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Document and Entity Information
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9 Months Ended | |
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Sep. 30, 2011
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Oct. 21, 2011
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| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2011 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2011 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| 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 | 393,025,145 |
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- Definition
If the value is true, then the document as an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document. No definition available.
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- Definition
End date of current fiscal year in the format --MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal period of the document report. For a first quarter 2006 quarterly report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, the first fiscal quarter should be given as the fiscal period focus. Values: FY, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, H1, H2, M9, T1, T2, T3, M8, CY. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal year of the document report in CCYY format. For a 2006 annual report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, fiscal 2006 should be given as the fiscal year focus. Example: 2006. No definition available.
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- Definition
The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements this will be the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, N-1A, etc). The document type should be limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type. The acceptable values are as follows: S-1, S-3, S-4, S-11, F-1, F-3, F-4, F-9, F-10, 6-K, 8-K, 10, 10-K, 10-Q, 20-F, 40-F, N-1A, 485BPOS, NCSR, N-Q, and Other. No definition available.
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- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Indicate number of shares outstanding of each of registrant's classes of common stock, as of latest practicable date. Where multiple classes exist define each class by adding class of stock items such as Common Class A [Member], Common Class B [Member] onto the Instrument [Domain] of the Entity Listings, Instrument No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate whether the registrant is one of the following: (1) Large Accelerated Filer, (2) Accelerated Filer, (3) Non-accelerated Filer, or (4) Smaller Reporting Company. Definitions of these categories are stated in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
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- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
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Sep. 30, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2010
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| CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 177,506 | $ 883,963 | ||||||
| Restricted cash | 50,221 | 75,972 | ||||||
| Short-term investments and available-for-sale securities | 4,726 | [1] | 46,428 | [1] | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 100,063 | 81,479 | ||||||
| Prepaid and other current assets | 228,590 | 145,599 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 252,699 | 174,788 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 813,805 | 1,408,229 | ||||||
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net | 4,125,887 | 3,685,105 | ||||||
| GOODWILL | 2,673,631 | 2,514,539 | ||||||
| OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net | 2,208,387 | 1,880,466 | [2] | |||||
| DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 177,423 | 93,300 | ||||||
| DEFERRED RENT ASSET | 560,121 | 470,637 | ||||||
| NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS | 336,082 | 317,808 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 10,895,336 | 10,370,084 | ||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 352,781 | 289,809 | ||||||
| Accrued interest | 61,536 | 40,621 | ||||||
| Current portion of long-term obligations | 861,160 | 74,896 | ||||||
| Unearned revenue | 95,851 | 134,135 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,371,328 | 539,461 | ||||||
| LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS | 4,970,502 | 5,512,492 | ||||||
| ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION | 400,216 | 341,838 | ||||||
| OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | 805,649 | 471,735 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 7,547,695 | 6,865,526 | ||||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock | ||||||||
| Class A common stock | 4,884 | 4,860 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 8,665,807 | 8,577,093 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (1,545,244) | (1,736,596) | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | (87,070) | 38,053 | ||||||
| Treasury stock | (3,775,087) | (3,381,966) | ||||||
| Total American Tower Corporation stockholders' equity | 3,263,290 | 3,501,444 | ||||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 84,351 | 3,114 | ||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 3,347,641 | 3,504,558 | ||||||
| TOTAL | $ 10,895,336 | $ 10,370,084 | ||||||
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- Definition
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Excess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of APIC associated with common AND preferred stock. For APIC associated with only common stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Common Stock. For APIC associated with only preferred stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Preferred Stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The carrying amount of a liability for an asset retirement obligation. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. This caption alerts the reader that one or more notes to the financial statements disclose pertinent information about the entity's commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Dollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which are due within one year (or one business cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cumulative difference between the rental payments required by a lease agreement and the rental income or expense recognized on a straight-line basis, or other systematic and rational basis more representative of the time pattern in which use or benefit is granted or derived from the leased property, expected to be recognized in income or expense over the term of the leased property, by the lessor or lessee, respectively. Such receivable should be reduced by allowances attributable to, for instance, credit risk associated with a lessee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward should be presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future. No definition available.
