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Significant Accounting Policies

(1) Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Nature of Business

Lamar Advertising Company (the Company) is engaged in the outdoor advertising business, operating approximately 143,000 billboard advertising displays in 44 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Company’s operating strategy is to be the leading provider of outdoor advertising services in the markets it serves.

In addition, the Company operates a logo sign business in 21 states throughout the United States and the province of Ontario, Canada and a transit advertising business in 60 markets. Logo signs are erected pursuant to state-awarded service contracts on public rights-of-way near highway exits and deliver brand name information on available gas, food, lodging and camping services. Included in the Company’s logo sign business are tourism signing contracts. The Company provides transit advertising on bus shelters, benches and buses in the markets it serves.

(b) Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Lamar Advertising Company, its wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Media Corp. (Lamar Media), and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

An operating segment is a component of an enterprise:

•

that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses;

•

whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and

•

for which discrete financial information is available.

We define the term ‘chief operating decision maker’ to be our executive management group, which consist of our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, all operations are reviewed on a consolidated basis for budget and business plan performance by our executive management group. Additionally, operational performance at the end of each reporting period is viewed in the aggregate by our management group. Any decisions related to changes in invested capital, personnel, operational improvement or training, or to allocate other company resources are made based on the combined results.

We operate in a single operating and reporting segment, advertising. We sell advertising on billboards, buses, shelters and benches and logo plates.

(c) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using accelerated and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

(d) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test. The Company designated December 31 as the date of its annual goodwill impairment test. Impairment testing involves various estimates and assumptions, which could vary, and an analysis of relevant market data and market capitalization. If industry and economic conditions deteriorate, the Company may be required to assess goodwill impairment before the next annual test, which could result in impairment charges.

The Company is required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. The Company is required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would be required to perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. The fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount at its annual impairment test date on December 31, 2011 and 2010, therefore, the Company was not required to recognize an impairment loss.

Intangible assets, consisting primarily of site locations, customer lists and contracts, and non-competition agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the assets estimated useful lives, generally from 3 to 15 years.

(e) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset before interest expense. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.

(f) Deferred Income

Deferred income consists principally of advertising revenue invoiced in advance and gains resulting from the sale of certain assets to related parties. Deferred advertising revenue is recognized in income as services are provided over the term of the contract. Deferred gains are recognized in income in the consolidated financial statements at the time the assets are sold to an unrelated party or otherwise disposed of.

(g) Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes outdoor advertising revenue on an accrual basis ratably over the term of the contracts, as services are provided. Production revenue and the related expense for the advertising copy are recognized upon completion of the sale.

The Company engages in barter transactions where the Company trades advertising space for goods and services. The Company recognizes revenues and expenses from barter transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the Company’s own historical practice of receiving cash for similar advertising space from buyers unrelated to the party in the barter transaction. The amount of revenue and expense recognized for advertising barter transactions is as follows:


	2011		2010		2009
Net revenues	$	7,153	$	6,608	$	5,642
Direct advertising expenses	$	2,766	$	2,768	$	2,808
General and administrative expenses	$	3,524	$	3,242	$	2,867

(h) Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

(i) Earnings Per Share

The calculation of basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effect of stock options and convertible debt, while diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of stock options and convertible debt. The number of potentially dilutive shares excluded from the calculation because of their anti-dilutive effect are 0 for the year ended December 31, 2011, 465,820 for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2,580,092 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

(j) Stock Based Compensation

Compensation expense for share-based awards is recognized based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which is generally commensurate with the vesting term. Non-cash compensation expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $11,650, $17,839 and $12,462. The $11,650 expensed during the year ended December 31, 2011 consists of (i) $7,875 related to stock options, (ii) $3,535 related to stock grants, made under the Company’s performance-based stock incentive program in 2011 (iii) $240 related to stock awards to directors. See Note 14 for information on the assumptions we used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation.

(k) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(l) Foreign Currency Translation

Local currencies generally are considered the functional currencies outside the United States. Assets and liabilities for operations in local-currency environments are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (deficit) in Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Deficit).

(m) Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company is required to record the present value of obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which it is incurred. The liability is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset’s carrying amount. Over time, accretion of the liability is recognized as an operating expense and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the expected useful life of the related asset. The Company’s asset retirement obligations relate primarily to the dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities of its properties.

(n) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(o) Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (deficit) are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Deficit). Comprehensive Income (Loss) is composed of foreign currency translation effects and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments.

(p) Subsequent Events

The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date on which the financial statements are issued.

Significant Accounting Policies

(1) Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Nature of Business

Lamar Media Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lamar Advertising Company. Lamar Media Corp. is engaged in the outdoor advertising business operating approximately 143,000 outdoor advertising displays in 44 states. Lamar Media’s operating strategy is to be the leading provider of outdoor advertising services in the markets it serves.

In addition, Lamar Media operates a logo sign business in 21 states throughout the United States as well as the province of Ontario, Canada. Logo signs are erected pursuant to state-awarded service contracts on public rights-of-way near highway exits and deliver brand name information on available gas, food, lodging and camping services. Included in the Company’s logo sign business are tourism signing contracts. The Company provides transit advertising on bus shelters, benches and buses in the markets it serves.

Certain footnotes are not provided for the accompanying financial statements as the information in notes 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 and portions of notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Advertising Company included elsewhere in this Annual Report are substantially equivalent to that required for the consolidated financial statements of Lamar Media Corp. Earnings per share data is not provided for the operating results of Lamar Media Corp. as it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lamar Advertising Company.

(b) Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Lamar Media Corp., its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Lamar Company, LLC, Lamar Central Outdoor, Inc., Lamar Oklahoma Holding Co., Inc., Lamar Advertising Southwest, Inc., Lamar DOA Tennessee Holdings, Inc., and Interstate Logos, LLC. and their majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements.

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

(2) Acquisitions

Year Ended December 31, 2011

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company completed several acquisitions of outdoor advertising assets for a total purchase price of approximately $23,497 in cash.

Each of these acquisitions was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and, accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of each acquired entity from the date of acquisition. The acquisition costs have been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on preliminary fair market value estimates at the dates of acquisition. The allocations are pending final determination of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. The following is a summary of the preliminary allocation of the acquisition costs in the above transactions.


	Total
Property, plant and equipment	$	12,319
Goodwill		775
Site locations		8,147
Non-competition agreements		101
Customer lists and contracts		2,010
Other asset		356
Current liabilities		(211	)

	$	23,497

Total acquired intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $11,033, of which $775 was assigned to goodwill. Although goodwill is not amortized for financial statement purposes, substantially all of the $775 is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The remaining $10,258 of acquired intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14 years. The intangible assets include customer lists and contracts of $2,010 (7 year weighted average useful life) and site locations of $8,147 (15 year weighted average useful life). The aggregate amortization expense related to the 2011 acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2011 was approximately $358.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the Company gives effect to the 2011 and 2010 acquisitions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2010. These pro forma results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisitions occurred on such date or to project the Company’s results of operations for any future period.


	2011		2010
Net revenues	$	1,135,802	$	1,099,490
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock	$	7,946	$	(39,830	)
Net loss per common share — basic	$	0.09	$	(0.43	)
Net loss per common share — diluted	$	0.09	$	(0.43	)

Year Ended December 31, 2010

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, the Company completed several acquisitions of outdoor advertising assets for a total purchase price of approximately $6,703 in cash.


	Total
Property, plant and equipment	$	2,651
Goodwill		1,703
Site locations		2,434
Non-competition agreements		70
Customer lists and contracts		654
Other asset		8
Current liabilities		(817	)

	$	6,703

Total acquired intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $4,861, of which $1,703 was assigned to goodwill. Although goodwill is not amortized for financial statement purposes, substantially all of the $1,703 is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes. The remaining $3,158 of acquired intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 14 years. The intangible assets include customer lists and contracts of $654 (7 year weighted average useful life) and site locations of $2,434 (15 year weighted average useful life). The aggregate amortization expense related to the 2010 acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2010 was approximately $124.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the Company gives effect to the 2010 and 2009 acquisitions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2009. These pro forma results do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisitions occurred on such date or to project the Company’s results of operations for any future period.


	2010			2009
Net revenues	$	1,092,916		$	1,060,158
Net loss applicable to common stock	$	(40,692	)	$	(59,407	)
Net loss per common share — basic	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.65	)
Net loss per common share — diluted	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.65	)

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities	12 Months Ended
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities	(3) Noncash Financing and Investing Activities For the period ended December 31, 2011, the Company had non-cash investing activities of $4,000 and $1,900 related to deposits paid in prior periods for the purchase of an aircraft in January 2011 that had a total purchase price of $11,539 and settlement of a notes receivable by a transfer of land, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 there were no significant non-cash financing or investing activities.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities	(2) Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities For the period ended December 31, 2011, the Company had a non-cash investing activity of $4,000 related to the purchase of an aircraft in January 2011 that had a total purchase price of $11,539. The non-cash portion of the purchase is related to deposits paid in prior periods. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 there were no significant non-cash financing or investing activities.

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment

(4) Property, Plant and Equipment

Major categories of property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:


	Estimated Life (Years)	2011		2010
Land	—	$	307,968	$	298,879
Building and improvements	10 — 39		108,820		105,459
Advertising structures	5 — 15		2,309,775		2,264,953
Automotive and other equipment	3 — 7		134,029		127,644

		$	2,860,592	$	2,796,935

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of intangible assets at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:


	Estimated	2011				2010
	Life (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Customer lists and contracts	7 — 10	$	468,371	$	451,524	$	466,412	$	441,641
Non-competition agreements	3 — 15		63,592		61,849		63,493		60,955
Site locations	15		1,383,076		925,291		1,375,298		833,418
Other	5 — 15		13,608		13,103		13,608		13,074

		$	1,928,647	$	1,451,767	$	1,918,811	$	1,349,088

Unamortizable Intangible Assets: Goodwill		$	1,680,483	$	253,635	$	1,679,770	$	253,635

The changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:


Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	1,679,770
Goodwill acquired during the year		775
Purchase price adjustments and other		(62	)
Impairment losses		—

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	1,680,483

Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $102,918. The following is a summary of the estimated amortization expense for future years:


Year ended December 31, 2012	$	99,917
Year ended December 31, 2013		97,165
Year ended December 31, 2014		83,200
Year ended December 31, 2015		46,770
Year ended December 31, 2016		36,267
Thereafter		113,561

Total	$	476,880

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

(3) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of intangible assets at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:


	Estimated Life (Years)	2011				2010
	Estimated Life (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Customer lists and contracts	7—10	$	468,371	$	451,524	$	466,412	$	441,641
Non-competition agreement	3—15		63,592		61,849		63,493		60,955
Site locations	15		1,383,076		925,290		1,375,298		833,418
Other	5—15		13,063		13,063		13,063		13,063

		$	1,928,102	$	1,451,726	$	1,918,266	$	1,349,077
Unamortizable Intangible Assets:
Goodwill		$	1,669,462	$	252,766	$	1,668,749	$	252,766

The changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:


Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	1,668,749
Goodwill acquired during the year		775
Purchase price adjustments and other		(62	)
Impairment losses		—

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	1,669,462

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

(6) Leases

The Company is party to various operating leases for production facilities, vehicles and sites upon which advertising structures are built. The leases expire at various dates, and have varying options to renew and to cancel and may contain escalation provisions. The following is a summary of minimum annual rental payments required under those operating leases that have original or remaining lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2011:


2012	$	145,491
2013	$	125,635
2014	$	111,981
2015	$	92,917
2016	$	79,859
Thereafter	$	534,461

Rental expense related to the Company’s operating leases was $205,378, $203,044 and $213,549 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The entire disclosure for lessee entity's leasing arrangements including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a.) The basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (b.) The existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (c.) Restrictions imposed by lease agreements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing.

Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accrued Expenses

(7) Accrued Expenses

The following is a summary of accrued expenses at December 31, 2011 and 2010:


	2011		2010
Payroll	$	10,519	$	13,621
Interest		36,125		37,350
Insurance benefits		12,338		11,958
Accrued lease expense		26,975		26,851
Other		8,697		6,762

	$	94,654	$	96,542

Accrued Expenses

(4) Accrued Expenses

The following is a summary of accrued expenses at December 31, 2011 and 2010:


	2011		2010
Payroll	$	10,519	$	13,621
Interest		36,125		37,350
Other		46,671		34,832

	$	93,315	$	85,803

Long-term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-term Debt

(8) Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2011 and 2010:


	2011			2010
Senior Credit Agreement	$	595,477		$	808,875
7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		400,000			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		381,290			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series B		191,544			206,689
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series C		256,040			265,672
9 3/4% Senior Notes		331,553			324,866
Other notes with various rates and terms		2,624			3,038

		2,158,528			2,409,140
Less current maturities		(17,310	)		(5,694	)

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	$	2,141,218		$	2,403,446

Long-term debt matures as follows:


2012	$	17,310
2013	$	33,735
2014	$	387,808
2015	$	1,012,595
2016	$	307,087
Later years	$	399,993

The maturities schedule above reflects the amortization of discount in the amount of $32,673.

6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes

On August 16, 2005, Lamar Media Corp., issued $400,000 6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015. These notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and will be subordinated to all of Lamar Media’s existing and future senior debt, rank equally with all of Lamar Media’s existing and future senior subordinated debt and rank senior to all of our existing and any future subordinated debt of Lamar Media. These notes are redeemable at the company’s option anytime on or after August 15, 2010. The net proceeds from this issuance were used to reduce borrowings under Lamar Media’s bank credit facility.

On August 17, 2006, Lamar Media Corp. issued $216,000 6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015-Series B. These notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and will be subordinated to all of Lamar Media’s existing and future senior debt, rank equally with all of Lamar Media’s existing and future senior subordinated debt and rank senior to all of our existing and any future subordinated debt of Lamar Media. These notes are redeemable at the company’s option anytime on or after August 15, 2010. The net proceeds from this issuance were used to reduce borrowings under Lamar Media’s bank credit facility and repurchase the Company’s Class A common stock pursuant to its repurchase plan.

On October 11, 2007, Lamar Media Corp. issued $275,000 aggregate principal amount of 6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015—Series C. These notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and will be subordinated to all of Lamar Media’s existing and future senior debt, rank equally with all of Lamar Media’s existing and future senior subordinated debt and rank senior to all of the existing and any future subordinated debt of Lamar Media. These notes are redeemable at the company’s option anytime on or after August 15, 2010. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes was used to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under Lamar Media’s revolving senior credit facility.

During September and October 2011, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $47,900 of its outstanding 6 5/8% Notes due 2015 at an average purchase price of 98.5% of the original issue amount through open market transactions. A loss of $677 was recorded as a result of the transactions at December 31, 2011.

As discussed in Note 20, subsequent to December 31, 2011, Lamar Media repurchased a portion of the 6 5/8% Notes.

9 3/4% Senior Notes

On March 27, 2009, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $350,000 in aggregate principal amount ($314,927 gross proceeds) of 9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2014. The institutional private placement resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $307,489. The senior notes mature on April 1, 2014 and bear interest at a rate of 9 3/4% per annum, which is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning October 1, 2009. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The terms of the senior notes will, among other things, limit Lamar Media’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to (i) incur additional debt and issue preferred stock; (ii) make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments; (iii) create certain liens; (iv) enter into transactions with affiliates; (v) have the restricted subsidiaries make payments to Lamar Media; (vi) merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of Lamar Media’s or the restricted subsidiaries’ assets; and (vii) sell assets. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications.

Lamar Media may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior notes, at any time and from time to time, at a price equal to 109.75% of the aggregate principal amount so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including additional interest, if any), with the net cash proceeds of certain public equity offerings completed before April 1, 2012. At any time prior to April 1, 2014, Lamar Media may redeem some or all of the senior notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium. In addition, if the Company or Lamar Media undergoes a change of control, Lamar Media may be required to make an offer to purchase each holder’s senior notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the senior notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any), up to but not including the repurchase date.

7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes

On April 22, 2010 the Company completed an institutional private placement of $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 the “7 7/8% Notes” of Lamar Media. The institutional private placement resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $392,000.

Lamar Media may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, at any time and from time to time, at a price equal to 107.875% of the aggregate principal amount so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including additional interest, if any), with the net cash proceeds of certain public equity offerings completed before April 15, 2013, provided that following the redemption at least 65% of the 7 7/8% Notes that were originally issued remain outstanding. At any time prior to April 15, 2014, Lamar Media may redeem some or all of the 7 7/8% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a make-whole premium. On or after April 15, 2014, Lamar Media may redeem the 7 7/8% Notes, in whole or part, in cash at redemption prices specified in the Indenture.

The Company used the proceeds of this offering, after the payment of fees and expenses, to repurchase all of its outstanding 7 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013.

2010 Senior Credit Facility

On April 28, 2010, Lamar Media refinanced its existing senior credit facility with a new senior credit facility. The Senior Credit Facility, for which JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. serves as administrative agent, consists of a $250,000 revolving credit facility, a $270,000 term loan A-1 facility, a $30,000 term loan A-2 facility, a $575,000 term loan B facility and a $300,000 incremental facility, which may be increased by up to an additional $200,000, based upon our satisfaction of a senior debt ratio test (as described below), of less than or equal to 3.25 to 1. Lamar Media is the borrower under the Senior Credit Facility, except with respect to the $30,000 term loan A-2 facility for which Lamar Media’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lamar Advertising of Puerto Rico, Inc. is the borrower. We may also from time to time designate additional wholly owned subsidiaries as subsidiary borrowers under the incremental loan facility that can borrow up to $110,000 of the incremental facility. Incremental loans may be in the form of additional term loan tranches or increases in the revolving credit facility. Our lenders have no obligation to make additional loans to us, or any designated subsidiary borrower, under the incremental facility, but may enter into such commitments in their sole discretion.

The remaining quarterly amortizations of the Term facilities as of December 31, 2011 is as follows:


	Term A-1		Term A-2		Term B
September 30, 2012 — March 31, 2014	$	6,750	$	750	$	813.2
June 30, 2014 — March 30, 2015	$	13,500	$	1,500	$	813.2
June 30, 2015 — September 30, 2015	$	37,125	$	4,125	$	813.2
December 31, 2015	$	74,250	$	8,250	$	813.2
March 31, 2016 — September 30, 2016	$	—	$	—	$	813.2
December 31, 2016	$	—	$	—	$	304,151.9

In addition to the amortizations of our Term facilities, Lamar Media may be required to make certain mandatory prepayments on loans outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility that would be applied first to any outstanding term loans, commencing with the year ended December 31, 2010. These payments, if any, are determined annually and are calculated based on a percentage of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) at the end of each fiscal year. The percentage of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow that must be applied to repay outstanding loans (the “Excess Cash Flow Percentage”) was set at 50% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. For fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2011, this percentage is subject to a reduction to 0% if the total holdings debt ratio, as described above, is less than or equal to 5.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of such fiscal year. The Company will not be required to make a mandatory prepayment in respect of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 since there was a consolidated cash flow deficit, in accordance with the calculation as defined in the Senior Credit Facility and the total holdings debt ratio was less than 5.0 to 1.0.

As of December 31, 2011, there was $0 revolving credit loans outstanding under the revolving facility. The revolving facility terminates April 28, 2015. Availability of the revolving facility is reduced by the amount of letters of credit outstanding. The company had $9,364 letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and $240,636 availability under its revolving facility. Revolving credit loans may be requested under the revolving credit facility at any time prior to maturity. The loans bear interest, at the Company’s option, at the LIBOR Rate or JPMorgan Chase Prime Rate plus applicable margins, such margins being set from time to time based on the Company’s ratio of debt to trailing twelve month EBITDA, as defined in the agreement.

The terms of the indenture relating to Lamar Advertising’s outstanding notes, Lamar Media’s Senior Credit Facility and the indenture relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes restrict, among other things, the ability of Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media to:

•

dispose of assets;

•

incur or repay debt;

•

create liens;

•

make investments; and

•

pay dividends.

Lamar Media’s ability to make distributions to Lamar Advertising is also restricted under the terms of these agreements. Under Lamar Media’s Senior Credit Facility the Company must maintain specified financial ratios and levels including:

•

fixed charges ratios;

•

senior debt ratios; and

•

total debt ratios.

Lamar Advertising and Lamar Media were in compliance with all of the terms of all of the indentures and the applicable Senior credit agreement during the periods presented.

Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

(5) Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2011 and 2010:


	2011			2010
Senior Credit Agreement	$	595,477		$	808,875
7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		400,000			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		381,290			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series B		191,544			206,689
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series C		256,040			265,672
9 3/4% Senior Notes		331,553			324,866
Other notes with various rates and terms		2,624			3,038

		2,158,528			2,409,140
Less current maturities		(17,310	)		(5,694	)

Long-term debt excluding current maturities	$	2,141,218		$	2,403,446

Long-term debt matures as follows:


2012	$	17,310
2013	$	33,735
2014	$	387,808
2015	$	1,012,595
2016	$	307,087
Later years	$	399,993

The maturities schedule above reflects the amortization of discount in the amount of $32,673.

Asset Retirement Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Asset Retirement Obligations

(9) Asset Retirement Obligation

The Company’s asset retirement obligation includes the costs associated with the removal of its structures, resurfacing of the land and retirement cost, if applicable, related to the Company’s outdoor advertising portfolio. The following table reflects information related to our asset retirement obligations:


Balance at December 31, 2009	$	160,260
Revisions in cash flow estimates		7,809
Additions to asset retirement obligations		261
Accretion expense		10,751
Liabilities settled		(5,408	)

Balance at December 31, 2010		173,673
Additions to asset retirement obligations		708
Accretion expense		10,573
Liabilities settled		(4,292	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	180,662

Depreciation and Amortization

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]

Depreciation and Amortization

(10) Depreciation and Amortization

The Company includes all categories of depreciation and amortization on a separate line in its Statement of Operations. The amounts of depreciation and amortization expense excluded from the following operating expenses in its Statement of Operations are:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Direct expenses	$	283,720	$	297,517	$	318,561
General and administrative expenses		4,224		5,033		6,528
Corporate expenses		11,695		10,153		11,636

	$	299,639	$	312,703	$	336,725

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes

(11) Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:


	Current			Deferred			Total
Year ended December 31, 2011:
U.S. federal	$	—		$	2,963		$	2,963
State and local		1,075			1,125			2,200
Foreign		1,847			(387	)		1,460

	$	2,922		$	3,701		$	6,623

Year ended December 31, 2010:
U.S. federal	$	(1,290	)	$	(14,174	)	$	(15,464	)
State and local		477			(3,767	)		(3,290	)
Foreign		1,932			(6,647	)		(4,715	)

	$	1,119		$	(24,588	)	$	(23,469	)

Year ended December 31, 2009:
U.S. federal	$	(20,062	)	$	(14,862	)	$	(34,924	)
State and local		1,960			(2,939	)		(979	)
Foreign		2,121			(2,319	)		(198	)

	$	(15,981	)	$	(20,120	)	$	(36,101	)

As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the company had income taxes receivable of $381 and $1,789, respectively, included in other current assets.

