FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Effective Portion of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$ (6,096)	$ (8,194)	$ (12,014)
Ineffective Portion	0	0	6
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Effective Portion of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(6,096)	(8,796)	(10,666)
Ineffective Portion	0	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Effective Portion of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		602	(2,318)
Ineffective Portion		0	6
Forward Freight Agreements and Bunker Swaps [Member] | Shipping Revenues [Member]
Effective Portion of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			970
Ineffective Portion			$ 0