PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 6 - Cash Distributions Paid - General Partner and Common Limited Partners (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan. 29, 2018 |
Dec. 31, 2017 |
Sep. 30, 2017 |
Jun. 30, 2017 |
Mar. 31, 2017 |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
Sep. 30, 2016 |
Jun. 30, 2016 |
Mar. 31, 2016 |
Dec. 31, 2017 |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
Dec. 31, 2015 |
|
| Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Cash distributions applicable to common unitbolders and general partner (distribution earned) | $ 115,267 | $ 115,084 | $ 115,083 | $ 117,168 | $ 462,602 | $ 393,882 | $ 392,204 | |||||
| Common Limited Partner [Member] | ||||||||||||
| Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.0950 | $ 1.0950 | $ 1.0950 | $ 1.0950 | $ 4.380 | $ 4.380 | $ 4.380 | |
| Distribution date of record (distribution earned) | Feb. 08, 2018 | Nov. 09, 2017 | Aug. 07, 2017 | May 08, 2017 | ||||||||
| Distribution payment date | Feb. 13, 2018 | Nov. 14, 2017 | Aug. 11, 2017 | May 12, 2017 | ||||||||
| Common Limited Partner [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||||||||||
| Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Distribution announcement date (distribution earned) | Jan. 29, 2018 | |||||||||||