The U.S. and foreign components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows:


	2011			2010			2009
U.S.	$	16,641		$	(59,353	)	$	(94,371	)
Foreign		(1,468	)		(4,218	)		232

Total	$	15,173		$	(63,571	)	$	(94,139	)

A reconciliation of significant differences between the reported amount of income tax expense (benefit) and the expected amount of income tax expense (benefit) that would result from applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35 percent to income before taxes is as follows:


	2011			2010			2009
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	5,310		$	(22,250	)	$	(32,948	)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		958			(4,945	)		(636	)
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes		746			662			816
Stock-based compensation		464			518			(3,534	)
Amortization of non-deductible goodwill		1			3			6
Undistributed earnings of Canadian subsidiaries (a)		(4,023	)		1,083			828
Valuation allowance		382			1,487			(9	)
Rate Change (b)		1,743			—			—
Other differences, net		1,042			(27	)		(624	)

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	6,623		$	(23,469	)	$	(36,101	)

(a)

In prior periods, the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries were not designated as permanently reinvested. As of December 31, 2011, however, management asserts that the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries are permanently reinvested. During the current year, we recognized a deferred tax benefit of $4,023, resulting from the release of the December 31, 2010 deferred tax liability.

(b)

In 2011, the “Internal Revenue Code for a New Puerto Rico” was signed into law. Under the enacted legislation, the Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate was lowered from 39% to 30%. As a result, a non-cash charge of $1,743 to income tax expense was recorded for the reduction of the Puerto Rico net deferred tax asset.

The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are presented below:


	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,954		$	5,445
Accrued liabilities not deducted for tax purposes		33,583			33,873
Asset retirement obligation		61,565			57,060
Net operating loss carry forwards		148,913			127,866
Tax credit carry forwards		3,724			3,829
Charitable contributions carry forward		469			409
Other		—			516

Gross deferred tax assets		251,208			228,998
Less: valuation allowance		(3,755	)		(3,332	)

Net deferred tax assets		247,453			225,666

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(36,967	)		(16,517	)
Intangibles		(291,926	)		(281,884	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		—			(4,023	)
Investment in partnerships		(1,065	)		(1,235	)

Gross deferred tax liabilities		(329,958	)		(303,659	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(82,505	)	$	(77,993	)

Classification in the consolidated balance sheets:
Current deferred tax assets	$	9,812		$	9,241
Current deferred tax liabilities		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax assets		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(92,317	)		(87,234	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(82,505	)	$	(77,993	)

During 2011, we generated $58,412 of U.S. net operating losses, primarily attributable to the accelerated tax depreciation provisions available under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 that was signed into law by the President on December 17, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $342,534 of U.S. net operating loss carry forwards remaining to offset future taxable income. Of this amount, $43,201 is subject to an IRC §382 limitation of $25,337 per year. These carry forwards expire between 2022 through 2031. In addition, we have $3,476 of various credits available to offset future U.S. federal income tax.

As of December 31, 2011, we have approximately $457,965 state net operating loss carry forwards before valuation allowances. These state net operating losses are available to reduce future taxable income and expire at various times and amounts. Management has determined that a valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carry forwards in certain jurisdictions is necessary. The valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $3,742 and $3,332, respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was an increase (decrease) of $410, $1,653, and $(13), respectively.

During 2011, we generated $4,896 of Puerto Rico net operating losses. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $21,778 of Puerto Rico net operating losses available to offset future taxable income. These carry forwards expire between 2016 and 2021.

Based on the current level of pretax earnings and projected decreases in future depreciation and amortization, the Company will generate the minimum amount of future taxable income to support the realization of the deferred tax assets. Additionally, the company has a significant amount of deferred tax liabilities that will reverse during the same period and jurisdiction and are of the same character as the temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets. As a result, management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2011. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.

In prior periods, we have not designated the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries as permanently reinvested. As of December 31, 2011, however, management asserts that the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries are permanently reinvested. We have not recognized a deferred tax liability of approximately $5,459 for the undistributed earnings of our Canadian operations that arose in 2011 and prior years as management intends to reinvest the earnings outside the U.S. indefinitely. During the current period, we recognized a deferred tax benefit of $4,023, resulting from the release of the December 31, 2010 deferred tax liability. As of December 31, 2011, the undistributed earnings of these subsidiaries were approximately $15,596.

Under ASC 740, we provide for uncertain tax positions, and the related interest, and adjust recognized tax benefits and accrued interest accordingly. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


Balance as of December 31, 2009	$	919
Additions for tax positions related to current year		35
Additions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Lapse of statute of limitations		(632	)
Settlements		—

Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	322
Additions for tax positions related to current year		7
Additions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Lapse of statute of limitations		(194	)
Settlements		—

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	135

Included in the balance of unrecognized benefits at December 31, 2011 is $135 of tax benefits that, if recognized in future periods, would impact our effective tax rate.

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we recognized interest and penalties of $7 and $35, respectively, as components of income tax expense (benefit) in connection with our liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties included in the balance at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, was $27 and $67, respectively.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and nearly all states. In addition, the Company is subject to income taxes in Canada and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We are no longer subject to U.S federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 since the IRS has completed review of our income tax returns through 2008, or for any U.S. state income tax audit prior to 2002. With respect to Canada and Puerto Rico, we are no longer subject to income tax audits for years before 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible, that we could decrease our unrecognized tax benefits up to $62 as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations.

Income Taxes

(6) Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:


	Current			Deferred			Total
Year ended December 31, 2011:
U.S. federal	$	—		$	3,088		$	3,088
State and local		1,075			1,295			2,370
Foreign		1,847			(386	)		1,461

	$	2,922		$	3,997		$	6,919

Year ended December 31, 2010:
U.S. federal	$	(1,290	)	$	(14,130	)	$	(15,420	)
State and local		529			(3,607	)		(3,078	)
Foreign		1,932			(6,647	)		(4,715	)

	$	1,171		$	(24,384	)	$	(23,213	)

Year ended December 31, 2009:
U.S. federal	$	(19,691	)	$	(15,292	)	$	(34,983	)
State and local		2,026			(2,991	)		(965	)
Foreign		2,121			(2,319	)		(198	)

	$	(15,544	)	$	(20,602	)	$	(36,146	)

As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the company had income taxes receivable of $599 and $2,008, respectively, included in other current assets.

The U.S. and foreign components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows:


	2011			2010			2009
U.S.	$	16,999		$	(59,193	)	$	(92,201	)
Foreign		(1,468	)		(4,218	)		232

Total	$	15,531		$	(63,411	)	$	(91,969	)


	2011			2010			2009
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	5,436		$	(22,193	)	$	(32,189	)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		975			(4,205	)		(628	)
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes		746			662			816
Stock-based compensation		464			518			(3,534	)
Amortization of non-deductible goodwill		1			3			1
Undistributed earnings of Canadian subsidiaries (a)		(4,023	)		1,083			828
Valuation allowance		382			942			(9	)
Rate Change (b)		1,743			—			—
Other differences, net		1,195			(23	)		(1,431	)

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	6,919		$	(23,213	)	$	(36,146	)

(a)

(b)	During the current year, the “Internal Revenue Code for a New Puerto Rico” was signed into law. Under the enacted legislation, the Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate was lowered from 39% to 30%. As a result, $1,743 of income tax expense was recorded for the Puerto Rico tax rate change.

The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are presented below:


	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,954		$	5,445
Accrued liabilities not deducted for tax purposes		33,583			33,873
Asset retirement obligation		61,565			57,060
Net operating loss carry forwards		99,811			79,061
Tax credit carry forwards		18,496			18,600
Charitable contributions carry forward		469			409
Other		—			516

Gross deferred tax assets		216,878			194,964
Less: valuation allowance		(3,205	)		(2,785	)

Net deferred tax assets		213,673			192,179


Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(36,967	)		(16,517	)
Intangibles		(291,291	)		(281,246	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		—			(4,023	)
Investment in partnerships		(1,065	)		(1,235	)

Gross deferred tax liabilities		(329,323	)		(303,021	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(115,650	)	$	(110,842	)

Classification in the consolidated balance sheets:
Current deferred tax assets	$	9,812		$	9,241
Current deferred tax liabilities		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax assets		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(125,462	)		(120,083	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(115,650	)	$	(110,842	)

During 2011, we generated $58,055 of U.S. net operating losses, primarily attributable to the accelerated tax depreciation provisions available under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 that was signed into law by the President on December 17, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately $207,443 of U.S. net operating loss carry forwards remaining to offset future taxable income. Of this amount, $43,201 is subject to an IRC §382 limitation of $25,337 per year. These carry forwards expire between 2022 and 2031. In addition, we have $18,248 of various credits available to offset future U.S. federal income tax.

As of December 31, 2011, we have approximately $420,914 state net operating loss carry forwards before valuation allowances. These state net operating losses are available to reduce future taxable income and expire at various times and amounts. Management has determined that a valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carry forwards is necessary. The valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $3,192 and $2,785, respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was an increase (decrease) of $407, $1,106, and $(13), respectively.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in those jurisdictions during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax assets, the company will need to generate future taxable income before the expiration of the carry forwards governed by the tax code. Based on the current level of pretax earnings for financial reporting purposes and projected decreases in future depreciation and amortization, we will generate the minimum amount of future taxable income to support the realization of the deferred tax assets. Additionally, the company has a significant amount of deferred tax liabilities that will reverse during the same period and jurisdiction and is of the same character as the temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets. As a result, management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2011. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.

In prior periods, we have not designated the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries as permanently reinvested. As of December 31, 2011, however, management asserts that the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries are permanently reinvested. We have not recognized a deferred tax liability of approximately $5,459 for the undistributed earnings of our Canadian operations that arose in 2011 and prior years as management intends to reinvest the earnings outside the U.S. indefinitely. During the current period, we recognized a deferred tax benefit of $4,023, resulting from the release of prior period deferred tax liability. As of December 31, 2011, the undistributed earnings of these subsidiaries were approximately $15,596.


Balance as of December 31, 2009	$	919
Additions for tax positions related to current year		35
Additions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Lapse of statute of limitations		(632	)
Settlements		—

Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	322
Additions for tax positions related to current year		7
Additions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		—
Lapse of statute of limitations		(194	)
Settlements		—

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	135

Included in the balance of unrecognized benefits at December 31, 2011 is $135 of tax benefits that, if recognized in future periods, would impact our effective tax rate.

Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible, that we could decrease our unrecognized tax benefits up to $62 as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations.

