CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Transportation and storage of natural gas	$ 132,240	$ 130,601	$ 277,756	$ 277,329
LNG terminalling revenue	55,110	54,192	109,282	91,778
Other	2,410	2,297	5,016	4,658
Total operating revenues	189,760	187,090	392,054	373,765
Operating expenses:
Operation, maintenance and general	48,289	54,762	104,590	108,646
Operation, maintenance and general - affiliates	13,369	11,727	26,767	25,604
Depreciation and amortization	31,963	30,896	64,237	60,073
Taxes, other than on income	8,434	8,894	17,739	18,122
Total operating expenses	102,055	106,279	213,333	212,445
Operating income	87,705	80,811	178,721	161,320
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(26,980)	(27,151)	(53,914)	(49,540)
Interest income - affiliates	2,144	2,142	4,313	4,155
Other, net	86	99	148	143
Total other income (expense)	(24,750)	(24,910)	(49,453)	(45,242)
Earnings before income taxes	62,955	55,901	129,268	116,078
Federal and state income tax expense	22,736	22,148	43,437	48,733
Net earnings	$ 40,219	$ 33,753	$ 85,831	$ 67,345