v2.4.0.6
DEBT Table 1 (Details)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
$1.2 billion revolving credit agreement
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
$1.2 billion revolving credit agreement
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
4.80% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
4.80% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
7.65% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
7.65% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
6.05% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
6.05% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
6.875% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
6.875% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
7.75% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
7.75% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
5.875% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
5.875% senior notes
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
UK term loan
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
UK term loan
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2010
UK term loan
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2011
Port Authority of Corpus Christi note payable
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2010
Port Authority of Corpus Christi note payable
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                              
Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts $ 34,907 $ (6,147)                                          
Total debt 2,293,030 2,137,080 229,295 188,282 450,000 450,000 350,000 350,000 229,932 229,932 100,000 100,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 365,440 290,440 32,582 21,000 32,789 874 1,784
Less current portion 364,959 832                                          
Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,928,071 $ 2,136,248                                          
Maturity     Dec. 10, 2012   Sep. 01, 2020   Mar. 15, 2018   Mar. 15, 2013   Jul. 15, 2012   Feb. 15, 2012   Jun. 01, 2013       Dec. 11, 2012 Dec. 11, 2012   Dec. 31, 2015  
Maturity date range, start                                 2038            
Maturity date range, end                                 2041