USE OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, OFFSETTING DISCLOSURES AND CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT - Balance Sheet and Income Statement Location (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Balance sheet-related [Abstract]
Interest rate swap agreements at fair value, net assets (liability)	$ (11,792)		$ (40,487)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Other comprehensive income related [Abstract]
Amount of gain (loss recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) (effective portion)	9,320		(22,262)		(51,751)
Interest Expense [Member]
Income statement-related [Abstract]
Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income related to the effective portion of active positions	(16,914)		(19,882)		(28,066)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized (ineffective portion)	24		(542)		(827)
Increase in interest expense and decrease in Net income as a result of the use of Derivatives	(16,890)	[1]	(20,424)	[1]	(28,893)	[1]
Other Assets [Member]
Balance sheet-related [Abstract]
Related net interest payable	(5,493)	[2]	(7,788)	[2]
Borrowings Under Repurchase Arrangements [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Balance sheet-related [Abstract]
Interest rate swap agreements in a gain position (an asset)	1,094	[3]	169	[3]
Interest rate swap agreements in a loss position (a liability)	(11,304)	[3]	(18,671)	[3]
Unsecured Borrowings [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Balance sheet-related [Abstract]
Interest rate swap agreements in a gain position (an asset)	3,911		0
Interest rate swap agreements in a loss position (a liability)	$ 0	[3]	$ (14,197)	[3]

[1] Included in "Interest expense: Repurchase arrangements and similar borrowings" on the face of the Statement of Income.

[2] Included in "Accounts payable and accrued expenses" on the face of the Balance Sheet.

[3] The fair value of Derivatives with realized and unrealized gains are aggregated and recorded as an asset on the face of the Balance Sheet separately from the fair value of Derivatives with realized and unrealized losses that are recorded as a liability. The amount of unrealized losses at December 31, 2013 scheduled to be recognized in the Statement of Income over the next twelve months primarily in the form of fixed-rate swap payments in excess of current market rates totaled $14.5 million.