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions	(12) Related Party Transactions Affiliates, as used within these statements, are persons or entities that are affiliated with Lamar Advertising Company or its subsidiaries through common ownership and directorate control. Prior to 1996, the Company entered into various related party transactions for the purchase and sale of advertising structures whereby any resulting gains were deferred at that date. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the deferred gains related to these transactions were $941 and $942, respectively, and are included in deferred income on the balance sheets. No gains related to these transactions have been realized in the Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. In addition, the Company had receivables from employees of $230 and $155 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These receivables are primarily relocation loans for employees. The Company does not have any receivables from its current executive officers. Effective July 1, 1996, the Lamar Texas Limited Partnership, one of the Company’s subsidiaries, and Reilly Consulting Company, L.L.C., which Kevin P. Reilly, Sr. controls, entered into a consulting agreement, which was amended January 1, 2004. This consulting agreement as amended has a term through December 31, 2008 with automatic renewals for successive one year periods after that date unless either party provides written termination to the other. The amended agreement provides for an annual consulting fee of $190 for the five year period commencing on January 1, 2004 and an annual consulting fee of $150 for any subsequent one year renewal term. As of December 31, 2011, this consulting agreement was renewed for one additional year at the previously agreed fee of $150 per year. The agreement also contains a non-disclosure provision and a non-competition restriction which extends for two years beyond the termination agreement. In June 2011, the Company entered into a service contract with Joule Energy LA, LLC (“Joule”), of which Ross L. Reilly is a member and owns 26.66% interest. Joule provides services related to the Company’s installation of solar arrays in the State of Louisiana, which services are expected to be completed in 2012. The aggregate amount payable to Joule under the service contract is approximately $1,000 of which approximately $625 has been incurred as of December 31, 2011. Ross L. Reilly is the son of Kevin P. Reilly, Jr., our Chairman of the Board of Directors and President.
LAMAR MEDIA CORP
Related Party Transactions	(7) Related Party Transactions Affiliates, as used within these statements, are persons or entities that are affiliated with Lamar Media Corp. or its subsidiaries through common ownership and directorate control. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there was a payable to Lamar Advertising Company, its parent, in the amount of $9,400 and $7,105, respectively. Effective December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Lamar Advertising Company contributed $16,553 and $27,982 respectively, to Lamar Media which resulted in an increase in Lamar Media’s additional paid-in capital.

The entire disclosure for related party transactions, including the nature of the relationship(s), a description of the transactions, the amount of the transactions, the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms of the transaction from the previous period, stated interest rate, expiration date, terms and manner of settlement per the agreement with the related party, and amounts due to or from related parties. If the entity and one or more other entities are under common ownership or management control and this control affects the operating results or financial position, disclosure includes the nature of the control relationship even if there are no transactions between the entities. Disclosure may also include the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax expense for each statement of earnings presented where the entity is a member of a group that files a consolidated tax return, the amount of any tax related balances due to or from affiliates as of the date of each statement of financial position presented, the principal provisions of the method by which the consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense is allocated to the members of the group and the nature and effect of any changes in that method. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph k

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 04
-Paragraph b

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 1-4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39603-107864

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
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-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39691-107864

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39678-107864

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

(13) Stockholders’ Equity

On July 16, 1999, the Board of Directors designated 5,720 shares of the 1,000,000 shares of previously undesignated preferred stock, par value $.001, as Series AA preferred stock. The Class A preferred stock, par value $638, was exchanged for the new Series AA preferred stock and no shares of Class A preferred stock are currently outstanding. The new Series AA preferred stock and the class A preferred stock rank senior to the Class A common stock and Class B common stock with respect to dividends and upon liquidation. Holders of Series AA preferred stock and Class A preferred stock are entitled to receive, on a pari passu basis, dividends at the rate of $15.95 per share per quarter when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. The Series AA preferred stock and the Class A preferred stock are also entitled to receive, on a pari passu basis, $638 plus a further amount equal to any dividend accrued and unpaid to the date of distribution before any payments are made or assets distributed to the Class A common stock or Class B stock upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. The liquidation value of the outstanding Series AA preferred stock at December 31, 2011 was $3,649. The Series AA preferred stock and the Class A preferred stock are identical, except that the Series AA preferred stock is entitled to one vote per share and the Class A preferred stock is not entitled to vote.

All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, following any required distribution to the holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to share pro rata in any balance of the corporate assets available for distribution to them. The Company may pay dividends if, when and as declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefore, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company’s existing indentures and the Senior Credit Facility. Subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any class of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by the Company’s Board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. No dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property on any share of either class of common stock unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the other class of common stock, provided that, in the event of stock dividends, holders of a specific class of common stock shall be entitled to receive only additional shares of such class.

The rights of the Class A and Class B common stock are equal in all respects, except holders of Class B common stock have ten votes per share on all matters in which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote and holders of Class A common stock have one vote per share on such matters. The Class B common stock will convert automatically into Class A common stock upon the sale or transfer to persons other than permitted transferees (as defined in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended).

In February 2007, the Company’s board of directors approved a repurchase program of up to $500,000 of the Company’s Class A common stock, which expired on February 22, 2009. Shares repurchased during the program were made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of the shares repurchased were determined by Lamar’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. All repurchased shares are available for future use for general corporate and other purposes. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the Company did not purchase any shares of its Class A common stock under the repurchase program.

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

Stock Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock Compensation Plans

(14) Stock Compensation Plans

Equity Incentive Plan. Lamar’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan has reserved 13 million shares of common stock for issuance to directors and employees, including options granted and common stock reserved for issuance under its performance-based incentive program. Options granted under the plan expire ten years from the grant date with vesting terms ranging from three to five years which primarily includes 1) options that vest in one-fifth increments beginning on the grant date and continuing on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and 2) options that cliff-vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. All grants are made at fair market value based on the closing price of our Class A common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

We use a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based awards. The Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model incorporates various highly subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected volatility. We have reviewed our historical pattern of option exercises and have determined that meaningful differences in option exercise activity existed among vesting schedules. Therefore, for all stock options granted after January 1, 2006, we have categorized these awards into two groups of vesting 1) 5-year cliff vest and 2) 4-year graded vest, for valuation purposes. We have determined there were no meaningful differences in employee activity under our ESPP due to the nature of the plan.

We estimate the expected term of options granted using an implied life derived from the results of a hypothetical mid-point settlement scenario, which incorporates our historical exercise, expiration and post-vesting employment termination patterns, while accommodating for partial life cycle effects. We believe these estimates will approximate future behavior.

We estimate the expected volatility of our Class A common stock at the grant date using a blend of 75% historical volatility of our Class A common stock and 25% implied volatility of publicly traded options with maturities greater than six months on our Class A common stock as of the option grant date. Our decision to use a blend of historical and implied volatility was based upon the volume of actively traded options on our common stock and our belief that historical volatility alone may not be completely representative of future stock price trends.

Our risk-free interest rate assumption is determined using the Federal Reserve nominal rates for U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the award being valued. We assumed an expected dividend yield of zero since the Company has historically not paid dividends on Class A common stock, except for special dividends in 2007.

We estimate option forfeitures at the time of grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate based on our historical forfeiture data.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used:


Grant Year	Dividend Yield			Expected Volatility			Risk Free Interest Rate			Expected Lives
2011		0	%		52	%		2	%		5
2010		0	%		54	%		2	%		5
2009		0	%		55	%		2	%		5

Information regarding the 1996 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2011 is as follows:


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Contractual Life
Outstanding, beginning of year		2,828,770		$	20.85
Granted		68,000			33.28
Exercised		(113,359	)		17.62
Canceled		(80,782	)		21.62

Outstanding, end of year		2,702,629		$	21.27		7.07

Exercisable at end of year		1,500,656		$	22.86		6.78

At December 31, 2011 there was $7,372 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.14 years.

On July 2, 2009, we completed a tender offer for 250 eligible participants to exchange some or all of certain outstanding options (the “Eligible Options”) for new options to be issued under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. We have accepted for cancellation Eligible Options to purchase an aggregate of 2,630,474 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, representing 86.2% of the total number of shares of Class A common stock underlying all Eligible Options. In exchange for the Eligible Options surrendered in the Offer, we issued new options to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,030,819 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock under the 1996 Plan. Each new option has an exercise price per share of $15.67, the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on July 2, 2009. Eligible Options not tendered for exchange remain outstanding according to their original terms and are subject to the 1996 Plan. An incremental cost of $1,923 will be recognized over the 5 year vesting term of the new options using the bifurcation method.

The exchange of Eligible Options has been accounted for as a modification. In calculating the incremental compensation cost of a modification, the fair value of the modified award was compared to the fair value of the original award measured immediately before its terms and conditions were modified. The Company elected to use a binomial lattice model solely to determine the incremental compensation cost associated with the underwater options because it more appropriately captures exercise and cancellation patterns needed in the valuation. There were no significant changes in assumptions utilized in the determination of the incremental compensation cost of the modification.

Shares available for future stock option and restricted share grants to employees and directors under existing plans were 2,341,158 at December 31, 2011. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 was $22,379, and the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable was $11,453. Total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1,206 for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes our non-vested stock option activity for year ended December 31, 2011:


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested stock options at the beginning of the period		1,832,153		$	9.20
Granted		54,400			9.33
Vested		(623,362	)		9.49
Canceled		(61,218	)		9.14

Non-vested stock options at the end of the period		1,201,973		$	9.06

Stock Purchase Plan. On May 25, 2000, the stockholders approved the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2000 ESPP”) whereby 500,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock were reserved for issuance under the Plan. Under this plan, eligible employees could purchase stock at 85% of the fair market value of a share on the offering commencement date or the respective purchase date whichever was lower. Purchases were limited to ten percent of an employee’s total compensation. The initial offering under the Plan commenced on April 1, 2000 with a single purchase date on June 30, 2000. Subsequent offerings commenced each year on July 1 with a termination date of December 31 and purchase dates on September 30 and December 31; and on January 1 with a termination date on June 30 and purchase dates on March 31 and June 30. In accordance with the Plan, the number of shares available for issuance under the plan was increased at the beginning of each fiscal year by the lesser of 500,000 shares or one tenth of 1% of the total of shares outstanding or a lessor amount determined by the board of directors.

The 2000 ESPP was terminated following the issuance of all shares that were subject to the offer that commenced under the 2000 ESPP on January 1, 2009 and ended June 30, 2009. In 2009, we adopted a new employee stock purchase plan. Our 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was adopted by our Board of Directors in February 2009 and approved by our shareholders on May 28, 2009. The terms of the 2009 ESPP are substantially the same as the 2000 ESPP. The following is a summary of ESPP share activity for the year ended December 31, 2011:


	Shares
2009 ESPP Plan Shares available for future purchases, January 1, 2011		331,795
Additional Shares reserved under 2009 ESPP		77,928
Purchases		(156,429	)

Shares available for future purchases, December 31, 2011		253,294

Performance-based compensation. Unrestricted shares of our Class A common stock may be awarded to key officers and employees under our 1996 Plan based on certain Company performance measures for fiscal 2011. The number of shares to be issued; if any, will be dependent on the level of achievement of these performance measures as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee based on our 2011 results and were issued in the first quarter of 2012. The shares subject to these awards can range from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of 100% of the target number of shares depending on the level at which the goals are attained. Based on the Company’s performance measures achieved through December 31, 2011, the Company has accrued $3,535 as compensation expense related to these agreements.

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

(15) Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a partially self-insured group health insurance program. The Company is obligated to pay all claims under the program, which are in excess of premiums, up to program limits. The Company is also self-insured with respect to its income disability benefits and against casualty losses on advertising structures. Amounts for expected losses, including a provision for losses incurred but not reported, is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2011, the Company maintained $7,950 in letters of credit with a bank to meet requirements of the Company’s worker’s compensation and general liability insurance carrier.

