Document and Entity Information Statement - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Aug. 05, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NII HOLDINGS INC
Central Index Key	0001037016
Entity Well-Known Seasoned issuer	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting status	Yes
Entity Volunteer Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, shares outstanding		100,827,278
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016