|
PARTNERS' EQUITY Narrative 1 (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec. 31, 2011
|
Dec. 31, 2010
|
Dec. 31, 2009
|
|
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Net proceeds | $ 323,993,000 | $ 245,226,000 | $ 294,916,000 |
| General Partner Ownership Interest | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% |
|
Limited Partner [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Number of common units issued | 6,145,529 | 4,400,000 | 5,750,000 |
| Net proceeds | 317,285,000 | 240,148,000 | 288,761,000 |
|
General Partner [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Net proceeds | 6,708,000 | 5,078,000 | 6,155,000 |
|
Equity Issuance 1 [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Date of Issuance | Dec. 09, 2011 | May 19, 2010 | Nov. 13, 2009 |
| Price per unit | $ 53.45 | $ 56.55 | $ 52.45 |
| Net proceeds | 318,000,000 | 245,200,000 | 294,900,000 |
|
Equity Issuance 1 [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Number of common units issued | 6,037,500 | 4,400,000 | 5,750,000 |
|
Equity Issuance 1 [Member] | General Partner [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Net proceeds | 6,600,000 | 5,100,000 | 6,200,000 |
|
Equity Issuance 2 [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Net proceeds | 6,000,000 | ||
| Maximum Amount Allowed Under Shelf Registration Statement | 200,000,000 | ||
| Maximum amount that can be sold under equity agreement | 200,000,000 | ||
|
Equity Issuance 2 [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Number of common units issued | 108,029 | ||
|
Equity Issuance 2 [Member] | General Partner [Member]
|
|||
| Issuances of common units [Line Items] | |||
| Net proceeds | $ 100,000 | ||