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- Definition
Total of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Dollar value of issued nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable preferred shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Investments which are intended to be sold in the short term (usually less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) including trading securities, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, and other short-term investments not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Value of common and preferred shares of an entity that were issued, repurchased by the entity, and are held in its treasury. Treasury stock is issued but is not outstanding. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Note that treasury stock may be recorded at its total cost or separately as par (or stated) value and additional paid in capital. Note: number of treasury shares concept is in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)
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Sep. 30, 2011
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Dec. 31, 2010
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| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||
| 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 | 488,433,889 | 486,056,952 |
| Class A common stock, shares outstanding | 393,467,211 | 398,677,234 |
| Treasury stock, shares | 94,966,678 | 87,379,718 |
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- Definition
Face amount or stated value of common stock per share; generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total number of shares of common stock held by shareholders. May be all or portion of the number of common shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the common shareholders. Excludes common shares repurchased by the entity and held as Treasury shares. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury. Does not include common shares that have been repurchased. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Face amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) issued to shareholders (includes related preferred shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). May be all or portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. Excludes preferred shares that are classified as debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Aggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Other interest income No definition available.
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- Definition
Total costs related to services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. No definition available.
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- Details
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- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Costs incurred and are directly related to generating revenues from leased and rented property or equipment. No definition available.
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- Definition
The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of income (loss) from continuing operations available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of income (loss) from disposition of discontinued operations, net of related tax effect, per each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of related tax effect, per each diluted share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Such amount typically reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements, including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of income (expense) from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of other operating cost and expense items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net amount of other nonoperating income and expense, which does not qualify for separate disclosure on the income statement under materiality guidelines. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue during the period from services rendered in the normal course of business, after deducting allowances and discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS, determined based on the timing of issuance of shares in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of [basic] shares, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares and other shares not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
Sep. 30, 2010
|
|
| Stock-based compensation expense | $ 12,140 | $ 13,353 | $ 36,185 | $ 40,146 |
| Interest income, TV Azteca, interest expense | 458 | 371 | 1,186 | 1,115 |
| Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Income Tax Provision (Benefit) | 0 | 0 | 0 | (19) |
| Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized | (145,144) | 8,933 | (101,505) | 5,531 |
|
Rental And Management [Member]
|
||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 853 | 0 | 853 | 0 |
|
Network Development Services [Member]
|
||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 910 | 0 | 910 | 0 |
|
Selling General Administrative And Development Expense [Member]
|
||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | $ 10,377 | $ 34,422 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Other interest expense. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tax effect allocated to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes. Includes the tax effects of the following: income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains and losses on transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations. (Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting entity's financial statements. For certain entities, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.) Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Increase/decrease in deferred rent associated with non-cancellable tenant leases that contain fixed escalation clauses over the terms of the applicable leases. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
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. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Transactions that do not result in cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase during the period in capital lease obligations due to entering into new capital leases. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net change during the reporting period in other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net change during the reporting period in other operating obligations not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. This may include cash restricted for regulatory purposes. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed; includes amount of interest capitalized Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for securities or other assets acquired with excess cash, having ready marketability, which qualify for treatment as an investing activity based on management's intention and intended by management to be liquidated, if necessary, within the current operating cycle. Includes cash flows from securities classified as trading securities that were acquired for reasons other than sale in the short-term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from a borrowing with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from the issuance of common, preferred, and treasury stocks, stock options, and such forth. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity that is collateralized (backed by pledge, mortgage or other lien in the entity's assets). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from other borrowing not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net cash inflow (outflow) from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with security instrument that either represents a creditor or an ownership relationship with the holder of the investment security with a maturity of beyond one year or normal operating cycle, if longer. The nature of such security interests included herein may consist of debt securities, long-term capital lease obligations, and capital securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Minority interest increase from contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Warrant Exercised No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Warrants Exercised No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain or loss, net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain or loss at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued during the period as a result of an employee stock purchase plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate change in value for stock issued during the period as a result of employee stock purchase plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies
|
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
|
| Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Description of Business Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies | 1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies American Tower Corporation is, through its various subsidiaries (collectively, “ATC” or the “Company”), an independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications sites in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Peru and South Africa. 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 and outdoor distributed antenna system (“DAS”) networks and provides network development services that primarily 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 and its joint ventures. ATC's principal domestic operating subsidiaries are American Towers LLC (“ATI”) 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 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. Subsequent events have been evaluated up to the date of issuance of these financial statements. 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, 2010.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation—The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and those subsidiaries and joint ventures in which it has a controlling interest. Investments in entities that the Company does not control are accounted for using the equity or cost method, depending upon the Company's ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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. 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.
