SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Reportable Segments to Consolidated Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	$ 335,059	$ 253,268	$ 648,097	$ 503,378
Items excluded from operating income:
Interest expense	(390,543)	(420,370)	(767,801)	(853,664)
Interest income	5,313	180	8,416	412
Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net	(45,113)	57,130	(293,715)	188,788
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net	42,159	(66,463)	210,511	(137,507)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts	(12,929)	9,146	(44,851)	11,488
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (including $513,723 related to affiliates and related parties in 2017) (See Note 10)	(36,911)	(561,382)	(41,616)	(561,382)
Other expense, net	(629)	(3,935)	(12,287)	(6,035)
Loss before income taxes	$ (103,594)	$ (732,426)	$ (293,246)	$ (854,522)