Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period 3.950% senior notes 3.950% Notes Three Point Nine Five Zero Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Three Point Nine Five Zero Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Other SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Deduction Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Germany GERMANY Accrued dividend RSU Accrued Dividend RSU Accrued dividends payable upon the vesting of restricted stock units. Bridge Loan Bridge Loan [Member] Entel Acquisition Entel Acquisition [Member] Entel Acquisition [Member] Deferred tax liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Chile CHILE Paid dividend RSU Paid Dividend RSU Amount of distributions payable paid upon the vesting of restricted stock units during the period. Colombia COLOMBIA Costa Rica COSTA RICA Goodwill, measurement period adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Nondeductible interest Deferred Tax Asset, Nondeductible Expense, Interest, Amount Deferred Tax Asset, Nondeductible Expense, Interest, Amount EURIBOR Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) [Member] Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] 2025 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Distributions to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Addition TV Azteca TV Azteca [Member] TV Azteca [Member] Amortization of right-of-use asset Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Preferred Stock Preferred stock (1) Preferred Stock [Member] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Payments for perpetual land easements Payments For Perpetual Land Easements Payments For Perpetual Land Easements 2.750% senior notes 2.750% Notes Two Point Seven Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Two Point Seven Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Notes receivable Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted PSUs Performance Shares [Member] Prepaid and other current assets Prepaids and other current assets Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Outstanding (in dollars per share) Outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Changes in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based compensation related activity Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Accrued construction costs Construction Payable, Current Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments $94.57 - $94.71 Range Four [Member] Range Four [Member] 2023 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three Burkina Faso BURKINA FASO 2031 to 2035 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Eleven Through Fifteen Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Eleven Through Fifteen Debt covenant, threshold for majority of holders in event of default Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold For Majority Of Holders In Event Of Default Debt Instrument, Covenant, Threshold For Majority Of Holders In Event Of Default Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, each net of tax expense of $0 Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Debt instrument, repurchase amount including interest Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Including Interest Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Including Interest 3.375% Notes Three Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due October 15, 2026 [Member] Three Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due October 15, 2026 [Member] Argentina ARGENTINA Tower and network location intangible assets Tower And Network Locations [Member] Tower And Network Locations [Member] Other miscellaneous liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Percentage of potential target shares Percentage of potential target shares Percentage of potential target shares to be earned under Performance Share agreement Treasury stock activity (in shares) Treasury stock activity (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Australia AUSTRALIA Outstanding (in shares) Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four 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] Total unrecognized compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation 3.100% senior notes 3.100% Notes Three Point One Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point One Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Canada CANADA Notes Receivable And Other Long Term Assets [Abstract] Notes Receivable And Other Long Term Assets [Abstract] Notes receivable and other long-term assets [Abstract] State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Debt assumed, fair value adjustment Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment BALANCE (in shares) BALANCE (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Exercise price per share, minimum Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Change in contract asset, revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Redevelopment capital expenditures Redevelopment capital expenditures Amount of redevelopment capital expenditures made to real estate investments during the period. Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Other non-current liabilities Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent DEFERRED TAX ASSET Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Financing cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Discretionary ground lease purchases Discretionary ground lease purchases Amount of ground lease purchase investments during the period. Brazil BRAZIL Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Net effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Unbilled receivables Unbilled Receivables, Current Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Other miscellaneous current assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage 2021 364-Day Delayed Draw Term Loan 2021 364-Day Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] 2021 364-Day Delayed Draw Term Loan Expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period IDFC IDFC [Member] IDFC [Member] Operating lease liability Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Lease Liability Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Lease Liability Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] OPERATING INCOME Segment Operating Profit Segment operating profit Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Tax adjustment related to REIT Tax Adjustment Related To REIT Tax adjustment related to REIT 1.000% senior notes 1.000% Notes One Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] One Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Lease Agreements Lease Agreements [Member] Towers Towers [Member] Towers [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Other Expenses [Line Items] Other Expenses [Line Items] Other Expenses Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Dividends Declared and Paid Dividends Declared and Paid [Member] Dividends Declared and Paid [Member] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Changes in tax laws Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Conversion of preferred stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities, Net of Adjustments India INDIA Interest income Interest Income, Other Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Poland Acquisition Poland Acquisition [Member] Poland Acquisition Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Decrease in income tax penalties and interest expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease In Income Tax Penalties And Interest Expense Resulting From Expiration Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease In Income Tax Penalties And Interest Expense Resulting From Expiration Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations Labor costs capitalized Labor Costs Capitalized Amount of interest capitalized during the period. Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Prepaid assets Prepaid Expense, Current Right-of-use asset and Operating lease liability, net Increase (Decrease) In Right-Of-Use Asset And Operating Lease Liability Increase (Decrease) In Right-Of-Use Asset And Operating Lease Liability Amendment Flag Amendment Flag 2019 Acquisitions Other Acquisitions 2019 [Member] Other Acquisitions 2019 [Member] WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (in thousands): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Number of shares issuable under stock incentive plan (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Series 2018-1A Securities Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2018 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2018 [Member] Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income, each net of tax expense of $0 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax 1.375% Senior Notes due 2025 One Point Three Seventy Five Percent, Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] One Point Three Seventy Five Percent, Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders, net Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Series 2015-1 Class Series 2015-1 Class A [Member] Series 2015-1 Class A [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] 3.50% senior notes 2019 Term Loan Term Loan 2019 [Member] Term Loan 2019 [Member] Total deductions Real Estate, Period Deductions to Cost Total deductions to cost during the period. Distributions Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Series B Preferred Stock Series B Preferred Stock [Member] 1.300% Notes One Point Three Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] One Point Three Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Loss on investments, unrealized foreign currency loss and other non-cash expense Loss (gain) on investments and other non-cash (income) expense Loss (gain) on investments and other non-cash (income) expense Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Ghana GHANA 1.950% senior notes 1.950% Notes One Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] One Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Segment operating expenses Segment Operating Expenses Rental and management and network development expenses Successive terms to renew lease Successive Terms To Renew Lease Number of successive terms to renew lease. Derivatives Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Proceeds from sales 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. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] 1.375% senior notes 1.35% Notes One Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] One Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] Number of sites acquired life to date Number of sites acquired life to date Number of sites acquired life to date France FRANCE DEFERRED RENT ASSET Deferred Rent Receivables, Net, Noncurrent PGGM PGGM [Member] PGGM [Member] Renewal term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Dilutive securities (shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] 3.450% senior notes Three Point Four Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point Four Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Balance as of January 1, Balance as of December 31, Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Selling, general, administrative and development expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Vested and deferred (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested And Deferred Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested And Deferred Unearned revenue Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Schedule of Lease Terms, Components of Lease Costs and Supplemental Cash Flow Information Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Total Total debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS Notes receivable and other non-current assets Notes receivable and other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Services Services revenue Services Revenue [Member] Services Revenue [Member] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] TOTAL Assets Assets Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Exercise Price Range [Domain] Exercise Price Range [Domain] Non-lease property revenue Non-Lease Property Revenue [Member] Non-Lease Property Revenue [Member] Outstanding (in shares) Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number 2011 Buyback 2011 Buyback [Member] 2011 Buyback [Member] Finance Lease Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Tax Treatment [Axis] Tax Treatment [Axis] Tax Treatment [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] LEASES Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Accounts Receivable and Deferred Rent Asset Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Right-of-use asset Deferred Tax Liabilities, Right-of-Use Asset Deferred Tax Liabilities, Right-of-Use Asset Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Total liabilities Liabilities Debt covenant, default threshold Debt Instrument, Covenant, Default Threshold Debt Instrument, Covenant, Default Threshold Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] 5.00% senior notes 5.00% Notes Five Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Five Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Multicurrency Borrowings Multicurrency Borrowings [Member] A loan from a financial institution for multicurrency borrowings. Less amounts representing interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Weighted average remaining life, vested or expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests Consideration paid for redemption Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling interest, decrease due to merger Noncontrolling interest, decrease due to merger Noncontrolling interest, decrease due to merger Schedule of Stock by Class Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Debt financed acquisition of communication sites Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Intangible Assets Acquired Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Europe Europe Property Segment [Member] Europe Property Segment Kenya KENYA Accrued property and real estate taxes Accrued Property and Real Estate Taxes Accrued Property and Real Estate Taxes Amounts payable to tenants Broker-Dealer, Payable to Customer Purchase period Asset Acquisition, Purchase Period Asset Acquisition, Purchase Period Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Macquarie Macquarie [Member] Macquarie Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liability Depreciation And Amortization Deferred Tax Liability Depreciation And Amortization Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] 3.300% senior notes Three Point Three Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three point three zero zero percent senior notes [Member] 2018 Acquisitions 2018 Acquisitions [Member] 2018 Acquisitions [Member] Other miscellaneous assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Interest expense on finance lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Purchase of noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Three year performance grant, shares issuable based on first, second and third years (in shares) Three Year Performance Grant, Shares Issuable Based On First, Second And Third Years Three Year Performance Grant, Shares Issuable Based On First, Second And Third Years Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Variable lease costs not included in lease liability Variable Lease, Payment PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Other Current Assets [Text Block] 0.500% Notes 0.500% senior notes Zero Point Five Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due January 2028 [Member] Zero Point Five Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due January 2028 Integration costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Poland POLAND Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests Temporary Equity, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Outstanding (in dollars per share) Outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Schedule of the Company's Restricted Stock Unit Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Percentage of voting interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Cash received from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of intangible asset impairment [Line Items] Schedule of intangible asset impairment [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of intangible asset impairment [Table] Deferred rent Deferred Tax Deferred Rent Noncurrent Deferred Tax Deferred Rent Noncurrent Operating Expense Operating Expense [Member] Schedule of Summarized Financial Information Concerning the Company's Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Less Amount Reclassified to Additional Paid in Capital Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Less Amount Reclassified to Additional Paid in Capital Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses for purchases of property and equipment and construction activities Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid, Increase (Decrease) Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid, Increase (Decrease) Peru PERU Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Tata Teleservices Tata Teleservices Limited [Member] Tata Teleservices Limited Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Prepaid and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Adjustments to Principal Amount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Insite Debt Insite Debt [Member] Insite Debt Paraguay PARAGUAY Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Dividends declared Dividends Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Capital improvements SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Improvements Aggregate gross sales price Sale Of Stock Authorized Amount To Be Sold Sale Of Stock Authorized Amount To Be Sold Niger NIGER Other expense Other Expenses Nigeria NIGERIA Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Payments for purchase of property and equipment and construction activities Aggregate purchase price Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term Debt [Text Block] Deferred rent liability Increase Decrease In Deferred Rent Liability Increase/decrease in deferred rent associated with non-cancellable ground leases that contain fixed escalation clauses over the terms of the applicable leases. