v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Change in Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
2,494

 
$
2,045

 
$
4,106

Additions:
 

 

 

   Charged to expense
 
518

 
2

 
199

 Direct reduction to revenue and other accounts
 
104

 
602

 
595

Deductions
 
(2,515
)
 
(155
)
 
(2,855
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
601

 
$
2,494

 
$
2,045
Schedule of Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
2011
 
2010
Construction-in-progress
 
$
354,068

 
$
425,906

Network infrastructure (1)
 
5,196,034

 
4,363,009

Office equipment
 
319,596

 
205,895

Leasehold improvements
 
60,635

 
57,853

Furniture and fixtures
 
18,087

 
15,992

Vehicles
 
455

 
401

 
 
5,948,875

 
5,069,056

Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1)
 
(1,930,876
)
 
(1,409,611
)
Property and equipment, net
 
$
4,017,999

 
$
3,659,445

 ————————————
(1)
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, approximately $291.2 million and $259.0 million, respectively, of network infrastructure assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $41.9 million and $23.7 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation
The following table summarizes the Company's asset retirement obligation transactions (in thousands):
 
 
2011
 
2010
Beginning asset retirement obligations
 
$
59,036

 
$
63,005

Liabilities incurred
 
1,084

 
6,484

Liabilities settled
 
(218
)
 
(512
)
Revisions of estimated future cash flows
 
—

 
(13,004
)
Accretion expense
 
5,224

 
3,063

Ending asset retirement obligations
 
$
65,126

 
$
59,036