Savings and Profit Sharing Plan

The Company sponsors The Lamar Corporation Savings and Profit Sharing Plan covering eligible employees who have completed one year of service and are at least 21 years of age. The Company has the option to match 50% of employees’ contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Employees can contribute up to 100% of compensation. Full vesting on the Company’s matched contributions occurs after three years for contributions made after January 1, 2002. Annually, at the Company’s discretion, an additional profit sharing contribution may be made on behalf of each eligible employee. The Company matched contributions of $2,870, $1,263 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company sponsors a Deferred Compensation Plan for the benefit of certain of its board-elected officers who meet specific age and years of service and other criteria. Officers that have attained the age of 30 and have a minimum of 10 years of service to the Company and satisfying additional eligibility guidelines are eligible for annual contributions to the Plan generally ranging from $3 to $8, depending on the employee’s length of service. The Company’s contributions to the Plan are maintained in a rabbi trust and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the Plan are reflected in the balance sheet of the Company in other assets and other liabilities. Upon termination, death or disability, participating employees are eligible to receive an amount equal to the fair market value of the assets in the employee’s deferred compensation account. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company contributed $1,223 and $1,164, respectively. The Company did not contribute to the plan for year ended December 31, 2009.

On December 8, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Lamar Deferred Compensation Plan in order to (1) to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) applicable to deferred compensation and (2) to reflect changes in the administration of the Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors also approved the adoption of a grantor trust pursuant to which amounts may be set aside, but remain subject to claims of the Company’s creditors, for payments of liabilities under the new plan, including amounts contributed under the old plan. The plan was further amended in August 2007 to make certain amendments to reflect Section 409A regulations issued on April 10, 2007.

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Commitment and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitment and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitment and Contingencies

(16) Commitment and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries [Abstract]

Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries

(17) Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries

Separate financial statements of each of the Company’s direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries that have guaranteed Lamar Media’s obligations with respect to its publicly issued notes (collectively, the “Guarantors”) are not included herein because the Company has no independent assets or operations, the guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several and the only subsidiaries that are not guarantors are in the aggregate minor.

Lamar Media’s ability to make distributions to Lamar Advertising is restricted under both the terms of the indentures relating to Lamar Media’s outstanding notes and by the terms of the Senior Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Lamar Media was permitted under the terms of its outstanding senior subordinated notes to make transfers to Lamar Advertising in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances in amounts up to $1,641,856 and $1,380,705, respectively. Transfers to Lamar Advertising are subject to additional restrictions if, (i) under the Senior Credit Facility and as defined therein, (x) the total holdings debt ratio is greater than 5.75 to 1 or (y) the senior debt ratio is greater than 3.25 to 1.0, and (ii) if under the indenture for Lamar Media’s 9 3/4% senior notes and as defined therein, its senior leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1. As of December 31, 2011, the total holdings debt ratio was less than 5.75 to 1 and Lamar Media’s senior debt ratio was less than 3.25 to 1 and its senior leverage ratio was less than 3.0 to 1; therefore, transfers to Lamar Advertising were not subject to any additional restrictions under the senior credit facility or pursuant to the indenture governing the 9 3/4% senior notes.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

(18) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable, borrowings and derivative contracts. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments and derivative contracts are reported at fair values. Fair values for investments held at cost are not readily available, but are estimated to approximate fair value. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long term debt (including current maturities) was $2,265,451, which exceeded both the gross and carrying amounts of $2,191,201 and $2,158,528, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Subparagraph a, b
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
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Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

(19) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


	Year 2011 Quarters
	March 31			June 30		September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	255,202		$	293,345	$	296,701	$	288,239
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	155,651		$	190,287	$	193,501	$	184,996
Net (loss) income applicable to common stock	$	(13,331	)	$	11,335	$	3,901	$	6,280
Net (loss) income per common share basic	$	(0.14	)	$	0.12	$	0.04	$	0.07
Net (loss) income per common share — diluted	$	(0.14	)	$	0.12	$	0.04	$	0.07


	Year 2010 Quarters
	March 31			June 30			September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	244,103		$	286,366		$	286,138	$	275,684
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	145,551		$	186,541		$	186,543	$	175,189
Net (loss) income applicable to common stock	$	(24,918	)	$	(9,028	)	$	690	$	(7,211	)
Net (loss) income per common share basic	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01	$	(0.08	)
Net (loss) income per common share — diluted	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01	$	(0.08	)

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

(8) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


	Year 2011 Quarters
	March 31			June 30		September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	255,202		$	293,345	$	296,701	$	288,239
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	155,651		$	190,287	$	193,501	$	184,996
Net (loss) income	$	(13,164	)	$	11,436	$	4,115	$	6,225


	Year 2010 Quarters
	March 31			June 30			September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	244,103		$	286,366		$	286,138	$	275,684
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	145,551		$	186,541		$	186,543	$	175,189
Net (loss) income	$	(24,898	)	$	(8,810	)	$	803	$	(7,293	)

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

(20) Subsequent Events

On February 9, 2012, Lamar Media entered into a restatement agreement with respect to its existing Senior Credit Facility in order to fund a new $100,000 Term loan A-3 facility and to make certain covenant changes to the Senior Credit Facility.

On February 9, 2012, Lamar Media completed an institutional private placement of $500,000 aggregate principal amount of 5 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2022. The institutional private placement resulted in net proceeds to Lamar Media of approximately $489,000. The Company used the proceeds of this offering, after the payment of fees and expenses together with approximately $99,000 of net proceeds from its term loan A-3 facility to repurchase $583,123 of its outstanding 6 5/8% Notes.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

SCHEDULE 2

Lamar Advertising Company

And Subsidiaries

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

(In thousands)


	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2011
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	8,100		7,591		8,191	$	7,500
Deducted in balance sheet from intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,602,723		102,679		—	$	1,705,402
Year ended December 31, 2010
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	9,550		8,736		10,186	$	8,100
Deducted in balance sheet from intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,497,763		104,960		—	$	1,602,723
Year ended December 31, 2009
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	10,000		12,663		13,113	$	9,550
Deducted in balance sheet from intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,389,523		108,292		52	$	1,497,763

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

SCHEDULE 2

Lamar Media Corp.

and Subsidiaries

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

(In thousands)


	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at end of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	8,100		7,591		8,191	$	7,500
Deducted in balance sheet from intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,601,843		102,649		—	$	1,704,492
Year Ended December 31, 2010
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	9,550		8,736		10,186	$	8,100
Deducted in balance sheet from intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,496,912		104,931		—	$	1,601,843
Year Ended December 31, 2009
Deducted in balance sheet from trade accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	10,000		12,663		13,113	$	9,550
Deducted in balance sheet from intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets	$	1,388,671		108,293		52	$	1,496,912

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Principles of Consolidation

Nature of Business

(a) Nature of Business

(b) Principles of Consolidation

An operating segment is a component of an enterprise:

•

that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses;

•

whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and

•

for which discrete financial information is available.

We operate in a single operating and reporting segment, advertising. We sell advertising on billboards, buses, shelters and benches and logo plates.

Property, Plant and Equipment

(c) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using accelerated and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

(d) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

(e) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Deferred Income

(f) Deferred Income

Revenue Recognition

(g) Revenue Recognition

Income Taxes

(h) Income Taxes

Earnings Per Share

(i) Earnings Per Share

Stock Based Compensation

(j) Stock Based Compensation

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(k) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Foreign Currency Translation

(l) Foreign Currency Translation

Asset Retirement Obligations

(m) Asset Retirement Obligations

Use of Estimates

(n) Use of Estimates

Comprehensive income

(o) Comprehensive Income

Subsequent Events

(p) Subsequent Events

The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date on which the financial statements are issued.

Principles of Consolidation

Nature of Business

(a) Nature of Business

(b) Principles of Consolidation

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenue and expense recognized for advertising barter transactions


	2011		2010		2009
Net revenues	$	7,153	$	6,608	$	5,642
Direct advertising expenses	$	2,766	$	2,768	$	2,808
General and administrative expenses	$	3,524	$	3,242	$	2,867

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Summary of the preliminary allocation of the acquisition costs


	Total
Property, plant and equipment	$	12,319
Goodwill		775
Site locations		8,147
Non-competition agreements		101
Customer lists and contracts		2,010
Other asset		356
Current liabilities		(211	)

	$	23,497


	Total
Property, plant and equipment	$	2,651
Goodwill		1,703
Site locations		2,434
Non-competition agreements		70
Customer lists and contracts		654
Other asset		8
Current liabilities		(817	)

	$	6,703

Summary of unaudited pro forma financial information


	2011		2010
Net revenues	$	1,135,802	$	1,099,490
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock	$	7,946	$	(39,830	)
Net loss per common share — basic	$	0.09	$	(0.43	)
Net loss per common share — diluted	$	0.09	$	(0.43	)


	2010			2009
Net revenues	$	1,092,916		$	1,060,158
Net loss applicable to common stock	$	(40,692	)	$	(59,407	)
Net loss per common share — basic	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.65	)
Net loss per common share — diluted	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.65	)

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1486-128463

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of major categories of property, plant and equipment


	Estimated Life (Years)	2011		2010
Land	—	$	307,968	$	298,879
Building and improvements	10 — 39		108,820		105,459
Advertising structures	5 — 15		2,309,775		2,264,953
Automotive and other equipment	3 — 7		134,029		127,644

		$	2,860,592	$	2,796,935

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of intangible assets


	Estimated	2011				2010
	Life (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Customer lists and contracts	7 — 10	$	468,371	$	451,524	$	466,412	$	441,641
Non-competition agreements	3 — 15		63,592		61,849		63,493		60,955
Site locations	15		1,383,076		925,291		1,375,298		833,418
Other	5 — 15		13,608		13,103		13,608		13,074

		$	1,928,647	$	1,451,767	$	1,918,811	$	1,349,088

Unamortizable Intangible Assets: Goodwill		$	1,680,483	$	253,635	$	1,679,770	$	253,635

Summary of changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill


Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	1,679,770
Goodwill acquired during the year		775
Purchase price adjustments and other		(62	)
Impairment losses		—

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	1,680,483

Summary of the estimated amortization expense


Year ended December 31, 2012	$	99,917
Year ended December 31, 2013		97,165
Year ended December 31, 2014		83,200
Year ended December 31, 2015		46,770
Year ended December 31, 2016		36,267
Thereafter		113,561

Total	$	476,880

Summary of intangible assets


	Estimated Life (Years)	2011				2010
	Estimated Life (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Customer lists and contracts	7—10	$	468,371	$	451,524	$	466,412	$	441,641
Non-competition agreement	3—15		63,592		61,849		63,493		60,955
Site locations	15		1,383,076		925,290		1,375,298		833,418
Other	5—15		13,063		13,063		13,063		13,063

		$	1,928,102	$	1,451,726	$	1,918,266	$	1,349,077
Unamortizable Intangible Assets:
Goodwill		$	1,669,462	$	252,766	$	1,668,749	$	252,766

Summary of changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill


Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	1,668,749
Goodwill acquired during the year		775
Purchase price adjustments and other		(62	)
Impairment losses		—

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	1,669,462

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

Summary of minimum annual rental payments

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases [Abstract]


2012	$	145,491
2013	$	125,635
2014	$	111,981
2015	$	92,917
2016	$	79,859
Thereafter	$	534,461

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of accrued expenses


	2011		2010
Payroll	$	10,519	$	13,621
Interest		36,125		37,350
Insurance benefits		12,338		11,958
Accrued lease expense		26,975		26,851
Other		8,697		6,762

	$	94,654	$	96,542

Summary of accrued expenses


	2011		2010
Payroll	$	10,519	$	13,621
Interest		36,125		37,350
Other		46,671		34,832

	$	93,315	$	85,803

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-term debt


	2011			2010
Senior Credit Agreement	$	595,477		$	808,875
7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		400,000			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		381,290			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series B		191,544			206,689
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series C		256,040			265,672
9 3/4% Senior Notes		331,553			324,866
Other notes with various rates and terms		2,624			3,038

