SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Reportable Segments to Consolidated Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	$ 505,558	$ 120,575	$ 1,153,655	$ 623,953
Items excluded from operating income:
Interest expense	(389,594)	(379,066)	(1,157,395)	(1,232,730)
Interest income	1,427	961	9,843	1,373
Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net	111,684	(18,900)	(182,031)	169,888
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net	(79,628)	(16,763)	130,883	(154,270)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts	(19,554)	1,051	(64,405)	12,539
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 9)	0	(38,858)	(41,616)	(600,240)
Other expense, net	(186)	(2,984)	(12,473)	(9,019)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 129,707	$ (333,984)	$ (163,539)	$ (1,188,506)