STOCK AND DEBT REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
DEBT REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Payments to retire convertible senior notes	$ 34,615,000	$ 24,865,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	(54,000)	346,000
3.75% Convertible Senior Notes
DEBT REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Amount of debt retired	34,600,000	25,400,000
Payments to retire convertible senior notes	34,600,000	24,900,000
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	(54,000)	346,000
Debt discount at extinguishment	77,000	158,000
Affiliated Entity
DEBT REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Minimum beneficial ownership in the entity (as a percent)	5.00%
Chou or an affiliate of Chou | 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes
DEBT REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Amount of debt retired	10,100,000
Fairfax or an affiliate of Fairfax | 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes
DEBT REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Amount of debt retired	$ 21,700,000