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Mexico MEXICO Deferred tax liability Asset Acquisition, Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Asset Acquisition, Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Capital leased assets, number of units Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Repurchase price as percentage of principal Repurchase Price As Percentage Of Principal Repurchase price as percentage of principal NOTES RECEIVABLE AND OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 2019 Credit Facility Credit Facility 2019 [Member] Credit Facility 2019 [Member] Additions and adjustments Goodwill, Acquired During Period Number of land parcels under communication sites Number of Land Parcels Under Communication Sites Number of Land Parcels Under Communication Sites Aircel, Asia Aircel, Asia [Member] Aircel, Asia [Member] Estimated useful life of respective assets Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Table] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Other subsidiary debt Other Subsidiary Debt [Member] Other Subsidiary Debt [Member] Orange S.A. Orange S.A. [Member] Orange S.A. [Member] Proceeds from stock options and employee stock purchase plan Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Face amount of repurchased debt Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Land Land [Member] Current portion of operating lease liability Current portion of lease liability Less current portion of lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Current 3.55% senior notes 3.55% Notes Three Point Five Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point Five Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] Forfeitures (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Weighted average life Debt, Weighted Average Life The weighted average life of outstanding debt FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Finite-lived intangible assets, remaining amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] T-Mobile T-Mobile [Member] T-Mobile [Member] Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Dividends declared, preferred stock, declared Preferred Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Preferred Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Weighted-average incremental borrowing rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Debt instrument, fees Debt Instrument, Fee Amount Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Accrued and unpaid interest Interest Expense, Long-term Debt Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Less amounts representing interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount $99.67 - $121.15 Range Five [Member] Range Five [Member] Distributions paid on common stock Payments of ordinary dividends, common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Number of rooftop sites Number of Rooftop sites Number of Rooftop sites Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Preferred stock dividends declared Preferred stock dividends declared Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Dividends on preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Other deductions SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deduction Ghana Subsidiary Ghana Subsidiary [Member] Ghana Subsidiary Schedule of Cash, cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] US Subsidiary Debt US Subsidiary Debt [Member] US Subsidiary Debt [Member] Schedule of Net Foreign Currency Losses Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Foreign withholding taxes Foreign Withholding Taxes Foreign withholding taxes Tax benefit Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption Convertible Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member] GOODWILL Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill Goodwill Repayments of notes payable, credit facilities, term loans, senior notes, secured debt, finance leases and capital leases Repayment of Long-term Debt, Long-term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security Impairments, net loss on sale of long-lived assets, non-cash restructuring and merger related expenses Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Common stock, dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Derivative fair value adjustment, net Derivative Instrument, Fair Value Adjustment, Net Derivative Instrument, Fair Value Adjustment, Net Schedule of Changes in the carrying Value of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032 1.000% senior notes One Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2032 [Member] One Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2032 Cash trap debt service credit ratio Cash Trap Debt Service Credit Ratio Cash Trap Debt Service Credit Ratio Debt term Long-term Debt, Term Unearned revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Property straight-line revenues Straight Line Revenue Straight-line revenue recognized over the term of non-cancellable tenant leases that contain fixed escalation clauses. Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Schedule of Expected Future Amortization Expenses Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] DILUTED (in shares) Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Total cash obligations Long Term Debt Total Cash Obligations Long Term Debt Total Cash Obligations Amortization of deferred financing costs, debt discounts and premiums and other non-cash interest Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Cash provided by (used for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Schedule of Options Outstanding Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] 2007 Plan Two Thousand Seven Plan [Member] Two Thousand Seven Plan [Member] Distributions paid on preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Balance at January 1 Balance at December 31 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Common stock: $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 455,245 and 453,541 shares issued; and 444,330 and 442,890 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Intangible Asset Impairment [Table] Schedule of intangible asset impairment [Table] Schedule of intangible asset impairment [Table] 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Proceeds from issuance of securities in securitization transaction Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Business Nature of Operations Policy [Policy Text Block] Nature of Operations Policy [Policy Text Block] Current portion of long-term obligations Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Reduction as a result of effective settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Minimum debt service credit ratio Minimum Debt Service Credit Ratio The maximum debt service credit ratio covenant defined in the credit facility agreement. Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Earnings Per Common Share-Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Telxius Telecom S.A. Telxius Telecom S.A. [Member] Telxius Telecom S.A. 3.375% senior notes 3.375% Notes Senior Notes 3.375% Due May 15, 2024 [Member] Senior Notes 3.375% Due May 15, 2024 [Member] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value 2.950% senior notes Two Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due January 2051 [Member] Two Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due January 2051 Number of units leased Lessor, Number of Units Under Lease Lessor, Number of Units Under Lease Outstanding number of options (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Domain] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Domain] [Domain] for Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] $50.78 - $121.15 Range Six [Member] Range Six [Member] Total lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Series 2018-1A Securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1A [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total American Tower Corporation equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Fair value adjustments recognized in other expense Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Payroll and related withholdings Employee-related Liabilities, Current Operating leases: Operating leases: Operating Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases [Abstract] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Restricted stock awards RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Property and equipment Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Gross Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Gross 2025 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Three year performance grant, shares issuable based on exceeding performance metric (in shares) Three Year Performance Grant, Shares Issuable Based On Exceeding Performance Metric Three Year Performance Grant, Shares Issuable Based On Exceeding Performance Metric Valuation allowance Valuation allowance Balance as of January 1, Balance as of December 31, Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance LIABILITIES Liabilities [Abstract] Latin America Latin America Property Segment [Member] Latin America Property Segment Current liabilities Asset Acquisition, Liabilities, Current Asset Acquisition, Liabilities, Current 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three Construction-in-progress Construction in Progress [Member] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instrument Other Than Options Expected To Vest Net Of Forfeitures The net number of shares under a share-based award plan, other than a stock option plan, that are expected to vest. Lease liability Non-current lease liability Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward] Net assets acquired Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Eaton Towers Acquisition Eaton Towers Holding Limited [Member] Eaton Towers Holding Limited [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Total current assets Assets, Current Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Operating Loss Carryforwards NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Components of The Net Deferred Tax Asset and Related Valuation Allowance Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Foreign currency (losses) gains Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Total Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, before Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Series 2013-1A Securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-1A [Member] EQUITY (shares in thousands): Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Accrued pass-through costs Accrued Pass-Through Costs Accrued Pass-Through Costs Asset Acquisition [Domain] Asset Acquisition [Domain] [Domain] for Asset Acquisition [Axis] Amount of accumulated depreciation for assets sold or disposed SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Investment