Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue $ 1,344,564 $ 1,342,548
Operating expenses:    
Direct operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization) 578,519 597,688
Selling, general and administrative expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization) 416,188 414,636
Corporate expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization) 77,288 72,705
Depreciation and amortization 170,453 174,871
Impairment charges 0 0
Other operating income, net (8,974) 165
Operating income 93,142 82,813
Interest expense 441,771 431,114
Gain (loss) on marketable securities 579 0
Equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates 331 (13,326)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (2,201) (3,916)
Other income (expense), net 19,891 1,541
Loss before income taxes (330,029) (364,002)
Income tax benefit (expense) (56,605) (68,388)
Consolidated net loss (386,634) (432,390)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (1,668) (8,200)
Net loss attributable to the Company (384,966) (424,190)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:    
Foreign currency translation adjustments (82,159) (2,217)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities and derivatives:    
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities 822 1,084
Unrealized holding gain on cash flow derivatives 0 0
Other adjustments to comprehensive income (loss) (1,154) 3,309
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain (loss) on securities included in net loss 0 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) (82,491) 2,176
Comprehensive loss (467,457) (422,014)
Less amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (6,353) (2,963)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the Company $ (461,104) $ (419,051)
Net loss attributable to the Company per common share:    
Basic $ (4.58) $ (5.06)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic 84,118 83,800
Diluted $ (4.58) $ (5.06)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted 84,118 83,800