Asset Write-Down Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Asset write-down charges	$ 22,285	$ 13,687	$ 19,237
CCUSA [Member]
Asset write-down charges	21,986	13,243	18,611
Tower Write-Down Charges [Member] | CCUSA [Member]
Asset write-down charges	$ 15,800	$ 8,600	$ 18,300