NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interests	$ 90,277		$ 78,441		$ 69,138
Affiliate (SGP)
Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interests	49	[1]	42	[1]	36	[1]
Non-Affiliates (ARLP'S Non-Affiliate Limited Partners)
Noncontrolling Interest
Distributions paid by consolidated partnership to noncontrolling interests	$ 90,228	[1]	$ 78,399	[1]	$ 69,102	[1]

[1] Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest, in the table above, represent ARLP's quarterly distributions in accordance with the ARLP Partnership agreement.