v2.4.0.6
PARTNERS' EQUITY Narrative 2 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items]                      
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners $ 1.095 $ 1.095 $ 1.095 $ 1.075 $ 1.075 $ 1.075 $ 1.065 $ 1.065 $ 4.360 $ 4.280 $ 4.245
Total Cash Distributions $ 89,100               $ 331,506 $ 311,378 $ 271,450
Distribution payment date (distribution earned) Feb. 10, 2012                    
Distribution date of record Feb. 07, 2012                    
Percent of Available Cash Distributed                 100.00%    
Number of Days Within Which Distribution Is Paid                 45    
Minimum Per Unit Quarterly Distribution to Limited Partners                 $ 0.60    
Minimum Per Unit Quarterly Distribution to Limited Partners, Annualized                 $ 2.40    
General Partner Distributions Including Incentive Distributions $ 11,600               $ 42,956 $ 39,531 $ 34,142
Quarterly Distributions Level 1 [Member]
                      
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items]                      
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to Limited Partners                 98.00%    
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to the General Partner                 2.00%