PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 4,956,511	$ 4,882,333
Accumulated depreciation	(1,943,930)	(1,877,881)
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,012,581	3,004,452
Compression equipment, facilities and other fleet assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,365,091	4,309,386
Land and buildings
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	179,497	176,782
Transportation and shop equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	254,981	244,226
Other
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 156,942	$ 151,939

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. This can include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

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- Definition

Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

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