Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Partners' Capital (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Partners' Capital [Abstract]
Partners' capital, units	71,965	64,615
Partners' capital, value	$ 792,638	$ 669,264
Net income	19,604	7,030
Cash distributions	(31,677)	(25,846)
Issuance of common units for cash, units	5,750
Issuance of common units for cash, value	169,524
Conversion of waiver units, units	1,738
Conversion of waiver units, value
Other, units	12
Other, value	500
Partners' capital, units	79,465	64,615
Partners' capital, value	$ 950,589	$ 650,448

Change in limited partners account due to the conversion of waiver units to common units during the period.

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Change in limited partners units due to the conversion of waiver units to common units during the period.

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Limited Partners Capital Account Units, Other Increase (Decrease)

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Partners capital account other increase decrease

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The amount of the limited partners' ownership interests.

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The number of limited partner units outstanding.

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Total distributions to each class of partners (i.e., general, limited and preferred partners).

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Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to the sale of units. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.

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Total units issued during the year due to the sale of units. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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