Changes in Presentation—Changes have been made to the presentation of gross purchases and sales of short-term investments within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Concentrations of Credit Risk—The Company is subject to concentrations of credit risk related to its cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable, trade receivables and deferred rent asset. The Company mitigates its risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents by maintaining its deposits and contracts at high quality financial institutions and monitoring the credit ratings of those institutions.
The Company derives the largest portion of its revenues, corresponding trade receivables and the related deferred rent asset from a small number of customers in the telecommunications industry. Approximately 53% of its revenues are derived from four customers. In addition, the Company has concentrations of credit risk in certain geographic areas.
The Company mitigates its concentrations of credit risk with respect to notes and trade receivables and the related deferred rent asset by actively monitoring the credit worthiness of its borrowers and customers. In recognizing customer revenue, the Company must assess the collectability of both the amounts billed and the amounts recognized on a straight-line basis. This assessment takes customer credit risk and business and industry conditions into consideration to ultimately determine the collectability of the amounts billed. To the extent the amounts, based on management's estimates, may not be collectable when billed, recognition is deferred until such point as the uncertainty is resolved. Any amounts which were previously recognized as revenue and subsequently determined to be uncollectible are charged to bad debt expense.
The Company's largest international customer is Iusacell, which is the brand name under which a group of companies controlled by Grupo Iusacell, S.A. de C.V. (“Grupo Iusacell”) operates. Iusacell represented approximately 4% of the Company's total revenue for nine months ended September 30, 2011. Grupo Iusacell has been engaged in a refinancing of a majority of its U.S. Dollar denominated debt, and in connection with this, two of the legal entities of the group, including Grupo Iusacell, voluntarily filed for a pre-packaged Concurso Mercantil (a process substantially equivalent to Chapter 11 of U.S. Bankruptcy Law) with the backing of a majority of their financial creditors in December 2010 and subsequently concluded the process in April 2011 after a Mexican court ruled in favor of the refinancing plan presented by the two legal entities. As of September 30, 2011, Iusacell notes receivable, net, and related assets (which include financing lease commitments and a deferred rent asset that are primarily long-term in nature) were $17.4 million and $56.3 million, respectively.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards— In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance which establishes accounting and reporting guidance for arrangements including multiple revenue-generating activities. This guidance 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. This guidance was effective for any contracts entered into, or materially modified by the Company on or after January 1, 2011 and did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.
Accounting Standards Updates—In May 2011, the FASB amended its guidance related to fair value measurement and disclosure. This guidance clarifies existing measurement and disclosure requirements and results in greater consistency between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance will be effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The implementation of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.
In June 2011, the FASB issued amendments to disclosure requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance, effective retrospectively for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is permitted), requires presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The implementation of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance on testing goodwill for impairment that will become effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is permitted). Under the new guidance, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit is less than its fair value, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The implementation of this guidance will have no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Accounting Policies No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities
|
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2011
|
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| Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities | |
| Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities | 2. Short-Term Investments and Available-For-Sale Securities As of September 30, 2011, short-term investments included investments with original maturities of three months or more of $4.7 million and available-for-sale securities of less than $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2010, short-term investments included investments with original maturities of three months or more of $46.2 million and available-for-sale securities of $0.2 million. |
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- 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). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| 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, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
The Company amortizes these intangibles on a straight-line basis. As of September 30, 2011, the remaining weighted average amortization period of the Company's intangible assets, excluding the TV Azteca Economic Rights detailed in note 3 to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, was approximately 12 years. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $43.3 million and $131.2 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense), respectively. Amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $39.1 million and $114.6 million (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs, which is included in interest expense), respectively. Based on the current estimated useful lives, the Company expects to record amortization expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs) as follows over the next five years (in thousands):
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- 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. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Financing Transactions
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9 Months Ended |
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| Financing Transactions [Abstract] | |
| Financing Transactions | 4. Financing Transactions
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan—As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $375.0 million outstanding under its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and had approximately $3.0 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, 2011, 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. In October 2011, the Company repaid $100.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility has a term of five years and, along with the Term Loan, matures on June 8, 2012.
