VESSELS, DEFERRED DRYDOCK AND OTHER PROPERTY (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Beginning Balance	$ 66,023	$ 46,827	$ 58,535
Payments for drydocking	45,990	47,360	20,015
Sub-total	112,013	94,187	78,550
Drydock amortization	(34,382)	(27,680)	(30,530)
Amounts recognized upon sale/redelivery of vessels and non-cash adjustments	(2,605)	(484)	(1,193)
Impairments	(608)
Ending Balance	$ 74,418	$ 66,023	$ 46,827