for diluted earnings	$	67,608	$	60,538	$	175,861	$	153,493

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		397,315		393,567		397,305		396,187
Dilutive securities:
Stock options, warrants and convertible notes		8,413		22,974		10,998		25,516

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		405,728		416,541		408,303		421,703

Basic income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share	$	0.17	$	0.15	$	0.44	$	0.39

Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation per common share	$	0.17	$	0.15	$	0.43	$	0.36

10.Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

10.Commitments and Contingencies

10.

Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and Governmental Proceedings Related to Review of Stock Option Granting Practices and Related Accounting—During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company received a letter of informal inquiry from the SEC Division of Enforcement, a subpoena from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and an Information Document Request from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), each requesting documents and other information related to Company stock option grants and stock option practices. In addition, in August 2007, the Company received a request for information from the Department of Labor (DOL) with respect to the Company’s retirement savings plan, including documents related to Company stock option grants and the Company’s historical stock option administrative practices. The Company has become aware that a former officer of the Company has received and responded to a “Wells” notice from the SEC, which affords such individual the opportunity to make a submission to the SEC with respect to contemplated civil enforcement recommendations against such individual for certain violations of the federal securities laws. In September 2008, the DOL concluded its review and advised the Company that no action would be taken. The reviews being conducted by the SEC, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS remain ongoing, and the Company continues to cooperate on these matters. For more information, see note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Company was subject to a securities class action relating to its historical stock option granting practices and related accounting. On May 26, 2006, a purported securities class action was filed by John S. Greenebaum in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the Company and certain of its current officers for monetary relief. Specifically, the complaint named the Company, James D. Taiclet, Jr. and Bradley E. Singer as defendants and alleged that the defendants violated federal securities laws in connection with public statements made relating to the Company’s stock option practices and related accounting. The complaint asserted claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5. In December 2006, the court appointed the Steamship Trade Association-International Longshoreman’s Association Pension Fund as the lead plaintiff. In March 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint, which included additional current and former officers and directors of the Company as defendants. In December 2007, the Company reached a settlement in principle regarding the securities class action. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court in February 2008, provided for a payment by the Company of $14.0 million and the dismissal of all claims against all defendants in the litigation. The Company paid $250,000 of the settlement amount to an escrow account controlled by the plaintiffs during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. In April 2008, the Company paid the remaining settlement amount of $13.8 million into escrow and received $12.5 million in insurance proceeds. In May 2008, the original plaintiff, Mr. Greenebaum, filed an objection to the settlement. Following a hearing in June 2008, the Court dismissed Mr. Greenebaum’s objection and approved the settlement. In July 2008, Mr. Greenebaum filed an untimely request to opt-out of the settlement class certified by the Court, which the Court denied in August 2008. Mr. Greenebaum filed a notice of appeal of the Court’s final order approving the settlement agreement and of the Court’s decision denying his untimely request to opt out of the settlement class. In December 2008, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum providing for payment by the Company of $5,000, which the Court approved in January 2009. In January 2009, the lead plaintiff also entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Greenebaum. As a result of these settlements, Mr. Greenebaum withdrew his appeals, effectively ending the litigation.

On May 24, 2006 and June 14, 2006, two shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts by Eric Johnston and Robert L. Garber, respectively. The lawsuits were filed against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s historical stock option granting practices. The lawsuits also named the Company as a nominal defendant. The lawsuits sought to recover the damages sustained by the Company and disgorgement of all profits received with respect to the alleged backdated stock options. In October 2006, these two lawsuits were consolidated, and in October 2007, the court dismissed the complaint, without leave to amend, due to the plaintiffs’ failure to make a demand upon the Company’s Board of Directors before initiating their lawsuits. In December 2007, the plaintiffs filed an appeal of that decision to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, and in April 2008, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. In June 2008, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court elected, on its own motion, to hear the appeal, and in April 2009, affirmed the judgment dismissing the complaint without leave to amend due to failure to adequately establish demand futility and dismissed the complaint with prejudice. The plaintiffs’ right to initiate a new claim based on the response to the demand made at the time of dismissal expired in July 2009.

