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4.400% Senior Notes, Due 2026 [Member] Four point four zero percent senior notes [Member] Proceeds from stock options and employee stock purchase plan Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity EQUITY Equity [Text Block] 4.000% senior notes 4.000% Senior Notes, Due 2025 [Member] Four Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] [Member] [Domain] Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in unearned revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] American Tower Trust I American Tower Trust I [Member] American Tower Trust I Communication Sites Communication Sites [Member] Communication Sites [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Other miscellaneous current assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] 5.800% Senior Notes Due 2028 and 5.900% Senior Notes Due 2033 5.800% Senior Notes Due 2028 And 5.900% Senior Notes Due 2033 [Member] 5.800% Senior Notes Due 2028 And 5.900% Senior Notes Due 2033 Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Reversal of valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Distributions paid on common stock Aggregate Payment Amount on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock 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Phone Number Local Phone Number 4.125% Senior Notes Due 2027 and 4.625% Senior Notes Due 2031 A4125% Senior Notes Due 2027 and 4625% Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member] A4125% Senior Notes Due 2027 and 4625% Senior Notes Due 2031 Foreign currency gains (losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction, before Tax Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Forecast Forecast [Member] American Tower subsidiary Subsidiaries [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Distribution per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY Lease liability Non-current lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text 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Goodwill [Line Items] New operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Successive terms to renew lease Successive Terms To Renew Lease Number of successive terms to renew lease. Number of trust sites assets Number Of Trust Sites Assets Number of Trust Sites Assets [Member] Remainder of 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Remainder of Fiscal Year Schedule of Cash Distributions Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Less amounts representing interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Proceeds from sale of short-term investments and other non-current assets Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities And Other Productive Assets The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities. Also includes the cash inflow from the sale of other tangible or intangible assets used to produce goods or deliver services not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. LEASES Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Net assets acquired Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net 3.600% senior notes 3.600% Senior Notes, Due 2028 [Member] Three Point Six Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Property Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Prepaid assets Prepaid Expense, Current Current portion of operating lease liability Current portion of lease liability Less current portion of lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Current Issuance of common stock-stock purchase plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, 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(Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization 2025 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Fair value of debt related to interest rate swap agreements Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure India Credit Facility India Credit Facility [Member] India Credit Facility Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Services revenue Services Revenue [Member] Services Revenue [Member] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Segment gross margin Gross Profit Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Units vested and released (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Current commitment fee, percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Less current portion of long-term obligations Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Unearned revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Treasury stock (11,004 shares at cost) Treasury Stock, Common, Value Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Europe Property, Europe [Member] Property, Europe Long-term debt Long-Term Debt 1.600% senior notes 1.600% Senior Notes, Due 2026 [Member] 1.600% Senior Notes, Due 2026 Non-lease property revenue Non-Lease Property Revenue [Member] Non-Lease Property Revenue [Member] Selling, general, administrative and development expense Segment selling, general, administrative and development expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax France Subsidiaries Operating In France [Member] Subsidiaries Operating In France Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] 3.375% senior notes 3.375% Senior Notes, Due 2026 [Member] Three Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due October 15, 2026 [Member] 2011 Buyback 2011 Buyback [Member] 2011 Buyback [Member] Expected weighted average recognition period Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Deferred financing costs and other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Maximum Maximum [Member] Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Unrecognized compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Document Type Document Type ATC Europe ATC Europe [Member] ATC Europe [Member] Value added tax and other consumption tax receivables Value Added Tax Receivable Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Treasury stock repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Ownership percentage (as a percent) Ownership Percentage Ownership Percentage Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Data Centers Property, Data Centers [Member] Property, Data Centers 5.500% Senior Notes Due 2028 and 5.650% Senior Notes Due 2033 5.500% Senior Notes Due 2028 