in Real Estate Sold Consideration adjustment Payments For Repurchase Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Interest Payments For Repurchase Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Interest Lessor, term of lease Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage 4.000% senior notes 4.000% Notes Four Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Four Point Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Common Stock Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Capital lease payments Repayments of Debt and Lease Obligation Foreign taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations Estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations Estimated undiscounted future cash outlay for asset retirement obligations Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Other selling, general, administrative and development expense Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense 3.800% senior notes 3.800% Notes Three Point Eight Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Three Point Eight Percent Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Notes Receivable and Other Non-current Assets Schedule Of Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Notes Receivables And Other Long Term Assets [Table Text Block] Company's contribution Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Weighted-average incremental borrowing rate Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Percentage exceeds total amounts Percentage Of Gross Amounts Maximum Percentage Of Gross Amounts Maximum Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Sales Revenue, Net Revenue Benchmark [Member] Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract] Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract] Insite Acquisition Insite Acquisition [Member] Insite Acquisition Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Purchases of property and equipment under finance leases, perpetual easements and capital leases Lease Obligation Incurred Long-term debt, stated interest rate Debt, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Distributions payable Dividends Payable, Current Unamortized discount and deferred financing costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost 1.500% Notes 1.500% Notes One Point Five Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] One Point Five Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Total deductions Real Estate, Period Deductions To Accumulated Depreciation Total deductions to accumulated depreciation during the period. NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Dividends per depository share, percentage Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Percentage of Preferred Shares Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Percentage of Preferred Shares Asset acquisition, consideration transferred Purchase price Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred Employee Stock Option Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Letter Of Credit By Type Of Subborrowing [Axis] Straight-line ground rent expense Straight Line Ground Rent Expense Straight-line ground rent expense recognized over the term of non-cancellable ground leases that contain fixed escalation clauses. OPERATING EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $0.0, $0.5, and $(2.6), respectively. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Period during which no prepayment consideration is due Debt Instrument, Period During Which No Prepayment Consideration is Due, Period Debt Instrument, Period During Which No Prepayment Consideration is Due, Period Schedule of Fair Value Level of Inputs Fair Value Level Of Inputs [Table Text Block] Fair Value Level Of Inputs [Table Text Block] State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other non-current assets Asset Acquisition, Other Assets, Non Current Asset Acquisition, Other Assets, Non Current 2025 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Series 2013-1A and Series 2013-2A Securities Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2013 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Credit facility, borrowing capacity, increase Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Increase Amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Increase Amount U.S. & Canada U.S. & Canada United States and Canada Property Segment [Member] United States and Canada Property Segment Schedule of Other Operating Expenses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Total equity BALANCE Impact of adoption of accounting standard BALANCE Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Acquired licenses and other intangibles Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles [Member] Acquired Licenses And Other Intangibles Member Schedule of Carrying Value of Asset Retirement Obligations Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Revenues Revenues Segment revenues Revenues Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds of $27.0, $11.2 and $25.0, respectively) Income Taxes Paid, Net Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax Accrued expenses Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Diluted net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Diluted net income attributable to american tower corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted 2.250% senior notes 2.250% Notes Two Point Two Five Zero Percent, Senior Notes [Member] Two Point Two Five Zero Percent, Senior Notes [Member] Encumbrances SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances Schedule of Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefit Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Depreciation expense Depreciation 2.900% senior notes 2.900% Notes Two Point Nine Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2030 [Member] Two Point Nine Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2030 [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Selling General Administrative And Development Expense Selling General Administrative And Development Expense [Member] Selling general administrative and development expense Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company 2017 Buyback 2017 Buyback [Member] 2017 Buyback [Member] Pro forma revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Adjustments to Interest rate swap agreements Interest rate swap agreements Interest rate swap liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Accrued rent Accrued Rent, Current Value added tax and other consumption tax receivables Value Added Tax Receivable 2019 Multicurrency Credit Facility 2019 Multicurrency Credit Facility [Member] 2019 Multicurrency Credit Facility [Member] Consideration transferred, receivable from seller Business Combination, Consideration, Receivable From Seller Business Combination, Consideration, Receivable From Seller Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Maximum Maximum Maximum [Member] Finance lease payments Finance Lease, Payments, Financing Activities Finance Lease, Payments, Financing Activities Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Common stock distributions declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Payments for short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Gross amount carried at close of current period Gross amount at beginning Balance at end SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Gross Effective income tax rate, percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 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] 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three 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 Information About Other Lease-Related Balances Lease, Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] Lease, Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol RSUs and PSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Schedule of Valuation Allowance Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Selling, general, administrative and development expense Segment selling, general, administration, and development expenses Segment selling, general, administration, and development expenses Redemption price Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Equipment Equipment [Member] Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Loss contingency, foreign income tax assessment Loss Contingency, Foreign Income Tax Assessment Loss Contingency, Foreign Income Tax Assessment Vested And deferred at end of period (in shares) 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 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Entity Public Float Entity Public Float $50.78 - $71.07 Range One [Member] Range One [Member] Acquisitions Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Document Type Document Type ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Other (expense) income (including foreign currency (losses) gains of $(216.4), $6.1, and $(4.5), respectively) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Schedule of Contract Assets And Liabilities From Contracts With Customers [Line Items] Schedule of Contract Assets And Liabilities From Contracts With Customers [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Contract Assets And Liabilities From Contracts With Customers [Table] Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Revenue net of settlement payment received Proceeds from Legal Settlements Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class B Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class B [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class B 0.600% senior notes 0.600% Notes Zero Point Six Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Zero Point