Under the credit facility, the interest coverage ratio as defined must exceed this specified level.

No definition available.

Name:	gel_DebtInstrumentCovenantRequirementInterestCoverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Under the credit facility, the leverage ratio as defined cannot exceed this specified level.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_DebtInstrumentCovenantRequirementLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Under the credit facility, the senior secured leverage ratio as defined cannot exceed this specified level.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_DebtInstrumentCovenantRequirementSeniorSecuredLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Issue price of the notes as a percent of face value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_DebtInstrumentPercentageOfFaceValue
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The annual rate paid for the use of letters of credit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_LetterOfCreditFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line of credit facility, aggregate maximum borrowing capacity after accordion feature adjustment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_LineOfCreditFacilityAggregateMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum percentage of the unsecured notes that can be redeem early prior to the specified date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_MaximumPercentageOfPrincipalEarlyDebtRedemption
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The redemption premium for notes repaid up to a specified percentage of the total notes outstanding prior to the specified date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gel_RedemptionPremiumForNotes
Namespace Prefix:	gel_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 20, 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_ApplicableMarginMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_EurodollarRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_FederalFundsEffectiveRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_FivePointSeventyFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesMemberDomain
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=gel_SevenPointEightSeventyFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=gel_AmendedFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis=us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryPetroleumProductsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=gel_ChopsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=gel_DuringAcquisitionPeriodMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2012	Nov. 30, 2010	Feb. 08, 2013	May 15, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.375%
Letter Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit, fee percentage	2.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, aggregate maximum borrowing capacity	1,500,000,000
Senior secured credit facility, amount outstanding	550,400,000
Total amount available for borrowings, remaining borrowing capacity	438,800,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] \| Letter Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit, outstanding amount	10,800,000
Maturity date of debt	Jul. 25, 2019
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] \| Accordion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount		350,000,000
Debt instrument, percentage of face value		101.00%
Debt instrument, effective interest rate		7.682%
Seven Point Eight Seventy Five Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date of debt	Dec. 15, 2018
Debt instrument, principal amount		100,000,000	250,000,000
Debt instrument, stated rate			7.875%
Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate spreads senior secured credit facility	0.50%
Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate spreads senior secured credit facility	2.25%
Applicable Margin [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate spreads senior secured credit facility	1.25%
Five Point Seventy Five Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date of debt	Feb. 15, 2021
Debt instrument, principal amount				350,000,000
Debt instrument, stated rate				5.75%
Maximum percentage of principal, early debt redemption	35.00%
Percentage of the redeemable value of debt on Face amount	105.75%
Five Point Six Two Five Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date of debt	Jun. 15, 2024
Debt instrument, principal amount					350,000,000
Debt instrument, stated rate					5.625%
Maximum percentage of principal, early debt redemption	35.00%
Percentage of the redeemable value of debt on Face amount	105.625%
CHOPS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.375%
Maximum [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument covenant, requirement leverage ratio	1.00
Debt instrument covenant, requirement senior secured leverage ratio	1.00
Debt instrument covenant, requirement interest coverage ratio	1.00
Maximum [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] \| Letter Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit, outstanding amount	100,000,000
Maximum [Member] \| Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate spreads senior secured credit facility	1.00%
Maximum [Member] \| LIBOR Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate spreads senior secured credit facility	1.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit, fee percentage	2.50%
Maximum [Member] \| Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit, fee percentage	1.50%
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Minimum [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument covenant, requirement leverage ratio	5.00
Debt instrument covenant, requirement senior secured leverage ratio	3.75
Debt instrument covenant, requirement interest coverage ratio	3.00
Minimum [Member] \| Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit, fee percentage	1.50%
Minimum [Member] \| Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit, fee percentage	0.50%
Amended Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	1,000,000,000
Amended Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] \| Accordion [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	500,000,000
Petroleum Products [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, amount outstanding	45,000,000
Petroleum Products [Member] \| Amended Facility [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	150,000,000
During Acquisition Period [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument covenant, requirement leverage ratio	1.00
Debt instrument covenant, requirement senior secured leverage ratio	1.00
Debt instrument covenant, requirement interest coverage ratio	1.00
During Acquisition Period [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument covenant, requirement leverage ratio	5.50
Debt instrument covenant, requirement senior secured leverage ratio	4.25
Debt instrument covenant, requirement interest coverage ratio	2.75