And 5.650% Senior Notes Due 2033 [Member] 5.500% Senior Notes Due 2028 And 5.650% Senior Notes Due 2033 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Noncontrolling ownership interest percentage (as a percent) Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Parent Operating lease modifications and reassessments Non-Cash Operating And Financing, Lease Modifications Non-Cash Operating And Financing, Lease Modifications Other non-cash items reflected in statements of operations Other Noncash Income (Expense) 3.700% senior notes 3.700% Senior Notes, Due 2049 [Member] Three Point Seven Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2049 [Member] Remainder of 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Number of optional renewal periods Number Of Annual Renewal Periods Number Of Annual Renewal Periods Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Schedule of Other Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Preferred stock, conversion ratio Preferred Stock, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Issuance of common stock (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues OPERATING EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Forfeited (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Loss on early retirement of long-term obligations Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Accrued property and real estate taxes Accrued Property And Real Estate Taxes Accrued Property And Real Estate Taxes Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party, Type [Domain] ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (as a percent) Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Noncontrolling Owner Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Stock-based compensation related activity Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Distributions payable Dividends Payable, Current Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Retention PSUs Retention PSUs [Member] Retention PSUs Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Statistical 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of earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Debt face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Germany Subsidiaries Operating In Germany [Member] Germany Operations Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Schedule of Changes in Noncontrolling Interests Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Investments in equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] 3.000% senior notes 3.000% Senior Notes, Due 2023 [Member] Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Variable lease costs not included in lease liability Variable Lease, Payment Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expenses Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Balance at beginning of period, common stock (shares) Balance at end of period, common stock (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Dividends Dividends Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Stock offering, value (up to) Sale of Stock, Authorized Amount To Be Sold Sale of Stock, Authorized Amount To Be Sold Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receipts Expected Under Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Other non-current liabilities Asset Acquisition, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Asset Acquisition, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating 2023 Other Acquisitions 2023 Other Acquisitions [Member] 2023 Other Acquisitions Percentage of ownership after transaction Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction 5.250% Senior Notes Due 2028 and 5.550% Senior Notes Due 2033 A5250 Senior Notes Due 2028 and 5550 Senior Notes Due 2033 [Member] A5250 Senior Notes Due 2028 and 5550 Senior Notes Due 2033 Other Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share 2021 Multicurrency Credit Facility In Euros 2021 Multicurrency Credit Facility In Euros [Member] 2021 Multicurrency Credit Facility In Euros Cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS, BASIC Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Number of Options Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Total lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance 5.550% senior notes 5.550% Senior Notes Due 2033 [Member] 5.550% Senior Notes Due 2033 Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] VIL OCDs Debt Securities Total liabilities Liabilities Services Service [Member] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Total consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration 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Senior Long-Term Debt Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Common stock: $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 477,164 and 476,623 shares issued; and 466,160 and 465,619 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032 1.000% senior notes 1.000% Senior Notes, Due 2032 [Member] 1.000% Senior Notes, Due 2032 2023 PSUs 2023 PSUs [Member] 2023 PSUs Series 2023-1A Securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2023-1A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2023-1A Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total current assets Assets, Current Preferred stock Preferred Stock [Member] Other subsidiary debt Other Subsidiary Debt [Member] Other Subsidiary Debt [Member] Joint Venture - Bangladesh Operations Joint Venture - Bangladesh Operations [Member] Joint Venture - Bangladesh Operations Total impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Other income (including foreign currency gains of $238.6, $474.5, $46.9 and $1,111.3, respectively) Other expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Proceeds from issuance of securities in securitization transaction Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Total Long-term obligations Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 0.500% Senior Notes due 2028 0.500% senior notes 0.500% Senior Notes, Due 2028 [Member] 0.500% Senior Notes, Due 2028 Maturity Period [Domain] Maturity Period [Domain] Maturity Period [Domain] Current assets Asset Acquisition, Assets, Current Asset Acquisition, Assets, Current Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] 2028 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five