Six Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Service Service [Member] 3.100% senior notes Three Point One Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due June 2050 [Member] Three Point One Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due June 2050 Schedule of Finance Lease Assets Included In Property Plant And Equipment Schedule of Finance Lease Assets Included In Property Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finance Lease Assets Included In Property Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Number of tenants Number of Tenants Number of tenants Lease Accounting and Rent Expense Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] 1.875% senior notes 1.875% Notes One Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] One Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes 2026 to 2030 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Six Through Ten Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Six Through Ten Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Asia-Pacific Asia Pacific Property Segment [Member] Asia Pacific Property Segment Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Year Five DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net 2.100% senior notes 2.100% Notes Two Point One Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Two Point One Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Intangible assets Asset Acquisition, Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Asset Acquisition, Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Temporary equity redemption price per share (in INR per share) Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Discount from market price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date OPERATING INCOME Operating Income (Loss) Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Allocation of accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from purchases of noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Debt assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed Schedule of Information About Non-Lease Receivables, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities From Contracts With Tenants Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2015 Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2015 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2015 [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] 2.950% senior notes 2.950% Notes Two Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due January 2025 [Member] Two Point Nine Five Percent Senior Notes Due January 2025 [Member] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Additions to redeemable noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Communication Sites Communication Sites [Member] Communication Sites [Member] Employee maximum annual contribution eligible for match Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Business Combination Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] 1.875% senior notes One Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due October 2030 [Member] One Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due October 2030 Discretionary capital projects Discretionary capital projects Amount of discretionary capital projects made to real estate investments during the period. Distributions in excess of earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Repayments of lines of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit RIGHT-OF-USE ASSET Right-of-use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Payment terms, repayment period Debt Instrument, Payment Terms, Repayment Period Debt Instrument, Payment Terms, Repayment Period Interest rate swaps entered into Derivative, Interest Rate Swap Agreements Derivative, Interest Rate Swap Agreements Loss on retirement of long-term obligations Loss on retirement of long-term obligations Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt 4.400% Notes Four point Four Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Four point four zero percent senior notes [Member] Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Kenya Debt Kenya Debt [Member] Kenya Debt [Member] Three year performance grant, shares granted (in shares) Three Year Performance Grant, Shares Granted Three year performance grant, total shares granted for the three year period Asset retirement obligation, foreign currency translation loss Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) April 2020 Term Loan April 2020 Term Loan [Member] April 2020 Term Loan Notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] 2.400% senior notes 2.400% Notes Two Point Four Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Two Point Four Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Foreign currency Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2021 Three Year Delayed Draw Term Loan 2021 Three Year Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] 2021 Three Year Delayed Draw Term Loan Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Payment for early retirement of long-term obligations Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Schedule of Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Deposits and other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Aggregate purchase option price for towers Aggregate Purchase Option Price For Towers Aggregate Purchase Option Price For Towers Verizon Transaction Verizon Transaction [Member] Verizon Transaction [Member] 2020 Term Loan Term Loan 2020 [Member] Term Loan 2020 [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Beginning balance as of January 1, Balance as of December 31, Asset Retirement Obligation Other Expenses Table [Table] Other Expenses Table [Table] Other Expenses Table [Table] Eure-et-Loir Eure-et-Loir Réseaux Mobiles SAS [Member] Eure-et-Loir Réseaux Mobiles SAS [Member] Services Network Development Services [Member] Network Development Services [Member] Thereafter Long-Term Debt, Maturity, after Year Five Revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Schedule of Key Terms of India Indebtedness Schedule of India Indebtedness [Table Text Block] Schedule of India Indebtedness [Table Text Block] Property and equipment Asset Acquisition, Property Plant And Equipment, Net Asset Acquisition, Property Plant And Equipment, Net 2036 to 2040 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Sixteen Through Twenty Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years Sixteen Through Twenty Life on which depreciation in latest income statements is computed SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation Amounts payable for acquisitions Acquisitions payable Acquisitions payable Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Embedded derivative in lease agreement Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Impact from restructuring Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, MIPT Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, MIPT Finance leases: Finance Leases [Abstract] Finance Leases [Abstract] Scenario, Forecast Forecast [Member] Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-Cash Items [Abstract] Non-Cash Items [Abstract] Non-Cash Items [Abstract] Property Property [Member] Property [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class C Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class C [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class C South African Facility South African Facility [Member] Credit Facility established in South Africa AT&T Transaction At T Transaction [Member] At&T Transaction [Member] Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Acquisition and merger related expenses Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Settlement of third-party debt Notes Reduction Usage, expiration and reversals Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Decrease Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Decrease Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Fair value of debt related to interest rate swap agreements Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Ordinary Income Ordinary Income [Member] Ordinary Income [Member] Total Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Schedule of Key Terms Related to Senior Notes Schedule of Debt Discounts [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Discounts [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Tax Treatment [Domain] Tax Treatment [Domain] [Domain] for Tax Treatment [Axis] Operating Lease Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Accumulated depreciation at close of current period Gross amount of accumulated depreciation at beginning Balance at end SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation Weighted average remaining life, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Selling, General and Administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Schedule of Earnings Per Basic and Diluted by Common Class Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Accrued asset retirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations LEASES Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adjustment, Net Of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adjustment, Net Of Tax ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued Liabilities Current [Text Block] The entire disclosure for accrued liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Additions during period: SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Additions [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Additions Long-term line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Other operating expenses Other Operating Expenses Other Operating Expenses Cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Schedule of Finite Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Number