BUSINESS AND SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Total loss from vessel operations of all segments	$ (15,866)	$ (61,070)	$ 47,690
General and administrative expenses	(88,845)	(83,178)	(100,424)
Severance and relocation costs	(3,163)	0	0
Shipyard contract termination recoveries	0	0	2,061
(Gain)/loss on disposal of vessels, including impairments	(271,359)	2,060	(28,622)
Consolidated loss from vessel operations	(379,233)	(142,188)	(79,295)
Equity in income of affiliated companies	33,486	20,555	3,593
Other (expense)/income	(1,314)	2,154	1,047
Interest Expense	(93,421)	(79,898)	(67,044)
Loss before reorganization items and income taxes	$ (440,482)	$ (199,377)	$ (141,699)