Supplemental Credit Facility—On April 8, 2011, the Company entered into a new unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Supplemental Credit Facility”) that allowed the Company to borrow $860.0 million and on June 16, 2011, the Company received additional commitments of $140.0 million. As a result, as of September 30, 2011, the Supplemental Credit Facility allows the Company to borrow up to $1.0 billion.
The Supplemental Credit Facility has a term of five years and matures on April 8, 2016. Any outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest will be due and payable in full at maturity. The Supplemental Credit Facility does not require amortization of principal and may be paid prior to maturity in whole or in part at the Company's option without penalty or premium.
The Company has the option of choosing either a defined base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as the applicable base rate for borrowings under the Supplemental Credit Facility. The interest rate ranges between 1.350% to 2.600% above the LIBOR rate for LIBOR based borrowings or between 0.350% to 1.600% above the defined base rate for base rate borrowings, in each case based upon the Company's debt ratings. A quarterly commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the Supplemental Credit Facility is required, ranging from 0.250% to 0.550% per annum, based upon the Company's debt ratings. The current margin over LIBOR that the Company would incur on borrowings is 1.850% and the current commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the Supplemental Credit Facility is 0.350%.
The loan agreement contains certain reporting, information, financial ratios and operating covenants and other restrictions (including limitations on additional debt, guaranties, sales of assets and liens) with which the Company must comply. Any failure to comply with the financial and operating covenants of the loan agreement would not only prevent the Company from being able to borrow additional funds, but would constitute a default, which could result in, among other things, the amounts outstanding, including all accrued interest and unpaid fees, becoming immediately due and payable.
As of September 30, 2011, the Company had not drawn on the Supplemental Credit Facility.
Colombian Short-Term Credit Facility—In connection with the purchase of the exclusive use rights for towers from Telefónica S.A.'s Colombian subsidiary, Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P. (“Coltel”), the Company entered into a 72.8 billion Colombian Peso-denominated revolving credit facility on September 3, 2010. On November 24, 2010, the Company increased the credit facility by 66.3 billion Colombian Pesos. On July 25, 2011, the Company refinanced this credit facility with a new 141.1 billion Colombian Peso-denominated short-term credit facility. As of September 30, 2011, 141.1 billion Colombian Pesos (approximately $73.1 million) were outstanding under this facility. In October 2011, the maturity date of this facility was extended to December 25, 2011.
South African Bridge Loan—In connection with the acquisition of 959 communications sites from Cell C (Pty) Limited (“Cell C”), the Company entered into a 695.4 million South African Rand-denominated bridge loan (“Bridge Loan”) on March 2, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, 695.4 million South African Rand (approximately $85.9 million) was outstanding under the Bridge Loan. In October 2011, the maturity date of the Bridge Loan was extended to November 25, 2011.
Ghana Loan—In connection with the establishment of the Company's joint venture with MTN Group Limited (“MTN Group”) and the acquisitions of communications sites in Ghana, Ghana Tower Interco B.V., a 51% owned subsidiary of the Company, executed a U.S. Dollar-denominated shareholder loan agreement (“Ghana Loan”), as the borrower, with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“ATC Subsidiary”) and Mobile Telephone Networks (Netherlands) B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of MTN Group (“MTN Subsidiary”), as the lenders. Pursuant to the terms of the Ghana Loan, loans were made to the joint venture in connection with the acquisition of 400 communications sites on May 6, 2011 and 770 communications sites on August 11, 2011. The Ghana Loan accrues interest at 9.0% and matures on May 4, 2016. The portion of the loans made by the ATC Subsidiary is eliminated in consolidation and the portion of the loans made by the MTN Subsidiary is reported as outstanding debt of the Company. As of September 30, 2011, an aggregate of $80.8 million was payable to the MTN Subsidiary. Stock Repurchase Programs—During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company continued to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock (“Common Stock”) pursuant to its publicly announced stock repurchase programs. In July 2011, the Company ceased making repurchases under the $1.5 billion stock repurchase program originally announced in February 2008 (“2008 Buyback”). In March 2011, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to an additional $1.5 billion of Common Stock (“2011 Buyback”) During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased 7.6 million shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate of $393.1 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2008 Buyback and 2011 Buyback. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had repurchased 34.5 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $1,411.6 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2008 Buyback, and repurchased 2.9 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $150.4 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. Between October 1, 2011 and October 21, 2011, the Company repurchased an additional 0.5 million shares of Common Stock for an aggregate of $26.5 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. As of October 21, 2011, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 3.4 million shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate of $176.9 million, including commissions and fees, pursuant to the 2011 Buyback. Under each program, 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 makes purchases pursuant to trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 credit facilities. Purchases under each program are subject to the Company having available cash to fund repurchases. |
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- Definition
Information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Derivative Financial Instruments
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| 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. From time to time, 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.
