SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW & OTHER DATA (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 206,299	$ 214,070	$ 214,743
Other depreciation and amortization	80,297	67,032	39,221
Interest expense, net	(164,689)	(169,614)	(143,467)
Interest paid	163,121	161,820	139,802
Income taxes paid	305,428	285,269	421,864
Assets acquired under capital leases	5,580	8,369	18,818
Fair value of assets acquired	50,800	1,560,173
Fair value of liabilities assumed	269	148,192
Fair value of net assets acquired	50,531	1,411,981
Merger consideration paid (payable)	43	(1,045)
Cash paid for business acquisitions	50,574	1,410,936
Less: cash acquired		112,312
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	50,574	1,298,624	0
Continuing Operations [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Data [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	203,542	211,052	213,190
Interest expense	(167,688)	(172,215)	(145,029)
Interest income	2,999	2,601	1,562
Interest expense, net	$ (164,689)	$ (169,614)	$ (143,467)