FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	$ 2,024,827	$ 1,303,251
LIABILITIES:
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	127,045	45,751
Foreign government securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	1,074,186	683,318
U.S. government securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	923,322	469,208
U.S. agency securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	26,951	109,905
U.S. corporate notes
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	368	40,820
Recurring Basis | Level 2
ASSETS:
Long-term investments		394
Foreign exchange derivatives	60,455	4,970
Total assets at fair value	2,085,282	1,308,615
LIABILITIES:
Foreign exchange derivatives	1,107	6,995
Total liabilities at fair value	1,107	6,995
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Foreign government securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	1,074,186	683,318
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | U.S. government securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	923,322	469,208
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | U.S. agency securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	26,951	109,905
Recurring Basis | Level 2 | U.S. corporate notes
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	368	40,820
Recurring Basis | Level 3
LIABILITIES:
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	127,045	45,751
Total liabilities at fair value	127,045	45,751
Recurring Basis | Total
ASSETS:
Long-term investments		394
Foreign exchange derivatives	60,455	4,970
Total assets at fair value	2,085,282	1,308,615
LIABILITIES:
Foreign exchange derivatives	1,107	6,995
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	127,045	45,751
Total liabilities at fair value	128,152	52,746
Recurring Basis | Total | Foreign government securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	1,074,186	683,318
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. government securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	923,322	469,208
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. agency securities
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	26,951	109,905
Recurring Basis | Total | U.S. corporate notes
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	$ 368	$ 40,820