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. All of the Company's interest rate swap agreements expired in March 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the carrying amounts of the Company's derivative financial instruments, along with the estimated fair values of the related liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, 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 (in thousands):
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- Definition
This element can be used to disclose the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities disclosure as a single block of text. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Fair Value Measurements
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements | 6. Fair Value Measurements The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Below are the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments, including money market funds, with original maturities of three months or less whose fair value equaled cost at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As of September 30, 2011, there were no interest rate swap agreements outstanding. As of December 31, 2010, 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. 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.
Acquisition-related contingent consideration is initially measured and recorded at fair value as an element of consideration paid in connection with an acquisition with subsequent adjustments recognized in other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company determines the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration, and any subsequent changes in fair value, using a discounted probability-weighted approach, as determined using Level 3 inputs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the fair value of the contingent consideration increased as a result of additions of $2.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, and changes in fair value of $1.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by payments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $0.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis—During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $3.8 billion were written down to their net realizable value, resulting in an asset impairment charge of $0.4 million. These adjustments were determined by comparing the estimated proceeds from sale of assets or the projected future discounted cash flows to be provided from the long-lived assets (calculated using Level 3 inputs) to the asset's carrying value. 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 approximate the related fair values as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 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, 2011, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including current portion, were $5.8 billion and $6.0 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, the carrying value and fair value of long-term obligations, including current portion, were $5.6 billion and $5.8 billion, respectively. |
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This item represents the complete disclosure regarding the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the Company is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risk is are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Income Taxes
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| 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, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $45.9 million and $33.0 million, respectively. The increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is primarily attributable to uncertain tax positions assumed in connection with the Company's acquisition in Brazil on March 1, 2011. 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, 2010. The impact of the amount of such changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $6.0 million.
The Company recorded penalties and tax-related interest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 of $0.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets was $26.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively. |
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Description containing the entire income tax disclosure. Examples include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure including data and tables. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Stock-Based Compensation
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| Stock-Based Compensation | 8. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $12.1 million and $36.2 million, respectively, and stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 of approximately $13.4 million and $40.1 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes $3.0 million related to the modification of the vesting and exercise terms for certain employees' equity awards. The Company capitalized $2.4 million of stock-based compensation expense as property and equipment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and did not capitalize any stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.
Stock Options—The following table summarizes the Company's option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:
The Company estimates the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2011:
The weighted average grant date fair value per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $17.19. As of September 30, 2011, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $30.0 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years. Restricted Stock Units—The following table summarizes the Company's restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2011:
As of September 30, 2011, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units was $71.4 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan—The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) for all eligible employees as described in note 12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. 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, 2011, employees purchased 43,485 shares under the ESPP and the fair value of such shares was $11.88.
Key assumptions used to apply the Black-Scholes pricing model for shares purchased through the ESPP during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are as follows:
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Disclosure of compensation-related costs for share-based compensation which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of stock compensation, incentive distributions, share-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Earnings per Common Share
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| Earnings Per Common Share | 9. (Loss) Earnings per Common Share Basic (loss) income from continuing operations per common share represents (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted (loss) income from continuing operations per common share represents (loss) 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, share based awards 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. Dilutive common share equivalents also include the dilutive impact of the ALLTEL transaction (see note 10).
