FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 International Crude Tankers Segment [Member] Vessels	Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Floating To Fixed Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Derivative, Maturity Date																	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives														$ 219,940						$ 30,000
Derivative, Lower Fixed Interest Rate Range														3.30%
Derivative, Higher Fixed Interest Rate Range														4.70%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(113,781)		(113,781)		(119,307)										331
Outstanding Interest Rate Swap			3,566	[1]
Dedesignation of interest rate swap agreements			1,866		0		0
Derivative liabilities									7,596	321	[2]	7,275	[3],[4]			7,218			57
Pre Tax Impairment Charges	$ 278,345	[1]
Number Of Vessels								15
Fair Value Concentration Of Risk Revenue Accounted For Individual Customeres Percentage			10.00%	[1]
Fair Value Concentration O Frisk Consolidated Voyage Receivable Percentage			59.00%	[1]	65.00%	[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.

[2] Bunker swaps

[3] Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. For foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps, fair values are derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account contract terms such as maturity, as well as other inputs such as exchange rates, interest rate yield curves and creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company.

[4] Standard interest rate swaps (liability of $7,218) and foreign currency contracts (liability of $57)