Mexico Litigation—One of the Company’s subsidiaries, SpectraSite Communications, Inc. (SCI), is involved in a lawsuit brought in Mexico against a former Mexican subsidiary of SCI that was sold in 2002, prior to the Company’s merger with SCI’s parent in 2005. The lawsuit concerns a terminated tower construction contract and related agreements with a wireless carrier in Mexico. The primary issue for the Company is whether SCI itself can be found liable to the Mexican carrier. The trial and lower appellate courts initially found that SCI had no such liability in part because Mexican courts do not have full jurisdiction over SCI. These decisions were appealed by the plaintiff, and in July 2008, they were reversed by an intermediate Mexican appellate court. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages of approximately $23.0 million. SCI appealed that ruling to a higher constitutional court in Mexico. In January 2009, the constitutional court ruled in SCI’s favor, remanding the case back to the intermediate appellate court for further proceedings. In March 2009, the intermediate appellate court issued its decision, which reasserts jurisdiction and reimposes liability on SCI. In April 2009, SCI filed an appeal of this decision to the higher constitutional court, as permitted under Mexican law, on the grounds that the decision of the intermediate appellate court is inconsistent with the January 2009 ruling of the higher constitutional court and Mexican law. In August 2009, the plaintiff filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Mexico asking the court to rule on SCI’s appeal to the constitutional court. In September 2009, the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal. As a result, the case remains pending in the constitutional court. As a result, the Company is unable to estimate its share, if any, of potential liability at this stage of the proceedings.

AT&T Transaction—SpectraSite entered into an agreement with SBC Communications Inc., a predecessor entity to AT&T Inc. (AT&T), for the lease or sublease of approximately 2,500 towers from AT&T between December 2000 and August 2004. All of the towers are part of the securitization transaction. The average term of the lease or sublease for all sites at the inception of the agreement was approximately 27 years, assuming renewals or extensions of the underlying ground leases for the sites. SpectraSite has the option to purchase the sites subject to the lease or sublease upon their expiration. Each of the towers is assigned into an annual tranche, ranging from 2013 to 2032, which represents the outside expiration date for the sublease rights to that tower. The purchase price for each site is a fixed amount stated in the sublease for that site plus the fair market value of certain alterations made to the related tower by AT&T. The aggregate purchase option price for the towers leased and subleased was approximately $403.2 million as of September 30, 2009, and will accrete at a rate of 10% per year to the applicable expiration of the lease or sublease of a site. For all such sites purchased by SpectraSite at the expiration of the lease or sublease, AT&T has the right to continue to lease the reserved space for successive one year terms at a rent equal to the lesser of the agreed upon market rate and the then current monthly fee, which is subject to an annual increase based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

ALLTEL Transaction—In December 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with ALLTEL (which completed its merger with Verizon Wireless in January 2009) to acquire communications towers from ALLTEL through a 15-year sublease agreement. Pursuant to the agreement with ALLTEL, as amended, the Company acquired rights to a total of approximately 1,800 towers in tranches between April 2001 and March 2002. The Company has the option to purchase these towers at the expiration of the sublease period, which will occur between April 2016 and March 2017 based on the original closing date for such tranche of towers. The purchase price per tower as of the original closing date was $27,500 and will accrete at a rate of 3% per annum through the expiration of the sublease period. The aggregate purchase option price for the subleased towers was approximately $62.8 million as of September 30, 2009. At ALLTEL’s option, at the expiration of the sublease period, the purchase price will be payable in cash or with 769 shares of the Company’s Common Stock per tower.

Litigation—The Company periodically becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of Company management, after consultation with counsel, other than the legal proceedings discussed above, there are no matters currently pending which would, in the event of an adverse outcome, have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

11.Business Acquisition

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

11.Business Acquisition

11.

Business Acquisition

XCEL Acquisition—On May 27, 2009, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common and preferred stock of XCEL for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $96.0 million, consisting of $98.0 million in cash paid, net of preliminary purchase price adjustments of approximately $2.0 million. XCEL provides shared telecom infrastructure services to telecom operators in India. At closing, XCEL owned approximately 1,660 towers located in fifteen telecom circles in India. Additionally, XCEL had approximately 70 towers in various stages of development. The acquisition of XCEL is consistent with the Company’s strategy to expand in selected international markets.