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, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share data):
For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company assumed common stock equivalents to be anti-dilutive, as income from continuing operations attributable to American Tower Corporation was in a loss position. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded shares issuable upon exercise of the Company's stock options and share based awards of 0.9 million, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded shares issuable upon exercise of the Company's stock options and share based awards of 1.5 million and 1.7 million, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding excluded 0.2 million shares issuable upon conversion of the Company's convertible notes, which were repaid in 2010. |
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Commitments and Contingencies
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Sep. 30, 2011
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| Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies | 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company periodically becomes involved in various claims, lawsuits and proceedings that are incidental to its business. In the opinion of Company management, after consultation with counsel, other than the legal proceedings discussed below, there are no matters currently pending that would, in the event of an adverse outcome, materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
SEC Subpoena—On June 2, 2011, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC requesting certain documents from 2007 through the date of the subpoena, including in particular documents related to the Company's tax accounting and reporting. While the Company believes this investigation may in part relate to a former employee's complaints received in the past, which the Company previously investigated with the assistance of outside counsel and a forensic accounting firm, finding no material issues, the Company cannot at this time predict the scope or the outcome of this investigation. The Company understands that its independent registered public accounting firm and one of its consultants have also received subpoenas primarily related to the Company's tax accounting and reporting during this period and its investigation into this complaint. The Company is cooperating and intends to continue to cooperate fully with the SEC with respect to its investigation. 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 (the subsidiary of SCI 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 the necessary jurisdiction over SCI. In September 2010, following several decisions by Mexican appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Mexico, and related appeals by both parties, an intermediate appellate court issued a new decision that would, if enforceable, reimpose liability on SCI. In its decision, the intermediate appellate court identified potential damages of approximately $6.7 million, and on October 14, 2010, the Company filed a new constitutional appeal to again dispute the decision. As a result, at this stage of the proceeding, the Company is unable to determine whether the liability imposed on SCI by the September 2010 decision will survive or to estimate its share, if any, of that potential liability if the decision survives the pending appeal. XCEL Litigation—On June 3, 2010, Horse-Shoe Capital (“Horse-Shoe”), a company formed under the laws of the Republic of Mauritius, filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, with respect to Horse-Shoe's sale of XCEL Telecom Private Limited (“XCEL”) to American Tower Mauritius (“AT Mauritius”), the Company's wholly owned subsidiary formed under the laws of the Republic of Mauritius. The complaint named AT Mauritius, ATI and the Company as defendants, and the dispute concerned the timing and amount of distributions to be made by AT Mauritius to Horse-Shoe from a $7.5 million holdback escrow account and a $15.7 million tax escrow account, each established by the transaction agreements at closing. The complaint sought release of the entire holdback escrow account, plus an additional $2.8 million, as well as the release of approximately $12.0 million of the tax escrow account. The complaint also sought punitive damages in excess of $69.0 million. The Company filed an answer to the complaint in August 2010, disputing both the amounts alleged to be owed under the escrow agreements as well as the timing of the escrow distributions. The Company also asserted in its answer that the demand for punitive damages was meritless. The parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment concerning the release of the tax escrow account and, in January 2011, the court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment, finding no obligation for the Company to release the disputed portion of the tax escrow until 2013. In March 2011, Horse-Shoe filed a motion for summary judgment seeking disbursement of $5.3 million of the holdback escrow account that it claimed is undisputed. The court denied Horse-Shoe's motion in May 2011. In August 2011, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Horse-Shoe pursuant to which (i) $7.3 million from the holdback escrow account was distributed to Horse-Shoe and the remainder to the Company; (ii) no funds were distributed from the tax escrow; and (iii) Horse-Shoe released all of its claims against the Company. The case was dismissed in September 2011. Commitments
AT&T Transaction—The Company has 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 Company's 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. The Company has the option to purchase the sites subject to the applicable lease or sublease upon its expiration. Each tower is assigned to 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 $485.2 million as of September 30, 2011, 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 the Company prior to June 30, 2020, AT&T will continue to lease the reserved space at the then-current monthly fee which shall escalate in accordance with the standard master lease agreement for the remainder of AT&T's tenancy. Thereafter, AT&T shall have the right to renew such lease for up to four successive five-year terms. For all such sites purchased by the Company subsequent to June 30, 2020, 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 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 each tower at the expiration of the applicable sublease, which will occur in tranches 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 applicable sublease. The aggregate purchase option price for the subleased towers was approximately $66.6 million as of September 30, 2011. At ALLTEL's option, at the expiration of the sublease, the purchase price would be payable in cash or with 769 shares of the Company's Common Stock per tower. |
