Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	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
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Total revenue	$ 333,913	$ 507,826	$ 400,439	$ 263,221	$ 299,991	$ 255,411	$ 323,850	$ 308,379	$ 1,505,399	$ 1,187,631	$ 738,283
(Loss) income from operations	(7,557)	207,801	133,214	(15,294)	25,172	646	109,071	53,573	318,164	188,462	(73,856)
Net (loss) income	(61,743)	153,454	89,205	(74,671)	(43,194)	(18,676)	66,968	26,004	106,245	31,102	(113,354)
Net (loss) income attributable to the Partnership	(74,085)	140,312	78,497	(84,029)	(54,109)	(27,151)	60,217	21,510	60,695	467	(118,668)
Net (loss) income attributable to the Partnership's common unitholders per common unit(4):
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$ (0.87)	$ 1.77	$ 1.03	$ (1.13)	$ (0.76)	$ (0.39)	$ 0.84	$ 0.32	$ 0.75	$ (0.01)	$ (1.97)
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ (0.87)	$ 1.77	$ 1.03	$ (1.13)	$ (0.76)	$ (0.39)	$ 0.84	$ 0.32	$ 0.75	$ (0.01)	$ (1.97)
Loss on redemption of debt	$ (35,500)			$ (43,300)	$ (46,300)				$ (78,996)	$ (46,326)