The acquisition of XCEL has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC. The operating results of the acquired business have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition. The operating results of XCEL for periods prior to the acquisition by the Company were not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations and accordingly, pro forma results of operations have not been presented. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition. The preliminary goodwill of $53.8 million is calculated as the purchase premium after first allocating the purchase price to the fair value of net assets acquired and represents future growth opportunities and established infrastructure that XCEL provides. The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of analyses of the fair value of XCEL’s assets and liabilities and certain tax matters. These analyses include examination of the underlying book and tax records, completion of an appraisal of certain tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and a full assessment of legal and tax contingencies. Certain immaterial adjustments will be made to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed upon completion of updated analyses of the fair value of XCEL’s assets and liabilities.

The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase consideration paid for XCEL and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):


Current assets (1)	$	27,871
Other non-current assets (2)		30,219
Property and equipment		83,523
Intangible assets (3)		38,091
Current liabilities		(23,066	)
Long-term debt		(72,013	)
Other long-term liabilities (2)		(42,372	)

Fair value of net assets acquired	$	42,253

Preliminary goodwill (4)		53,789

(1)	Includes approximately $5.8 million of accounts receivable which approximates the gross value due the Company under certain contractual arrangements.

(2)	Includes contingent amounts of approximately $25.6 million related to tax positions related to the acquisition and a related indemnification asset.

(3)	Consists of customer relationships of approximately $18.3 million and network capacity of approximately $19.8 million. The customer relationships and network capacity are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years.

(4)	No goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated to the Company’s rental and management segment.

Brazil Acquisition—In July 2009, the Company completed its acquisition of 230 communications tower sites and related third party leases located in Brazil for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $51.3 million, which consisted of $50.5 million in cash and the assumption of $0.8 million in liabilities. This acquisition is consistent with the Company’s strategy to expand in selected international markets.

This acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets at the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of analyses of the fair value of the assets acquired.

The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired at the acquisition date (in thousands):


Property and equipment	$	32,015
Intangible assets (1)		19,260

Fair value of net assets acquired	$	51,275

(1)	Consists of a preliminary estimate of customer relationship intangibles of approximately $19.3 million. The customer relationship intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 20 years.

The Company is obligated to acquire an additional 114 communications tower sites, pending regulatory approvals, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $18.0 million.

U.S. Acquisitions—During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company acquired 88 communications tower sites in the United States from various third parties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $24.0 million, plus $1.7 million of accrued contingent consideration.

12.Business Segments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

12.Business Segments

12.

Business Segments

The Company operates in two business segments: rental and management and network development services. The rental and management segment provides for the leasing and subleasing of antenna space on multi-tenant towers and other properties for a diverse range of customers primarily in the wireless communications and broadcast industries. The network development services segment provides third party services that are complementary to the Company’s rental and management operations and that facilitate the addition of new tenants and equipment on the Company’s towers, including site acquisition, zoning, permitting, construction management and structural analysis.

The accounting policies applied in compiling segment information below are similar to those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. In evaluating financial performance, management focuses on segment gross margin and segment operating profit. The Company defines segment gross margin as segment revenue less segment operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion; selling, general, administrative and development expense; and other operating expenses. The Company defines segment operating profit as segment gross margin less selling, general, administrative and development expense attributable to the segment, excluding stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses. For reporting purposes, the rental and management segment operating profit and segment gross margin also include interest income, TV Azteca, net. These measures of segment gross margin and segment operating profit are also before interest income, interest expense, loss on retirement of long-term obligations, other (expense) income, noncontrolling interest in net earnings of subsidiaries, income on equity method investments, income taxes and discontinued operations.

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different resources, skill sets and marketing strategies. Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is shown in the table below. The Other column below represents amounts excluded from specific segments, such as stock-based compensation expense and corporate expenses included in selling, general, administrative and development expense; other operating expenses; interest income; interest expense; loss on retirement of long-term obligations; and other (expense) income, as well as reconciles segment operating profit to income before income taxes and income on equity method investments.


