Other Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	$ 46,497	$ 9,908	$ 15,121
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	(24,663)	(21,428)	(15,707)
Royalty Revenue	18,491	14,688	17,249
Right of Way Issuance	13,519	122	31
Sales Revenue, Services, Net	9,059	9,796	11,796
Interest Income (Expense), Net	8,919	7,642	5,052
Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination	0	0	12,450
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	32,472	33,923	35,780
Other Income	$ 153,620	$ 97,507	$ 113,186