TAXES (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reserve Noncurrent For Uncertain Tax Positions	$ 17,067
Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits	1,489,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Proceeds from Dividends Received	1,194,150
Reduction in Tax Basis of Assets Held by OSG America L.P.			49,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	13,361	14,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	361,465	347,629
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	8,306	28,476
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	64,024	55,719
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	368,539
Net operating loss carryforward	4,321	40,892
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	These net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2014 and 2031
Income taxes payable ,reserve for uncertain tax positions (in dollars)	326,121	0
Taxable Income From Foreign Earnings	77,000
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Proceeds from Dividends Received	$ 1,194,150
From January 1, 1987 Through December 31, 2004 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Percentage Of Ownership Interests	50.00%