ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Accrued interest	$ 191,801	$ 196,536
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	140,689	164,139
Deferred gains/income	89,922	65,174
Accrued real estate taxes	72,898	77,722
Construction payable	55,942	69,291
Accrued payroll and other employee liabilities	55,319	77,231
Tenant and other deposits	23,045	19,336
Insurance reserve liability	15,979	17,796
Conditional asset retirement obligation liability	12,802	16,596
Capital lease obligation	12,662	12,774
Uncertain tax position liability	6,949	6,847
Other	32,360	73,923
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,284,085	1,445,738
Below-market tenant leases net
OTHER LIABILITIES
Net carrying amount	560,994	634,802
Above-market office lessee leases net
OTHER LIABILITIES
Net carrying amount	$ 12,723	$ 13,571