v2.4.0.6

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | ---
Components of long-term investments |  |
Long-term investments | $ 173,752 | $ 200,721
Equity method investments |  |
Components of long-term investments |  |
Long-term investments | 10,873 | 148,607
Cost method investments |  |
Components of long-term investments |  |
Long-term investments | 82,318 | 39,014
Auction rate securities |  |
Components of long-term investments |  |
Long-term investments | 5,870 | 13,100
Long-term marketable equity securities |  |
Components of long-term investments |  |
Long-term investments | $ 74,691 |

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- Definition The total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
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