VESSELS, DEFERRED DRYDOCK AND OTHER PROPERTY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cost	$ 3,665,005	$ 3,776,344	$ 3,066,763	$ 2,671,292
Accumulated Depreciation	(948,448)	(818,555)	(707,795)	(624,299)
Net Carrying Value	2,837,288	3,226,923
Vessels [Member]
Cost	3,665,005	3,776,344
Accumulated Depreciation	(948,448)	(818,555)
Net Carrying Value	2,716,557	2,957,789
Construction in progress [Member]
Cost	95,283	239,768
Other property [Member]
Cost	71,306	68,999
Accumulated Depreciation	(45,858)	(39,633)
Net Carrying Value	$ 25,448	$ 29,366

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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