Three months ended September 30,	Rental and Management		Network Development Services		Other		Total
	(in thousands)
2009
Segment revenues	$	430,525	$	13,580			$	444,105
Segment operating expenses		101,128		7,466				108,594
Interest income, TV Azteca, net		3,585						3,585

Segment gross margin		332,982		6,114				339,096

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses		22,267		1,436				23,703

Segment operating profit	$	310,715	$	4,678				315,393

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense					$	24,162		24,162
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	$	102,964	$	653		1,926		105,543
Other expenses (principally interest expense)						66,761		66,761

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments							$	118,927


Three months ended September 30,	Rental and Management		Network Development Services		Other		Total
	(in thousands)
2008
Segment revenues	$	394,396	$	14,872			$	409,268
Segment operating expenses		93,696		10,161				103,857
Interest income, TV Azteca, net		3,586						3,586

Segment gross margin		304,286		4,711				308,997

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses		17,514		869				18,383

Segment operating profit	$	286,772	$	3,842				290,614

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense					$	26,336		26,336
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	$	101,927	$	655		1,807		104,389
Other expenses (principally interest expense)						64,365		64,365

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments							$	95,524


Nine months ended September 30,	Rental and Management		Network Development Services		Other		Total
	(in thousands)
2009
Segment revenues	$	1,233,222	$	42,919			$	1,276,141
Segment operating expenses		283,549		25,324				308,873
Interest income, TV Azteca, net		10,669						10,669

Segment gross margin		960,342		17,595				977,937

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses		63,500		4,383				67,883

Segment operating profit	$	896,842	$	13,212				910,054

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense					$	87,474		87,474
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	$	300,312	$	2,010		5,552		307,874
Other expenses (principally interest expense)						200,145		200,145

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments							$	314,561


Nine months ended September 30,	Rental and Management		Network Development Services		Other		Total
	(in thousands)
2008
Segment revenues	$	1,152,722	$	32,458			$	1,185,180
Segment operating expenses		272,579		18,710				291,289
Interest income, TV Azteca, net		10,711						10,711

Segment gross margin		890,854		13,748				904,602

Segment selling, general, administrative and development expenses		49,991		3,060				53,051

Segment operating profit	$	840,863	$	10,688				851,551

Other selling, general, administrative and development expense					$	82,361		82,361
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	$	294,074	$	1,846		5,238		301,158
Other expenses (principally interest expense)						194,157		194,157

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income on equity method investments							$	273,875

13.Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2009

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

13.Subsequent Events

13.

Subsequent Events

4.625% Senior Notes Offering—On October 20, 2009, the Company completed an institutional private placement of $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.625% senior notes due 2015 (4.625% Notes). The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $594.1 million, after deducting commissions and expenses. The Company will use $508.9 million of the net proceeds to finance the redemption of its outstanding 7.125% senior notes due 2012 (7.125% Notes), which is set for November 13, 2009. The remainder of the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

The 4.625% Notes will mature on April 1, 2015, and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2010, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding March 15 and September 15, respectively. The Company may redeem the 4.625% Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a make-whole premium, together with accrued interest to the redemption date. Interest on the notes will accrue from October 20, 2009 and will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If the Company undergoes a change of control and ratings decline, each as defined in the indenture for the 4.625% Notes, the Company may be required to repurchase all of the 4.625% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and additional interest, if any, to but not including the date of repurchase. The 4.625% Notes rank equally with all of the Company’s other senior unsecured debt and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The indenture contains certain covenants that limit the Company’s ability to merge, consolidate or sell assets and the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ abilities to incur liens. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, including that the Company and its subsidiaries may incur certain liens on assets, mortgages or other liens securing indebtedness, if the aggregate amount of such liens shall not exceed 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the indenture.

7.125% Senior Notes—On October 14, 2009, the Company issued a notice for the redemption of the principal amount of its outstanding 7.125% Notes. In accordance with the redemption provisions and the indenture for the 7.125% Notes, the 7.125% Notes will be redeemed at a price equal to 101.781% of the principal amount. In addition, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the redeemed notes up to, but excluding, the redemption date, which is set for November 13, 2009.

Asia Acquisition—On October 28, 2009, the Company completed the acquisition of Insight Infrastructure Pte. Ltd, and its principal operating subsidiary Transcend Infrastructure Limited (Insight). At closing, Insight owned 326 towers, which are located in a number of telecom circles in India. Additionally, Insight had approximately 40 towers in various stages of development that the Company plans to complete over the next several months. The total consideration for the acquisition is expected to be approximately $20.0 million, which is subject to certain post-closing adjustments, and includes the assumption of certain liabilities by the Company. The Company used its existing cash and cash equivalents to satisfy the cash requirements at closing.

Document Information	9 Months Ended
Document Information	Sep. 30, 2009
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2009

Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2009	Oct. 23, 2009
Trading Symbol	AMT
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/
Entity Central Index Key	0001053507
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		401,452,260