PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OTHER ASSETS.
Security and escrow deposits	$ 192,110	$ 247,718
Prepaid expenses	47,557	51,928
Other non-tenant receivables	10,447	21,198
Prepaid finance cost	5,473	1,477
Deferred tax, net of valuation allowances	4,421	4,578
Other	16,599	12,357
Total prepaid expenses and other assets	1,501,390	1,805,535
Above-market tenant leases net
OTHER ASSETS
Net carrying amount	930,097	1,163,754
Below-market ground leases net
OTHER ASSETS
Net carrying amount	193,547	198,230
Real estate tax stabilization agreement net
OTHER ASSETS
Net carrying amount	$ 101,139	$ 104,295