EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets	$ 155,142	$ 134,064
Vessels, net	1,640,910	1,704,929
Other assets	60,362	37,033
Total assets	1,856,414	1,876,026
Current liabilities	225,551	156,670
Long-term debt and other non-current liabilities	1,680,178	1,812,519
Accumulated deficit	(49,315)	(93,163)
Total liabilities and accumulated deficit	$ 1,856,414	$ 1,876,026