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Acquisitions and Other Transactions
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| Acquisitions and Other Transactions | 11. Acquisitions and Other Transactions
Acquisitions
ETIPL Acquisition— On August 6, 2010, the Company's indirectly held, wholly owned Indian subsidiary, Transcend Infrastructure Limited, acquired substantially all the issued and outstanding shares of Essar Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited (“ETIPL”), for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $420.7 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments and retrospectively adjusted the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets at the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
Peru Acquisition— On August 9, 2010, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase towers from Telefónica del Peru S.A.A. As of September 30, 2011, the Company acquired 475 communications sites in various tranches during 2010. The acquisition had a final purchase price, after certain post-closing adjustments, of $87.8 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments and retrospectively adjusted the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets at the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price for the first acquisition completed in August 2010 was finalized during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price for the acquisitions which closed in October, November and December 2010 will be finalized upon completion of the analyses of fair value of the net assets acquired. The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
Chile-VTR Acquisition— On February 1, 2011, the Company acquired 140 communications sites from VTR Banda Ancha (Chile) S.A. and its affiliates, and subsequently purchased 40 communications sites under construction in March 2011 for an aggregate purchase price of $19.9 million. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy to expand in selected international markets.
The acquisition is being accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of the transaction and the analyses of fair value of the net assets acquired and may result in the recognition of goodwill.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):
Chile- Telefónica Acquisition—On June 29, 2010, the Company entered into definitive agreements to purchase towers from Telefónica Chile S.A. and its affiliates. On April 28, 2011, the Company signed an amendment to these agreements and acquired an additional 165 communications sites for an aggregate purchase price of $17.7 million. After certain post-closing adjustments, the purchase price was increased to $19.4 million. The purchase price is subject to additional post-closing adjustments, following completion of the Company's post-closing due diligence of the communications sites acquired. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy to expand in selected international markets.
The acquisition is being accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of the transaction and the analyses of fair value of the net assets acquired and may result in the recognition of goodwill.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition for those communications sites acquired in 2011 (in thousands):
Colombia—Moviles Acquisition—During October 2010, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase towers from Telefónica Moviles Colombia S.A. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company completed the purchase of 500 towers during the year ended December 31, 2010 for an aggregate purchase price of $72.7 million, which was subsequently reduced to $72.0 million, after certain post-closing adjustments. The purchase price is subject to additional post-closing adjustments, following completion of the Company's post-closing due diligence of the communications sites acquired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company made certain purchase accounting measurement period adjustments and retrospectively adjusted the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy to expand in selected international markets. The acquisition is being accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon completion of the transaction and the analyses of fair value of the net assets acquired. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition (in thousands):
South Africa Acquisition—On November 4, 2010, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Cell C to purchase up to approximately 1,400 existing towers, and up to 1,800 additional towers that either are under construction or will be constructed, for an aggregate purchase price of up to approximately $430.0 million. On March 8, 2011, the Company completed the purchase of 959 existing towers through its local South African subsidiary for an aggregate purchase price of $149.1 million, including value added tax, using cash on hand, local financing and funds contributed by South African investors who currently hold an approximate 25% noncontrolling interest in the Company's South African subsidiary. On July 25, 2011, the Company completed the purchase of an additional 329 existing towers from Cell C for approximately $51.5 million, including value added tax, and contingent consideration of $2.1 million. The Company expects to close on the remaining 76 existing towers during 2011, subject to customary closing conditions. The agreement with Cell C requires the Company to make a one-time payment based on the annualized rent for each collocation installed for a specific wireless carrier on the acquired towers occurring within a four year period after the initial closing date. Based on current estimates, the Company estimates the future value of contingent consideration payments required to be made under the agreement to be between zero and $10.4 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration, which had preliminarily been estimated at zero, is estimated to be $6.2 million using a probability-weighted average of the expected outcomes at September 30, 2011. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded $4.1 million of the $6.2 million as other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The acquisition is consistent with the Company's strategy to expand in selected international markets.
The acquisition is being accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price will be finalized upon the final settlement of the purchase price with the sellers and the subsequent completion of analyses of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition (in thousands):
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