Expired (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] 3.800% senior notes 3.800% Senior Notes, Due 2029 [Member] Three Point Eight Percent Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Schedule of Prepaid and Other Current Assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2023-1R Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2023-1R [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2023-1R Amounts payable to tenants Broker-Dealer, Payable to Customer Cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expenses Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Property Property Revenue [Member] Property Revenue [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] India INDIA Debt securities, unrealized gain (loss) Debt Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Stonepeak Transaction Stonepeak Partnership [Member] Stonepeak Partnership Payments to acquire noncontrolling interest Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Fair value of net assets acquired Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, And Liabilities Assumed, Net Asset Acquisition, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, And Liabilities Assumed, Net Debt interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract] Total American Tower Corporation equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the ETR Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Poland Unit Poland Unit [Member] Poland Unit Other selling, general, administrative and development expense Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment To Be Received, After Year Four Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment To Be Received, After Year Four Goodwill impairment Goodwill impairment Goodwill impairment charges Goodwill, Impairment Loss AT Iberia Cv AT Iberia Cv [Member] AT Iberia C.V Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Fair Value Level of Inputs Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(0.2), $(0.8), $0.0 and $(1.0), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation Spain Subsidiaries Operating In Spain [Member] Subsidiaries Operating In Spain Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] 2.700% senior notes 2.700% Senior Notes, Due 2031 [Member] 2.700% Senior Notes, Due 2031 Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] 5.900% senior notes 5.900% Senior Notes Due 2033 [Member] 5.900% Senior Notes Due 2033 2.750% senior notes 2.750% Senior Notes, Due 2027 [Member] Two Point Seven Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] Other non-current assets Asset Acquisition, Other Assets, Noncurrent Asset Acquisition, Other Assets, Noncurrent Series 2013-2A securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A [Member] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Controlling ownership interest percentage (as a percent) Ownership Interest Percentage Ownership Interest Percentage OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Customer lease, initial term Customer Lease Initial Term Customer Lease Initial Term Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Unrecognized tax benefits, increase due to foreign currency translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] American Tower Corporation Parent Company [Member] Percentage of potential target shares Percentage Of Potential Target Shares Percentage of potential target shares to be earned under Performance Share agreement Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Estimated useful lives (in years) Estimated Useful Lives (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Discount from market price (in percent) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date 2027 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Stock-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Common Stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock Common stock Common Stock [Member] Income tax refunds Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds CDPQ & Allianz Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec And Allianz Capital Partners [Member] Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec And Allianz Capital Partners City Area Code City Area Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Unrecognized tax benefits, decrease due to statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Total equity Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Operating lease, term of contract Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract 2007 Plan 2007 Plan [Member] Two Thousand Seven Plan [Member] 5.500% senior notes 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2028 [Member] 5.500% Senior Notes, Due 2028 2021 Term Loan Term Loan 2021 [Member] Term Loan 2019 [Member] Penalties and income tax-related interest expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Minimum Minimum [Member] WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (in thousands): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Schedule of Option Activity Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] ATC Poland ATC Poland [Member] ATC Poland Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Leased assets, number of communication sites Leased Assets, Number Of Units Leased Assets, Number Of Units Indian Customer Indian Customer [Member] Indian Customer Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Common stock distributions declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Merger and Acquisition Related Costs Schedule Of Merger And Acquisition Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of merger and acquisition related costs [Table Text Block] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] LIABILITIES Liabilities [Abstract] NET INCOME Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest CASH PAID FOR INCOME TAXES (NET OF REFUNDS OF $27.5 AND $7.1, RESPECTIVELY) Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities DEFERRED TAX ASSET Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Secured Tower Revenue Securities, 2023 Securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, 2023 Securities [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, 2023 Securities 4.625% Senior Notes due 2031 4.625% senior notes 4.625% Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member] 4.625% Senior Notes Due 