Business and Geographic Segments (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes
Unallocated corporate costs									$ (94,163)	$ (51,553)	$ (68,797)
Consolidated operating (loss) income	19,228	21,376	28,864	14,353	(11,045)	21,747	26,531	21,503	83,821	58,736	(27)
Interest expense									(104,703)	(101,613)	(87,498)
Other loss									(911)	(8,594)	(2,856)
Earnings from equity investments									29,391	49,090	59,220
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt						(2,200)			(4,185)	(2,932)	4,829
Net income (loss) before income tax expense									3,413	(5,313)	(26,332)
Total Operating Segments
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes
Corporate employee termination cost											(1,346)
Consolidated operating (loss) income									177,984	127,352	85,140
Unallocated corporate costs
Reconciliation of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes
Unallocated corporate costs									$ (94,163)	$ (68,616)	$ (83,821)