Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners Capital (USD $) In Thousands	Total	General Partner Preferred Units	General Partner Units	Limited Partner Units	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 999,636	$ 266,211	$ 634,255	$ 121,578	$ (22,408)
Issuance of General Partner Units, Net of Issuance Costs	83,795		83,795
Stock Based Compensation Activity	12,660		12,660
Conversion of Limited Partner Units to General Partner Units			7,817	(7,817)
Repurchase of Equity Component of Exchangeable Note	(33)		(33)
Preferred Unit Distributions	(19,516)	(19,516)
Net Income (Loss)	4,327	19,516	(13,642)	(1,547)
Other Comprehensive Income	2,422				2,422
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2009	1,083,291	266,211	724,852	112,214	(19,986)
Issuance of General Partner Units, Net of Issuance Costs	49,973		49,973
Stock Based Compensation Activity	5,741		5,741
Conversion of Limited Partner Units to General Partner Units			316	(316)
Preferred Unit Distributions	(19,677)	(19,677)
Net Income (Loss)	(221,507)	19,677	(222,386)	(18,798)
Other Comprehensive Income	3,482				3,482
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2010	901,303	266,211	558,496	93,100	(16,504)
Issuance of General Partner Units, Net of Issuance Costs	202,332		202,332
Stock Based Compensation Activity	2,759		2,759
Conversion of Limited Partner Units to General Partner Units			1,109	(1,109)
Preferred Unit Distributions	(19,565)	(19,565)
Net Income (Loss)	(8,962)	19,565	(26,782)	(1,745)
Other Comprehensive Income	4,125				4,125
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,081,992	$ 266,211	$ 737,914	$ 90,246	$ (12,379)