2031 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Deposits and other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Percentage of interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Distributions in Excess of Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Current portion of long-term obligations Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities TOTAL Liabilities and Equity OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS Other Assets, Noncurrent Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Impact of change in vesting terms Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Estimated Change in Awards Vesting Terms, Amount Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Estimated Change in Awards Vesting Terms, Amount Finite-lived intangible assets, remaining amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic RIGHT-OF-USE ASSET Right-of-use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Africa Property, Africa [Member] Property, Africa Share-based payment arrangement, nonvested award, option, cost not yet recognized, amount Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Issuance of common stock- stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Accrued construction costs Construction Payable, Current 2021 PSUs 2021 PSUs [Member] 2021 PSUs 1.250% Senior Notes due 2033 1.250% senior notes 1.250% Senior Notes, Due 2033 [Member] 1.250% Senior Notes, Due 2033 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Recognized Amount [Abstract] Remainder of 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS, DILUTED Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted 3.375% senior notes 3.375% Senior Notes, Due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes 3.375% Due May 15, 2024 [Member] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of Summarized Financial Information Concerning the Company's Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Increase in net deferred rent balances Straight-line revenue Straight Line Rent 1.450% senior notes 1.450% Senior Notes, Due 2026 [Member] 1.450% Senior Notes, Due 2026 Series 2018-1A securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1A [Member] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt securities, interest rate Debt Securities, Interest Rate Debt Securities, Interest Rate CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] 3.55% senior notes 3.55% Senior Notes, Due 2027 [Member] Three Point Five Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] 2021 EUR Three Year Delayed Draw Term Loan 2021 EUR Three Year Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] 2021 EUR Three Year Delayed Draw Term Loan Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Unsecured debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Operating leases: Operating leases: Operating Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases [Abstract] 2.950% senior notes 2.950% Senior Notes, Due 2051 [Member] 2.950% Senior Notes, Due 2051 Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Repayment of indebtedness under credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit 0.450% Senior Notes due 2027 0.450% senior notes 0.450% Senior Notes, Due 2027 [Member] 0.450% Senior Notes, Due 2027 Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests 1.875% senior notes 1.875% Senior Notes, Due 2030 [Member] 1.875% Senior Notes, Due 2030 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net Proceeds From Short-Term Borrowings, Net Proceeds From Short-Term Borrowings, Net Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Outstanding principal balance Long-Term Debt, Gross Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] 3.650% senior notes 3.650% Senior Notes, Due 2027 [Member] 3.650% Senior Notes, Due 2027 Gain (loss) on sale Gain (loss) on sale Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Working Capital Facility Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility Current liabilities Asset Acquisition, Liabilities, Current Asset Acquisition, Liabilities, Current Accrued dividends Dividends Payable Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Convertible Debt Securities Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Net income (loss) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Finance lease obligations Finance Lease, Liability Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current 2026 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three Units forfeited (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Payment received related to acquisition Proceeds from Previous Acquisition Maturity Period [Axis] Maturity Period [Axis] Maturity Period PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Other Current Assets [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party, Type [Axis] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Stock-based compensation related activity (shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Accrued pass-through costs Accrued Pass-Through Costs Accrued Pass-Through Costs 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Unrealized (losses) gains on equity securities held Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss) DEFERRED RENT ASSET Deferred Rent Receivables, Net, Noncurrent Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities, senior notes, secured debt, term loans and finance leases Repayment of Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Deferral of revenue Contract With Customer, Liability, Deferral Of Revenue Contract With Customer, Liability, Deferral Of Revenue Borrowings under credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Preferred stock, dividend rate (as a percent) Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Schedule of Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Repayment of aggregate principal Repayments of Long-Term Debt Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, To Be Paid, After Year Four Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, To Be Paid, After Year Four Treasury Stock Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key KTBL Kirtonkhola Tower Bangladesh Limited [Member] Kirtonkhola Tower Bangladesh Limited Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] All Other Entities All Other Entities [Member] All Other Entities