LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Senior debt	$ 1,243,207		$ 1,341,544
Total credit facilites and capital leases	81,162		18,240
Total long term debt and other financing arrangements	1,324,369	[1]	1,359,784
Current maturities	(1,058)		(13,562)
Total non current long-term debt and other financing arrangements	1,323,311		1,346,222
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]
2012	82
2013	129,717
2014	229,427
2015	298,647
2016	484,693
2017 and thereafter	222,706
Total Senior Debt And Credit Facilities	1,365,272
Net discount	(44,601)
Carrying value of Senior Debt and credit facilities	$ 1,320,671

[1] Third party debt is defined as credit facilities and capital leases or debt with entities that are not part of the CME Ltd. consolidated group.