INTEREST EXPENSE Schedule of extinguishment of debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 0	$ 21,556
2016 Fixed Rate Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	0	2,389
Refinance of 2013 Convertible Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 0	$ 19,167

Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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