		2,158,528			2,409,140
Less current maturities		(17,310	)		(5,694	)

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	$	2,141,218		$	2,403,446

Long-term debt matures as follows:

Summary of long-term debt matures


2012	$	17,310
2013	$	33,735
2014	$	387,808
2015	$	1,012,595
2016	$	307,087
Later years	$	399,993

Remaining quarterly amortization of the Term facilities


	Term A-1		Term A-2		Term B
September 30, 2012 — March 31, 2014	$	6,750	$	750	$	813.2
June 30, 2014 — March 30, 2015	$	13,500	$	1,500	$	813.2
June 30, 2015 — September 30, 2015	$	37,125	$	4,125	$	813.2
December 31, 2015	$	74,250	$	8,250	$	813.2
March 31, 2016 — September 30, 2016	$	—	$	—	$	813.2
December 31, 2016	$	—	$	—	$	304,151.9

Summary of long-term debt matures

Long-term debt


	2011			2010
Senior Credit Agreement	$	595,477		$	808,875
7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		400,000			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes		381,290			400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series B		191,544			206,689
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes — Series C		256,040			265,672
9 3/4% Senior Notes		331,553			324,866
Other notes with various rates and terms		2,624			3,038

		2,158,528			2,409,140
Less current maturities		(17,310	)		(5,694	)

Long-term debt excluding current maturities	$	2,141,218		$	2,403,446


2012	$	17,310
2013	$	33,735
2014	$	387,808
2015	$	1,012,595
2016	$	307,087
Later years	$	399,993

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011


Balance at December 31, 2009	$	160,260
Revisions in cash flow estimates		7,809
Additions to asset retirement obligations		261
Accretion expense		10,751
Liabilities settled		(5,408	)

Balance at December 31, 2010		173,673
Additions to asset retirement obligations		708
Accretion expense		10,573
Liabilities settled		(4,292	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	180,662

Depreciation and Amortization (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]

Depreciation and amortization expenses excluded from operating expenses


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Direct expenses	$	283,720	$	297,517	$	318,561
General and administrative expenses		4,224		5,033		6,528
Corporate expenses		11,695		10,153		11,636

	$	299,639	$	312,703	$	336,725

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="68%" border="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; text-align: left" align="center">  <tr> <td width="90%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr>   <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Balance as of December 31, 2009 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">$</td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"> 919</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to current year </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">35</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Reductions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Lapse of statute of limitations </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(632</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Settlements </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Balance as of December 31, 2010 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">$</td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">322</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to current year </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Reductions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Lapse of statute of limitations </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(194</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Settlements </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Balance as of December 31, 2011 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">$</td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">135</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td> </td> </tr>  </table>

Income tax expense (benefit)


	Current			Deferred			Total
Year ended December 31, 2011:
U.S. federal	$	—		$	2,963		$	2,963
State and local		1,075			1,125			2,200
Foreign		1,847			(387	)		1,460

	$	2,922		$	3,701		$	6,623

Year ended December 31, 2010:
U.S. federal	$	(1,290	)	$	(14,174	)	$	(15,464	)
State and local		477			(3,767	)		(3,290	)
Foreign		1,932			(6,647	)		(4,715	)

	$	1,119		$	(24,588	)	$	(23,469	)

Year ended December 31, 2009:
U.S. federal	$	(20,062	)	$	(14,862	)	$	(34,924	)
State and local		1,960			(2,939	)		(979	)
Foreign		2,121			(2,319	)		(198	)

	$	(15,981	)	$	(20,120	)	$	(36,101	)

U.S. and foreign components of earnings (loss) before income taxes


	2011			2010			2009
U.S.	$	16,641		$	(59,353	)	$	(94,371	)
Foreign		(1,468	)		(4,218	)		232

Total	$	15,173		$	(63,571	)	$	(94,139	)

Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation


	2011			2010			2009
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	5,310		$	(22,250	)	$	(32,948	)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		958			(4,945	)		(636	)
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes		746			662			816
Stock-based compensation		464			518			(3,534	)
Amortization of non-deductible goodwill		1			3			6
Undistributed earnings of Canadian subsidiaries (a)		(4,023	)		1,083			828
Valuation allowance		382			1,487			(9	)
Rate Change (b)		1,743			—			—
Other differences, net		1,042			(27	)		(624	)

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	6,623		$	(23,469	)	$	(36,101	)

Components of deferred taxes


	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,954		$	5,445
Accrued liabilities not deducted for tax purposes		33,583			33,873
Asset retirement obligation		61,565			57,060
Net operating loss carry forwards		148,913			127,866
Tax credit carry forwards		3,724			3,829
Charitable contributions carry forward		469			409
Other		—			516

Gross deferred tax assets		251,208			228,998
Less: valuation allowance		(3,755	)		(3,332	)

Net deferred tax assets		247,453			225,666

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(36,967	)		(16,517	)
Intangibles		(291,926	)		(281,884	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		—			(4,023	)
Investment in partnerships		(1,065	)		(1,235	)

Gross deferred tax liabilities		(329,958	)		(303,659	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(82,505	)	$	(77,993	)

Classification in the consolidated balance sheets:
Current deferred tax assets	$	9,812		$	9,241
Current deferred tax liabilities		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax assets		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(92,317	)		(87,234	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(82,505	)	$	(77,993	)

Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="68%" border="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; text-align: left" align="center">  <tr> <td width="90%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr>   <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Balance as of December 31, 2009 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">$</td> <td valign="bottom" align="right"> 919</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to current year </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">35</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Reductions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Lapse of statute of limitations </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(632</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Settlements </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Balance as of December 31, 2010 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">$</td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">322</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to current year </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Additions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Reductions for tax positions related to prior years </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Lapse of statute of limitations </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">(194</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Settlements </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">— </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> Balance as of December 31, 2011 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">$</td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">135</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr style="font-size:1px"> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td> </td> </tr>  </table>

Income tax expense (benefit)


	Current			Deferred			Total
Year ended December 31, 2011:
U.S. federal	$	—		$	3,088		$	3,088
State and local		1,075			1,295			2,370
Foreign		1,847			(386	)		1,461

	$	2,922		$	3,997		$	6,919

Year ended December 31, 2010:
U.S. federal	$	(1,290	)	$	(14,130	)	$	(15,420	)
State and local		529			(3,607	)		(3,078	)
Foreign		1,932			(6,647	)		(4,715	)

	$	1,171		$	(24,384	)	$	(23,213	)

Year ended December 31, 2009:
U.S. federal	$	(19,691	)	$	(15,292	)	$	(34,983	)
State and local		2,026			(2,991	)		(965	)
Foreign		2,121			(2,319	)		(198	)

	$	(15,544	)	$	(20,602	)	$	(36,146	)

U.S. and foreign components of earnings (loss) before income taxes


	2011			2010			2009
U.S.	$	16,999		$	(59,193	)	$	(92,201	)
Foreign		(1,468	)		(4,218	)		232

Total	$	15,531		$	(63,411	)	$	(91,969	)

Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation


	2011			2010			2009
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	5,436		$	(22,193	)	$	(32,189	)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		975			(4,205	)		(628	)
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes		746			662			816
Stock-based compensation		464			518			(3,534	)
Amortization of non-deductible goodwill		1			3			1
Undistributed earnings of Canadian subsidiaries (a)		(4,023	)		1,083			828
Valuation allowance		382			942			(9	)
Rate Change (b)		1,743			—			—
Other differences, net		1,195			(23	)		(1,431	)

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	6,919		$	(23,213	)	$	(36,146	)

Components of deferred taxes


	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,954		$	5,445
Accrued liabilities not deducted for tax purposes		33,583			33,873
Asset retirement obligation		61,565			57,060
Net operating loss carry forwards		99,811			79,061
Tax credit carry forwards		18,496			18,600
Charitable contributions carry forward		469			409
Other		—			516

Gross deferred tax assets		216,878			194,964
Less: valuation allowance		(3,205	)		(2,785	)

Net deferred tax assets		213,673			192,179


Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		(36,967	)		(16,517	)
Intangibles		(291,291	)		(281,246	)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		—			(4,023	)
Investment in partnerships		(1,065	)		(1,235	)

Gross deferred tax liabilities		(329,323	)		(303,021	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(115,650	)	$	(110,842	)

Classification in the consolidated balance sheets:
Current deferred tax assets	$	9,812		$	9,241
Current deferred tax liabilities		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax assets		—			—
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(125,462	)		(120,083	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(115,650	)	$	(110,842	)

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Weighted average fair value of options granted

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="92%" border="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; text-align: left" align="center">  <tr> <td width="64%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap"> Grant Year </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000">Dividend Yield</td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000">Expected Volatility</td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000">Risk Free Interest Rate</td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="center" style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000">Expected Lives</td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> </tr>   <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> 2011 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">0</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">52</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> 2010 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">0</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">54</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td valign="top"> 2009 </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">0</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">55</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom">% </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr>  </table>

Stock Option Transactions under various Stock-based Employee Compensation Plans


	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Contractual Life
Outstanding, beginning of year		2,828,770		$	20.85
Granted		68,000			33.28
Exercised		(113,359	)		17.62
Canceled		(80,782	)		21.62

Outstanding, end of year		2,702,629		$	21.27		7.07

Exercisable at end of year		1,500,656		$	22.86		6.78

Unvested stock options


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested stock options at the beginning of the period		1,832,153		$	9.20
Granted		54,400			9.33
Vested		(623,362	)		9.49
Canceled		(61,218	)		9.14

Non-vested stock options at the end of the period		1,201,973		$	9.06

Summary of ESPP share activity


	Shares
2009 ESPP Plan Shares available for future purchases, January 1, 2011		331,795
Additional Shares reserved under 2009 ESPP		77,928
Purchases		(156,429	)

Shares available for future purchases, December 31, 2011		253,294

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Quarterly Financial Data


	Year 2011 Quarters
	March 31			June 30		September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	255,202		$	293,345	$	296,701	$	288,239
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	155,651		$	190,287	$	193,501	$	184,996
Net (loss) income applicable to common stock	$	(13,331	)	$	11,335	$	3,901	$	6,280
Net (loss) income per common share basic	$	(0.14	)	$	0.12	$	0.04	$	0.07
Net (loss) income per common share — diluted	$	(0.14	)	$	0.12	$	0.04	$	0.07


	Year 2010 Quarters
	March 31			June 30			September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	244,103		$	286,366		$	286,138	$	275,684
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	145,551		$	186,541		$	186,543	$	175,189
Net (loss) income applicable to common stock	$	(24,918	)	$	(9,028	)	$	690	$	(7,211	)
Net (loss) income per common share basic	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01	$	(0.08	)
Net (loss) income per common share — diluted	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.01	$	(0.08	)

Summary of Quarterly Financial Data


	Year 2011 Quarters
	March 31			June 30		September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	255,202		$	293,345	$	296,701	$	288,239
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	155,651		$	190,287	$	193,501	$	184,996
Net (loss) income	$	(13,164	)	$	11,436	$	4,115	$	6,225


	Year 2010 Quarters
	March 31			June 30			September 30		December 31
Net revenues	$	244,103		$	286,366		$	286,138	$	275,684
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	$	145,551		$	186,541		$	186,543	$	175,189
Net (loss) income	$	(24,898	)	$	(8,810	)	$	803	$	(7,293	)

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Revenue and expense recognized for advertising barter transactions
Net revenues	$ 7,153	$ 6,608	$ 5,642
Direct advertising expenses	2,766	2,768	2,808
General and administrative expenses	$ 3,524	$ 3,242	$ 2,867