Stock-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Gross Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Asset Acquisition [Abstract] Payroll and related withholdings Employee-related Liabilities, Current Integration costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 2.900% senior notes 2.900% Senior Notes, Due 2030 [Member] 2.900% Senior Notes, Due 2030 2021 Credit Facility 2021 Credit Facility [Member] 2021 Credit Facility 4.125% Senior Notes due 2027 4.125% senior notes 4.125% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] 4.125% Senior Notes Due 2027 Schedule of Revenue Disaggregated by Source and Geography Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Total non-lease revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] 5.800% senior notes 5.800% Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member] 5.800% Senior Notes Due 2028 Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Stock Options and Time-Based Restricted Stock Units Stock Options And Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Stock Options And Time Based Restricted Stock Units 2025 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Accrued rent Accrued Rent, Current Weighted-average incremental borrowing rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent CASH PAID FOR INTEREST Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Mexico Fiber Mexico Fiber [Member] Mexico Fiber Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Treasury stock activity (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired 5.00% senior notes 5.00% Senior Notes, Due 2024 [Member] Five Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] 1.300% senior notes 1.300% Senior Notes, Due 2025 [Member] 1.300% Senior Notes, Due 2025 Current margin over LIBOR or EURIBOR Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Number of sites acquired Number Of Sites Acquired Number Of Communications Sites Acquired Proceeds from term loans Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt DILUTED (in shares) Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted India Treasury Rate India Treasury Rate [Member] India Treasury Rate Increase in assets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets Acquired licenses and other intangibles Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles [Member] Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles Member Acquired network location intangibles Network location intangible assets Acquired Network Location [Member] Acquired network location [Member] If Company Undergoes Change of Control and Ratings Decline Scenario, Plan [Member] Unrecognized tax benefits, decrease from settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment AT&T Transaction AT And T Transaction [Member] At&T Transaction [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] 3.50% senior notes 3.50% Senior Notes, Due 2023 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Stock-based compensation expense expected to be recognized Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Expected To Be Recognized Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Expected To Be Recognized TOTAL Total assets Assets 5.650% senior notes 5.650% Senior Notes, Due 2033 [Member] 5.650% Senior Notes, Due 2033 Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Cover page. Cover [Abstract] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] U.S. UNITED STATES Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Other Segment Reconciling Items [Member] OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid 2017 Buyback 2017 Buyback [Member] 2017 Buyback [Member] 2.300% senior notes 2.300% Senior Notes, Due 2031 [Member] 2.300% Senior Notes, Due 2031 Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Purchase price Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred BUSINESS SEGMENTS Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Secured debt Secured Debt [Member] Lease renewal term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Ownership interest acquired (as a percent) Noncontrolling Interest Acquired, Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest Acquired, Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] BASIC (in shares) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status 5.250% senior notes 5.250% Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member] 5.250% Senior Notes Due 2028 Series 2015-2 notes Series 2015-2 Class A [Member] Series 2015-2 Class A [Member] OPERATING INCOME Operating Income (Loss) Schedule of Information About Other Lease-related Balances Lease, Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] Lease, Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] REVENUES: Revenues [Abstract] Segment operating expenses Cost of Revenue Interest rate swap agreements Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, after Offset Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] 2.100% senior notes 2.100% Senior Notes, Due 2030 [Member] 2.100% Senior Notes, Due 2030 Schedule of Penalties and Income Tax-Related Interest Expense Schedule Of Penalties And Income Tax-Related Expenses [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Penalties And Income Tax-Related Expenses Property lease revenue Operating Lease, Lease Income Proceeds from stock options and employee stock purchase plan Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Including Option Exercised Right to lease, weighted average term Right To Lease, Weighted Average Term Weighted average period for which the Company has the exclusive right to lease and operate certain sites Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Vodafone Idea Limited Vodafone Idea Limited [Member] Vodafone Idea Limited Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Units vested and deferred (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instrument Other Than Options, Vested And Deferred Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instrument Other Than Options, Vested And Deferred Acquired tenant-related intangibles Tenant-related intangible assets Customer Relationships [Member] 2021 USD Two Year Delayed Draw Term Loan 2021 USD Two Year Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] 2021 USD Two Year Delayed Draw Term Loan EQUITY (shares in thousands): Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member]