Shareholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Shareholders' Equity

Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares

In June 2011, the Company issued 14,950,000 of 7.25% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred shares (Series E preferred shares) for a total consideration of $362 million after underwriting discounts, commissionsand other related expenses totaling $12 million. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.On or afterJune 1, 2016, the Company may redeem the Series E preferred shares, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, without interest. The Series E preferred shares are also redeemable at any time upon certain changes in tax law. Dividends on the Series E preferred shares are cumulative from the date of issuance and are payable quarterly in arrears, commencing September 1, 2011. In the event of liquidation of the Company, the holders of outstanding Series E preferred shares would have preference over the common shareholders and would receive a distribution of $25.00 per share, or an aggregate value of $374 million, plus accrued and unpaid dividends, if any.