Long Term Investments Long Term Investments Cost Method Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cost Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Cost Method Investments, Beginning Balance	$ 72,102	$ 69,940
Contributions	0	62
Distributions	(66,190)	(1,002)
Revision for partnership now accounted for under the equity method	0	(5,790)
Realized gain on liquidation of long-term investments	25,832	0
Unrealized gains reclassified into net income	(25,832)	0
Unrealized gain on long-term investments	1,580	8,892
Net unrealized (loss) gain on long-term investments	(24,252)	8,892
Cost Method Investments, Ending Balance	$ 7,492	$ 72,102