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr State Market AdvertisingDisplay shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expenses related to stock	$ 11,650	$ 17,839	$ 12,462
Significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of advertising displays \| AdvertisingDisplay	143,000
Number of states in which the company operates \| State	44
Number of states in which the company operates logo sign business \| State	21
Number of markets in which entity operates with transit advertising business \| Market	60
Investment maturity period	three months or less
Estimated useful lives of Intangible assets, Minimum \| yr	3
Estimated useful lives of Intangible assets, Maximum \| yr	15
Anti-dilutive shares \| shares	0	465,820	2,580,092
Stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expenses related to stock	$ 7,875
Performance-based stock incentive program [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expenses related to stock	3,535
Stock awards to directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expenses related to stock	$ 240

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of the preliminary allocation of the acquisition costs
Property, plant and equipment	$ 12,319	$ 2,651
Goodwill	775	1,703
Other asset	356	8
Current liabilities	(211)	(817)
Total	23,497	6,703
Site locations [Member]
Summary of the preliminary allocation of the acquisition costs
Site locations, Non-competition agreements, Customer lists and contracts	8,147	2,434
Non-competition agreements [Member]
Summary of the preliminary allocation of the acquisition costs
Site locations, Non-competition agreements, Customer lists and contracts	101	70
Customer lists and contracts [Member]
Summary of the preliminary allocation of the acquisition costs
Site locations, Non-competition agreements, Customer lists and contracts	$ 2,010	$ 654

Acquisitions (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of unaudited pro forma financial information
Net revenues	$ 1,135,802	$ 1,099,490	$ 1,060,158
Net Income (loss) applicable to common stock	$ 7,946	$ (39,830)	$ (59,407)
Net loss per common share - basic	$ 0.09	$ (0.43)	$ (0.65)
Net loss per common share - diluted	$ 0.09	$ (0.43)	$ (0.65)

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

The pro forma diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) yr
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Total purchase price of outdoor advertising assets	$ 23,497	$ 6,703
Total acquired intangible assets	11,033	4,861
Portion of acquired intangible assets assigned to goodwill	775	1,703
Amount deductible for tax purposes	775	1,703
Aggregate amortization expense related to the 2010 acquisitions	$ 358	$ 124
Customer lists and contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life \| yr	7	7
Total acquired intangible assets	$ 2,010	$ 654
Site locations [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life \| yr	15	15
Total acquired intangible assets	$ 8,147	$ 2,434
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life \| yr	14	14
Total acquired intangible assets	$ 10,258	$ 3,158

Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Non-cash financing and investing activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Non-cash investing activity	$ 4,000
Total purchase price	11,539
Payments for Deposits	$ 1,900
Non-cash financing activity		$ 0	$ 0

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Summary of major categories of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment \| $	$ 2,860,592	$ 2,796,935
Land [Member]
Summary of major categories of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment \| $	307,968	298,879
Building and Improvements [Member]
Summary of major categories of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment \| $	$ 108,820	105,459
Estimated Life, Minimum	10
Estimated Life, Maximum	39
Advertising structures [Member]
Summary of major categories of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment \| $	$ 2,309,775	2,264,953
Estimated Life, Minimum	5
Estimated Life, Maximum	15
Automotive and other equipment [Member]
Summary of major categories of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment \| $	$ 134,029	$ 127,644
Estimated Life, Minimum	3
Estimated Life, Maximum	7

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Estimated Life (Years), Minimum \| yr	3
Estimated Life (Years), Maximum \| yr	15
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,928,647	$ 1,918,811
Accumulated Amortization	1,451,767	1,349,088
Unamortizable Intangible Assets:
Goodwill gross carrying amount	1,680,483	1,679,770
Goodwill accumulated amortization	$ 253,635	253,635
Customer lists and contracts [Member]
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Estimated Life (Years), Minimum \| yr	7
Estimated Life (Years), Maximum \| yr	10
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 468,371	466,412
Accumulated Amortization	$ 451,524	441,641
Non-competition agreements [Member]
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Estimated Life (Years), Minimum \| yr	3
Estimated Life (Years), Maximum \| yr	15
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 63,592	63,493
Accumulated Amortization	$ 61,849	60,955
Site locations [Member]
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Estimated Life (Years), Maximum \| yr	15
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,383,076	1,375,298
Accumulated Amortization	$ 925,291	833,418
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
Estimated Life (Years), Minimum \| yr	5
Estimated Life (Years), Maximum \| yr	15
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 13,608	13,608
Accumulated Amortization	$ 13,103	$ 13,074

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Summary of changes in the gross carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 1,679,770
Goodwill acquired during the year	775
Purchase price adjustments and other	(62)
Impairment losses	0
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 1,680,483

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13854-109267

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Summary of the estimated amortization expense
Year ended December 31, 2012	$ 99,917
Year ended December 31, 2013	97,165
Year ended December 31, 2014	83,200
Year ended December 31, 2015	46,770
Year ended December 31, 2016	36,267
Thereafter	113,561
Total	$ 476,880

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 102,918

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of minimum annual rental payments
2012	$ 145,591
2013	125,635
2014	111,981
2015	92,917
2016	79,859
Thereafter	534,461
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Rental expense related to Company's operating leases	$ 205,378	$ 203,044	$ 213,549

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of accrued expenses
Payroll	$ 10,519	$ 13,621
Interest	36,125	37,350
Insurance benefits	12,338	11,958
Accrued lease expense	26,975	26,851
Other	8,697	6,762
Total	$ 94,654	$ 96,542

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	$ 2,158,528	$ 2,409,140
Less current maturities	(17,310)	(5,694)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	2,141,218	2,403,446
Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	595,477	808,875
7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	400,000	400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	381,290	400,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes - Series B due 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	191,544	206,689
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes - Series C due 2015 [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	256,040	265,672
9 3/4% Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	331,553	324,866
Other notes with various rates and terms [Member]
Long-term debt
Long Term Debt	$ 2,624	$ 3,038

Long-Term Debt (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Summary of long-term debt matures
2012	$ 17,310
2013	33,735
2014	387,808
2015	1,012,595
2016	307,087
Later years	$ 399,993

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Feb. 09, 2012 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2010 USD ($)	Apr. 22, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 11, 2007 USD ($)	Aug. 17, 2006 USD ($)	Aug. 16, 2005 USD ($)
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes						2.875%	2.875%
Aggregate principal amount of Debt issued					$ 2,191,201
Remaining borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility					240,636
Additional Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization of discount					32,673
Balance outstanding under revolving credit facility					0
Additional Senior credit facility					$ 200,000
Senior debt ratio						3.25
Percentage of excess cash flow to repay outstanding debt					50.00%
Reduced percentage of consolidated excess cash flow to repay outstanding loan						25.00%
Reduced percentage of consolidated excess cash flow to repay outstanding loan two					0.00%
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt					$ 677	$ 17,398	$ (3,320)
September 30, 2012 - March 31, 2014 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal payment date					September 30, 2012 — March 31, 2014
June 30, 2014 - March 31, 2015 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal payment date					June 30, 2014 — March 30, 2015
June 30, 2015 - September 30, 2015 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal payment date					June 30, 2015 — September 30, 2015
December 31, 2015 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal payment date					December 31, 2015
March 31, 2016 - September 30, 2016 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal payment date					March 31, 2016 - September 30, 2016
December 31, 2016 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal payment date					December 31, 2016
Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital two					1.00
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital minimum						1.00
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital one						5.00
7 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes					7.875%	7.875%			7.875%
Net proceeds from the issuance of debt		$ 392,000
Redemption percentage of aggregate principal amount of senior notes		35.00%
Redemption percentage equal to principal amount include aggregate premium		100.00%
Additional redeemed percentage of aggregate principal amount		107.875%
Redemption percentage of issued notes which remain outstanding		5.875%
Aggregate principal amount of Debt issued									$ 400,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing limit of incremental loan facility								$ 250,000
Letter of credit outstanding					$ 9,364
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes					6.625%	6.625%							6.625%
Redemption percentage of issued notes which remain outstanding				98.50%
Aggregate principal amount of Debt issued													$ 400,000
Principal amount of debt extinguished	$ 500,000			$ 47,900
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes - Series B due 2015 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes					6.625%	6.625%						6.625%
Aggregate principal amount of Debt issued												$ 216,000
6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes - Series C due 2015 [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes					6.625%	6.625%					6.625%
Aggregate principal amount of Debt issued											$ 275,000
9 3/4% Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes					9.75%	9.75%				9.75%
Gross proceeds from the issuance of debt			$ 314,927
Net proceeds from the issuance of debt			$ 307,489
Redemption percentage of aggregate principal amount of senior notes			35.00%
Redemption percentage equal to principal amount include aggregate premium			100.00%
Additional redeemed percentage of aggregate principal amount			109.75%
Redemption price percentage of the principal amount to be purchased			101.00%
Aggregate principal amount of Debt issued										$ 350,000
Basis of interest rate computation			basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months
Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing limit of incremental loan facility								270,000
Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing limit of incremental loan facility								30,000
Term B Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing limit of incremental loan facility								575,000
Incremental Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt Type (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing limit of incremental loan facility								300,000
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity available to subsidiaries								$ 110,000

Long-term Debt (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
September 30, 2012 - March 31, 2014 [Member] \| Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	$ 6,750,000
September 30, 2012 - March 31, 2014 [Member] \| Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	750,000
September 30, 2012 - March 31, 2014 [Member] \| Term B Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	813,200
June 30, 2014 - March 31, 2015 [Member] \| Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	13,500,000
June 30, 2014 - March 31, 2015 [Member] \| Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	1,500,000
June 30, 2014 - March 31, 2015 [Member] \| Term B Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	813,200
June 30, 2015 - September 30, 2015 [Member] \| Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	37,125,000
June 30, 2015 - September 30, 2015 [Member] \| Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	4,125,000
June 30, 2015 - September 30, 2015 [Member] \| Term B Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	813,200
December 31, 2015 [Member] \| Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	74,250,000
December 31, 2015 [Member] \| Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	8,250,000
December 31, 2015 [Member] \| Term B Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	813,200
March 31, 2016 - September 30, 2016 [Member] \| Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	0
March 31, 2016 - September 30, 2016 [Member] \| Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	0
March 31, 2016 - September 30, 2016 [Member] \| Term B Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	813,200
December 31, 2016 [Member] \| Term Loan A-1 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	0
December 31, 2016 [Member] \| Term Loan A-2 Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	0
December 31, 2016 [Member] \| Term B Facility [Member]
Principal Payment of term loan
Principal amount	$ 304,151,900

Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Information related to asset retirement obligation
Beginning balance	$ 173,673	$ 160,260
Revisions in cash flow estimates		7,809
Additions to asset retirement obligations	708	261
Accretion expense	10,573	10,751
Liabilities settled	(4,292)	(5,408)
Ending balance	$ 180,662	$ 173,673

Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Depreciation and amortization expenses excluded from operating expenses
Depreciation and amortization	$ 299,639	$ 312,703	$ 336,725
Direct expenses [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expenses excluded from operating expenses
Depreciation and amortization	283,720	297,517	318,561
General and administrative expenses [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expenses excluded from operating expenses
Depreciation and amortization	4,224	5,033	6,528
Corporate expenses [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expenses excluded from operating expenses
Depreciation and amortization	$ 11,695	$ 10,153	$ 11,636