of trust sites assets Number Of Trust Sites Assets Number of Trust Sites Assets [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Number of markets in which the entity operates Number Of Markets In Which The Entity Operates Number Of Markets In Which The Entity Operates Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Deductions during period: SEC Schedule, 12-28 Real Estate Companies, Deductions abstract [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-28 Real Estate Companies, Deductions abstract Debt covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio (no greater than) Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio, Maximum Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Pro forma net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) 2024 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four Schedule of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Other Acquisitions 2020 Other Acquisitions 2020 [Member] Other Acquisitions 2020 Weighted average remaining life Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Total additions Real Estate, Period Additions to Cost Total additions to cost during the period. Assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense [Abstract] Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Prepaid and Other Current Assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Prepaid income tax Prepaid Taxes Derivative, fair value Derivative, Fair Value, Net Litigation Costs Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax refunds Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Eaton Towers, EUR Denominated Debt Eaton Towers, EUR Denominated Debt [Member] Eaton Towers, EUR Denominated Debt [Member] Operating cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Proceeds from previous acquisition Proceeds from Previous Acquisition Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Schedule of Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Net Book Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Long-lived assets held Long-Lived Assets Accrued income tax payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Debt covenant, number of consecutive quarters required for release of funds Debt Instrument, Covenant, Number of Consecutive Quarters Required For Release of Funds The number of consecutive quarters that DSCR must exceed the Cash Trap DSCR in order for the reserve account funds to be released Schedule of Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities Finance Lease, Liability, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Interest payable Interest Payable Interest expense Interest Expense Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] ATC Europe ATC Europe [Member] ATC Europe [Member] Schedule of Income Tax Provision from Continuing Operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling owners, ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefit Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Operating lease modifications and reassessments Non-Cash Operating And Financing, Lease Modifications Non-Cash Operating And Financing, Lease Modifications Proceeds from term loans Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Other Noncurrent Assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Temporary Equity [Table Text Block] Expected recognition of stock award compensation expense weighted average period in years Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition 2025 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] 2022 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Settlements Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Land andimprovements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Original principal amount Original principal amount Original principal amount Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Schedule of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expire Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Cost of real estate sold or disposed SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Cost of Investment in Real Estate Sold Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] 3.700% senior notes 3.700% Notes Three Point Seven Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Three Point Seven Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Dividends declared, common stock, percent of total Common Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total Common Stock, Dividends Declared, Percentage of Total 1.950% Senior Notes due 2026 One Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] One Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Reclassification of unrealized gains on cash flow hedges to net income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Treasury stock activity Treasury stock activity Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method 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] Other non-current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Eaton Towers, USD Denominated Debt Eaton Towers, USD Denominated Debt [Member] Eaton Towers, USD Denominated Debt [Member] Acquisition of commercialization rights Settlement Of Accounts Receivable Due To Acquisition Settlement of Accounts Receivable due to Acquisition Options exercisable (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable Uganda Subsidiary Uganda Subsidiary [Member] Uganda Subsidiary Additions Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Undrawn letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Less current portion of long-term obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Impairment of long-lived assets held for use Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Debt assumed Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interests Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Increase in Carrying Amount of Redeemable Preferred Stock Purchase of noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Purchase Of Noncontrolling Interest, Net Of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Purchase Of Noncontrolling Interest, Net Of Tax OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY Lease liability Non-current lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent 3.50% senior notes 3.50% Notes Three Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Property Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Comprehensive income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 2.800% senior notes Two Point Eight Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] [Member] Two Point Eight Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] [Member] 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Annual renewal periods, number Number of Annual Renewal Periods Number of Annual Renewal Periods Other non-current liabilities Asset Acquisition, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Asset Acquisition, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation Between The U.S. Statutory Rate and The Effective Rate from Continuing Operations Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] 2021 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One Write-offs, recoveries and other SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] City Area Code City Area Code Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Percentage of ownership Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction Schedule of Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Authorized repurchase of common stock Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount NET INCOME Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Revenue Disaggregated by Source and Geography Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Operating lease, term of contract Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Debt Debt [Member] Additions Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Schedule III - Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block] Loss on early retirement of long-term obligations Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Stock-based compensation expense capitalized as property and equipment Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expenses Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Stock-based compensation expense Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Deferred financing costs and other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cover page. Cover [Abstract] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Employers matching percentage Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Additions during period: SEC Schedule, 12-28 Real Estate Companies, Additions [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-28 Real Estate Companies, Additions Other accruals and allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Returns and Allowances Schedule of Components of Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Income on Equity Method Investments Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Long-term debt Long-term Debt Unearned revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability LEASES Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Acquired tenant-related intangibles Tenant-related intangible assets Tenant relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Services Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] ATC, TIPL ATC, TIPL [Member] ATC, TIPL [Member] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Minimum Minimum Minimum [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net Property and equipment, net Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Expected to vest, (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected To Vest Net Of Estimated Forfeitures Weighted average grant date fair value of shares expected to vest, net of forfeitures. Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Property Property Rental And Management [Member] Property Rental And Management [Member] Net losses on sales or disposals of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current United States UNITED STATES Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price REVENUES: Revenues [Abstract] Current assets Asset Acquisition, Assets, Current Asset Acquisition, Assets, Current EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of the Company's Option Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Current Commitment fee, percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Property Property Revenue [Member] Property Revenue [Member] Debt covenant, limitation on indebtedness guaranteed by subsidiaries Debt Instrument, Covenant, Limitation of Indebtedness Guaranteed by Subsidiaries, Amount Debt Instrument, Covenant, Limitation of Indebtedness Guaranteed by Subsidiaries, Amount, Greater Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Uganda UGANDA Unrealized loss on foreign currency Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses Viom Working Capital Facilities Viom Working Capital Facilities [Member] Viom Working Capital Facilities [Member] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Other operating expenses Total other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Deductions during period: SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Deductions [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Deductions 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] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Start-up capital expenditures Start Up Capital Expenditures Start Up Capital Expenditures Current year increases SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Debt interest rate, effective percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Foreign currency losses recorded in AOCL Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), reclassified as AOCI Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), reclassified as AOCI Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid Controlling interest percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Items not currently deductible and other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Retirement Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Nonpension Benefits, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property lease revenue Operating Lease, Lease Income Number of DAS Networks Number of DAS Networks Number of DAS Networks Deferred rent asset Straight Line Rent 4.70% senior notes 4.70% Notes Four Point Seven Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] Fair value of net assets acquired Asset Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, And Liabilities Assumed, Net Asset Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, And Liabilities Assumed, Net Functional Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, from lapse of statue of limitations and effective settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statue of Limitations and Effective Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statue of Limitations and Effective Settlements $76.90 - $77.75 Range Two [Member] Range Two [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class C Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class C [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class C Total foreign currency losses Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), in AOCI and Income Statement Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), in AOCI and Income Statement Series 2013-2A Securities Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2013-2A [Member] Debt covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, after a Qualified Acquisition Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio, After a Qualified Acquisition Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio, After a Qualified Acquisition Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate [Roll Forward] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] India Transaction Viom Transaction [Member] Viom Transaction [Member] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Customer lease, initial term Customer Lease Initial Term Customer Lease Initial Term Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Number of units SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Number of Units Other non-current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Interest rate swap agreements Interest rate swap asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Installment payment, optional extension period Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability, Installment Payment, Optional Extension Period Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability, Installment Payment, Optional Extension Period Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation and Environmental Cost [Policy Text Block] OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party [Abstract] Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Derivative asset, notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Easton Towers, KES Denominated Debt Easton Towers, KES Denominated Debt [Member] Easton Towers, KES Denominated Debt [Member] Derivative, fixed interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Brazil Credit Facility Brazil Credit Facility [Member] Brazil Credit Facility [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Vested or expected to vest (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions (1) Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions Fair value of debt assumed through acquisitions Unamortized discounts, premiums and debt issuance costs and fair value adjustments, net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Swingline Loan Swingline Loan [Member] A loan that grants institutions access to large amounts of cash in order to cover possible shortfalls from other debt commitments. Colombian Credit Facility Colombian Long Term Credit Facility [Member] Long-term credit facility established by one of the Company's Colombian subsidiaries Basic net income attributable to American Tower Corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Basic net income attributable to american tower corporation common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the ETR Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Buildings and improvements Building Improvements [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense [Abstract] 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four Aggregate intrinsic value, vested or expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Debt covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, step down Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio, Step Down Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio, Step Down Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Issuance of common stock—stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Asset Acquisition [Abstract] Asset Acquisition [Abstract] Asset Acquisition [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Ghana And Uganda Subsidiaries Ghana And Uganda Subsidiaries [Member] Ghana And Uganda Subsidiaries 2019 364-Day Term Loan 2019 364-Day Term Loan [Member] 2019 364-Day Term Loan [Member] Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Schedule of Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Axis] Schedule of Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Axis] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Stock based compensation related activity (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Indefinite carryforward Indefinite Carryforward Net operating losses with an indefinite carryforward period Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Investment in noncontrolled affiliates Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment in Noncontrolled Affiliates MTN Group Limited MTN Group Limited [Member] MTN Group Limited [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class A Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class A [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class A Pro forma net income per common share amounts: Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Acquisitions, pro forma information, gross margin of acquiree since acquisition date actual Business combination pro forma information gross margin of acquiree since acquisition date actual This element represents the amount of gross margin of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for the reporting period. Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] 3.125% senior notes 3.125% Notes Three Point One Two Five Percent, Senior Notes [Member] Three Point One Two Five Percent, Senior Notes [Member] 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 Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other 3.000% senior notes 3.000% Notes Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Acquisitions SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Other Acquisition Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] TOTAL Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Impairment Charges Schedule of Impairment Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impairment Charges [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Foreign currency translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Purchase price adjustment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class B Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class B [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2020-1A Class B Reduction as a result of the lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Carrying value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Carrying Amount Shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] 2.950% Notes Two Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2051 [Member] Two Point Nine Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2051 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Additions and reductions for tax positions of prior years (1) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Intangible assets, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Interest expense, TV Azteca, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS Net income attributable to American Tower Corporation stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Purchase of noncontrolling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Segment gross margin Segment Reporting Segment Gross Profit Segment Reporting Segment Gross Profit LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Document Period End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1R Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1R [Member] Secured Tower Revenue Securities, Series 2018-1R [Member] Total lease liability Finance lease obligations Finance Lease, Liability Easton Towers, XOF Denominated Debt Easton Towers, XOF Denominated Debt [Member] Easton Towers, XOF Denominated Debt [Member] Accumulated depreciation Finance Lease, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Finance Lease, Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Parent Parent Company [Member] Less accumulated depreciation Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 2021 to 2025 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years One Through Five Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Years One Through Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Unearned revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Reclassification to redeemable noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease From Reclassification From Permanent To Temporary Equity Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease From Reclassification From Permanent To Temporary Equity Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] AT&T AT and T Mobility [Member] AT&T Mobility Issuance of common stock - stock purchase plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans South Africa SOUTH AFRICA Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Total non-lease revenue Non-Lease Revenue [Member] Non-Lease Revenue [Member] Schedule of Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contract Assets And Liabilities From Contracts With Customers [Table] Schedule of Contract Assets And Liabilities From Contracts With Customers [Table] Schedule of Contract Assets And Liabilities From Contracts With Customers [Table] Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Gross Carrying Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] $81.18 - $94.23 Range Three [Member] Range Three [Member] Conversion of preferred stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Net operating loss carryforwards Net Long Term Operating Loss Carry Forwards Net Long Term Operating Loss Carry Forwards Debt assumed Noncash Or Part Noncash Asset Acquisition, Debt Assumed Noncash Or Part Noncash Asset Acquisition, Debt Assumed Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Assets held and used, original carrying value Assets Held and Used Long Lived Fair Value Disclosure Assets held and used long-lived fair value, carrying value after impairment Property and equipment, net Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets Acquired Other Intangible Assets [Member] Acquired Other Intangible Assets [Member] Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] BASIC (in shares) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basis spread on variable rate Current margin over LIBOR Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless [Member] Verizon Wireless Foreign currency translation Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease) related to foreign currency Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease) related to foreign currency Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Reserves Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Reserves Number of communications sites acquired Number Of Sites Acquired Number Of Communications Sites Acquired Company's ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Preferred stock, dividends per share, declared (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Acquired network location intangibles Network location intangible assets Acquired Network Location [Member] Acquired network location [Member] New operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency losses (gains) recorded in Other expense Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class C Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class C [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class C Africa Africa Property Segment [Member] Africa Property Segment Income tax (provision) benefit Income tax (provision) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF YEAR Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Adjustment to noncontrolling interest redemption value Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Current portion of lease liability Less current portion of lease liability Finance Lease, Liability, Current Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Schedule of Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Schedule of Reconciliation of Assets from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Other additions SEC Schedule, 12-28, Real Estate Companies, Investment in Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciation, Other Addition Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Maximum adjusted EBITDA Maximum Adjusted EBITDA The maximum times Adjusted EBITDA for liens covenant as defined in the Senior Notes agreement. Acquisitions, pro forma information, revenue of acquiree since acquisition date, actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Exercise price per share, maximum Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Right-of-use assets Right -of-use Assets [Member] Right -of-use Assets Outstanding Principal Balance Aggregate Principal Amount Principal amount Long-term Debt, Gross Additions and reductions for tax positions of prior years (1) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class A Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class A [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2018-1A Class A Unearned revenue Contract with Customer, Liability Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges to net income, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax 5.900% senior notes Five Point Nine Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Selling, General, Administrative and Development Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class B Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class B [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class B Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Installment payment period Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability, Installment Payment Period Business Combination Contingent Consideration Liability, Installment Payment Period Total fair value of restricted stock units vested during period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Operating lease, number of renewal options Lessee, Operating Lease, Number Of Renewal Options Lessee, Operating Lease, Number Of Renewal Options Subtotal Deferred Tax Liabilities (Assets), Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities (Assets), Gross Distributions in Excess of Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Revisions in estimates Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] 3.600% Notes Three Point Six Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Three Point Six Zero Zero Percent Senior Notes [Member] Cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average remaining life, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Series 2015-2 Class Series 2015-2 Class A [Member] Series 2015-2 Class A [Member] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receipts Expected Under Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Debt covenant, limitation of indebtedness guaranteed by subsidiaries, Adjusted EBITDA, percentage Debt Instrument, Covenant, Limitation of Indebtedness Guaranteed by Subsidiaries, Adjusted EBITDA, Percentage Debt Instrument, Covenant, Limitation of Indebtedness Guaranteed by Subsidiaries, Adjusted EBITDA, Percentage Schedule of Changes in Allowances Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Financial Instrument [Domain] Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Financial Instrument [Domain] Exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Number towers Number Of Broadcast And Wireless Communications Towers Number of broadcast and wireless communications towers Treasury stock (10,915 and 10,651 shares at cost, respectively) Treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class A Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class A [Member] Securitized Debt, Series 2016-1A Class A REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Balance as of January 1, Balance as of December 31, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Total additions Real Estate Period, Additions To Accumulated Depreciation Total additions to accumulated depreciation during the period. Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Accounting Standards Updates New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Borrowings under credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]