FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
International Crude Tankers Impairment [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 106,400	[1]
Asset Impairment Charges	(101,589)	[1]
International Product Carriers Impairment [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	139,000	[1]
Asset Impairment Charges	(176,756)	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | International Crude Tankers Impairment [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	106,400	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | International Product Carriers Impairment [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 139,000	[1]

[1] Aggregate pre-tax impairment charges of $278,345 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012, related to 15 vessels held for use in the International Crude Tanker and International Product Carriers segments. The fair value measurement used to determine the impairment for the vessels held for use was based upon a market approach, which utilized the expected sales prices of the vessels obtained from third party appraisals. Because sales of vessels occur somewhat infrequently, the expected sales prices are considered to be Level 2.