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income tax expense (benefit)
U.S. federal, Current	$ 0	$ (1,290)	$ (20,062)
U.S. federal, Deferred	2,963	(14,174)	(14,862)
U.S. federal, Total	2,963	(15,464)	(34,924)
State and local, Current	1,075	477	1,960
State and local, Deferred	1,125	(3,767)	(2,939)
State and local, Total	2,200	(3,290)	(979)
Foreign, Current	1,847	1,932	2,121
Foreign, Deferred	(387)	(6,647)	(2,319)
Foreign, Total	1,460	(4,715)	(198)
Total, Current	2,922	1,119	(15,981)
Total, Deferred	3,702	(24,588)	(20,120)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 6,623	$ (23,469)	$ (36,101)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
U.S.	$ 16,641	$ (59,353)	$ (94,371)
Foreign	(1,468)	(4,218)	232
Income (loss) before income tax expense	$ 15,173	$ (63,571)	$ (94,139)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Components of income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations
Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory rate	$ 5,310	$ (22,250)	$ (32,948)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	958	(4,945)	(636)
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes	746	662	816
Stock-based compensation	464	518	(3,534)
Amortization of non-deductible goodwill	1	3	6
Undistributed earnings of Canadian subsidiaries (a)	(4,023)	1,083	828
Valuation allowance	382	1,487	(9)
Rate Change (b)	1,743
Other differences, net	1,042	(27)	(624)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 6,623	$ (23,469)	$ (36,101)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$ 2,954	$ 5,445
Accrued liabilities not deducted for tax purposes	33,583	33,873
Asset retirement obligation	61,565	57,060
Net operating loss carry forward	148,913	127,866
Tax credit carry forwards	3,724	3,829
Charitable contributions carry forward	469	409
Other	0	516
Gross deferred tax assets	251,208	228,998
Less: valuation allowance	(3,755)	(3,332)
Net deferred tax assets	247,453	225,666
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	(36,967)	(16,517)
Intangibles	(291,926)	(281,884)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	0	(4,023)
Investments in partnerships	(1,065)	(1,235)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(329,958)	(303,659)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(82,505)	(77,993)
Classification in the consolidated balance sheets:
Current deferred tax assets	9,812	9,241
Current deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent deferred tax assets	0	0
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	(92,317)	(87,234)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (82,505)	$ (77,993)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	$ 322	$ 919
Additions for tax positions related to current year	7	35
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	0
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	(194)	(632)
Settlements	0
Ending Balance	$ 135	$ 322

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss	$ 186,374	$ 139,508	$ 97,616
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Income taxes receivable	$ 381	$ 1,789
Income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax benefit related to APB 23 assertion	$ 4,023
Puerto Rico tax rate	30.00%	39.00%
Rate Change (b)	$ 1,743
Net operating loss subject to IRC 382	43,201
IRC 382 limitation available for use	25,337
Amounts of credits available to offset federal income tax	3,476
Net change in total valuation allowance	410	$ 1,653	$ (13)
Potential deferred tax liability	5,459
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	15,596
Unrecognized tax benefits	135	322	$ 919
Interest and penalty Expense	7	35
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	27	67
Unrecognized tax benefits, decreases resulting from expiration of statute of limitations	62
U S [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss	58,412
Puerto Rico [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Puerto Rico net operating loss carry forward	21,778
Net operating loss	4,896
Domestic Country [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
US net operating loss carry forward	342,534
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforward	457,965
Valuation allowance for State and Local deferred tax assets	$ 3,742	$ 3,332

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred gains	$ 941	$ 942
Receivables from employees	230	$ 155
Annual consulting fee	190
Annual consulting fee for renewal	$ 150
Amended consulting agreement period	5 years
Consulting agreement renewal period	1 year
Interest owned in service contract	26.66%
Aggregate amount payable under the service contract	$ 1,000
Amount incurred from the service contract	$ 625

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jul. 16, 1999
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Liquidation value of outstanding preferred stock	$ 3,649
Stockholders Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Preferred stock voting right	Series AA preferred stock is entitled to one vote per share and the Class A preferred stock is not entitled to vote
Class B common stock voting rights	Holders of Class B common stock have ten votes per share on all matters in which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote and holders of Class A common one vote per share on such matters
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase program	$ 500,000
Shares purchased under repurchase program	0
Preferred Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, authorized	10,000	10,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 638	$ 638
Dividends paid to preferred stock	$ 15.95
Amount entitled		$ 638
Series AA Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, authorized	5,720	5,720	5,720
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Dividends paid to preferred stock	15.95
Amount entitled	$ 638

Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - yr	12 Months Ended
Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - yr	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fair value of stock options
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected Volatility	52.00%	54.00%	55.00%
Risk Free Interest Rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Expected Lives	5	5	5

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
Stock Compensation Plans (Details 1)	Dec. 31, 2011 yr $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2009 shares
Stock option transactions under various stock based employee compensation plans
Granted, Shares \| shares	68,000
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 33.28
Exercised, Shares \| shares	(113,359)	(368,178)	(111,843)
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 17.62
Canceled, Shares \| shares	(80,782)
Canceled, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 21.62
Outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares \| shares	2,702,629	2,828,770
Outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 21.27	$ 20.85
Outstanding, Ending balance, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term \| yr	7.07
Exercisable, Ending Balance, Shares \| shares	1,500,656
Exercisable, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 22.86
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm \| yr	6.78

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 2) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
Stock Compensation Plans (Details 2) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Non-vested stock options
Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares	2,828,770
Granted, Shares	68,000
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 9.33
Vested, Outstanding	(623,362)
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 9.49
Canceled, Shares	(80,782)
Canceled, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 9.14
Outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares	2,702,629	2,828,770
Nonvested Stock Option [Member]
Non-vested stock options
Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares	1,832,153
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue	$ 9.06	$ 9.20
Outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares	1,201,973	1,832,153
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue	$ 9.06	$ 9.20

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
Stock Compensation Plans (Details 3)	Dec. 31, 2011 shares
Summary of ESPP share activity
Shares available for future purchases, December 31, 2011	2,341,158
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Summary of ESPP share activity
2009 ESPP Plan Shares available for future purchases, January 1, 2011	331,795
Additional Shares reserved under 2009 ESPP	77,928
Purchases	(156,429)
Shares available for future purchases, December 31, 2011	253,294

Number of shares issued during the period as a result of an employee stock purchase plan.

Stock Compensation Plans (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2000	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	May 25, 2000 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares		5 years
Aggregate shares of its Class A stock issued during the exchange		68,000
New option exercise price per share \| $ / shares		$ 33.28
Shares available for future stock option and restricted share grants to employees and directors under existing plans		2,341,158
Percentage of stock purchased by employees	85.00%
Compensation expense related to performance based compensation agreements \| $		$ 11,650	$ 17,839	$ 12,462
Stock Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards \| $		$ 7,372
Award vesting terms		vesting terms ranging from three to five years and include 1) options that vest in one-fifth increments beginning on the grant date and continuing on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and 2) options that cliff-vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date
Weighted average number of years over which compensation cost related to nonvested awards is expected to be recognized \| yr		1.14
Incremental cost of new option \| $		$ 1,923
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding \| $		22,379
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable \| $		11,453
Total intrinsic value of options exercised \| $		$ 1,206
Shares available for issuance under the Stock Purchase plan		one tenth of 1% of the total of shares outstanding or a lessor amount determined by the board of directors
Percentage of shares available for issuance from total shares outstanding under the Stock Purchase plan		10.00%
Percentage of total shares outstanding		1.00%
Maximum range of awards of the target number of shares, terms of award		100.00%
Minimum range of awards of the target number of shares, terms of award		0.00%
Period of graded vesting for option valuation		4 years
Period of cliff vesting for option valuation		5 years
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Volatility		75.00%
Volatility rate on publicly traded options		25.00%
Performance Based Compensation [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense related to performance based compensation agreements \| $		$ 3,535
1996 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan has reserved shares of Class A common stock		13,000,000
Vesting period of shares		3-5 years
Expiration date of options granted under equity incentive plan		10 years
New option exercise price per share \| $ / shares		$ 15.67
1996 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Eligible Options to purchase an aggregate shares, accepted for cancellation		2,630,474
Percentage of Class A common stock underlying all Eligible Options		86.20%
Aggregate shares of its Class A stock issued during the exchange		1,030,819
2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future stock option and restricted share grants to employees and directors under existing plans		253,294	331,795
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan has reserved shares of Class A common stock					500,000
Maximum number of share for yearly increased		500,000

Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr Age	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Benefit Plans (Textual Abstract)
Letters of credit with bank	$ 7,950
Employees eligibility	Completed one year of service and are at least 21 years of age
Minimum years of service required \| yr	1
Minimum years of age required \| yr	21
Employers contribution and compensation	Match 50% of employees’ contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation
Employers contribution as percentage of employees contribution	50.00%
Employers contribution as percentage of employees compensation	5.00%
Employees contribution limit	100.00%
Fully vesting period of contribution \| yr	3
Minimum age for entitlement to benefit of deferred compensation plan \| Age	30
Minimum years of experience to attain the benefit of deferred compensation plan	P10Y
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual employees contribution minimum	$ 3
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual employees contribution maximum	8
Deferred Profit Sharing [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Employer's contribution	2,870	$ 1,263	$ 0
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Employer's contribution	$ 1,223	$ 1,164	$ 0

Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 27, 2009
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes		2.875%	2.875%
Summarized Financial Information of Subsidiaries (Textual) [Abstract]
Balance of permitted transfers to parent company	$ 1,641,856	$ 1,380,705
Description of provisions on senior credit facility transfers to Lamar Advertising subject to additional restrictions	the total holdings debt ratio is greater than 5.75 to 1 or its senior debt ratio is greater than 3.25 to 1.0, or if under the indenture for the 9 3/4% senior notes Lamar Media’s senior leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1
Description of actual position on senior credit facility transfers to Lamar Advertising not subject to additional restrictions	(i) the total holdings debt ratio was less than 5.75 to 1 (ii) the senior debt ratio was less than 3.25 to 1 and (iii) the senior leverage ratio was less than 3.0 to 1 related our senior credit facility or the 9 3/4% senior notes
Holdings debt ratio	5.75
Senior debt ratio	3.25
senior leverage ratio	3.0
Holdings debt ratio related to actual position On senior credit facility	5.75
Senior debt ratio related to actual position On senior credit facility	3.25
senior leverage ratio related to actual position On senior credit facility	3.0
9 3/4% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior subordinate notes	9.75%	9.75%		9.75%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of Long-term debt (including current maturities)	$ 2,265,451
Gross amount of company long term debt	2,191,201
Carrying amount of company long term debt	$ 2,158,528

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data
Net revenues	$ 288,239	$ 296,701	$ 293,345	$ 255,202	$ 275,684	$ 286,138	$ 286,366	$ 244,103	$ 1,133,487	$ 1,092,291	$ 1,056,065
Net revenues less direct advertising expenses	184,996	193,501	190,287	155,651	175,189	186,543	186,541	145,551
Net (loss) income applicable to common stock	$ 6,280	$ 3,901	$ 11,335	$ (13,331)	$ (7,211)	$ 690	$ (9,028)	$ (24,918)	$ 8,185	$ (40,467)	$ (58,403)
Net (loss) income per common share - basic	$ 0.07	$ 0.04	$ 0.12	$ (0.14)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.01	$ (0.10)	$ (0.27)	$ 0.09	$ (0.44)	$ (0.64)
Net (loss) income per common share - diluted	$ 0.07	$ 0.04	$ 0.12	$ (0.14)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.01	$ (0.10)	$ (0.27)	$ 0.09	$ (0.44)	$ (0.64)

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.