EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Shipping revenues	$ 368,802		$ 354,559		$ 312,409
Ship operating expenses	(240,950)		(239,885)		(217,866)
Income from vessel operations	127,852		114,674		94,543
Other expense	(1,419)		(1,364)		(1,280)
Interest expense	(65,936)	[1]	(74,828)	[1]	(86,765)	[1]
Net income	$ 60,497		$ 38,482		$ 6,498

[1] Interest is net of amounts capitalized in connection with vessel construction of $509 in 2010