Equity Investees (Consolidated Financial Statements Related To Equity Investees) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Equity Investees [Abstract]
Genesis' share of operating earnings	$ 6,038	$ 4,339
Amortization of excess purchase price	(2,546)	(1,142)
Net equity in earnings	3,492	3,197
Distributions received	$ 10,225	$ 6,500

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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+ Details