Segment Reporting - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in the consolidated financial statements
Combined gross profit	$ 129,342	$ 144,188	$ 259,401	$ 312,746
Operating costs and expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	36,640	45,391	71,624	94,177
Operating expenses	75,891	72,168	148,127	140,824
Amortization expense	2,359	3,070	4,868	8,411
Net loss on sale and disposition of assets and impairment charges	2,530	213	8,635	650
Total costs and operating expenses	117,420	120,842	233,254	244,062
Operating income	11,922	23,346	26,147	68,684
Interest expense	(21,015)	(16,451)	(43,995)	(30,414)
Income tax benefit (expense)	550	719	1,470	(247)
Net (loss) income	(8,543)	7,614	(16,378)	38,023
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,233	(396)	2,044	(390)
Net (loss) income attributable to Global Partners LP	(7,310)	7,218	(14,334)	37,633
Operating costs and expenses not allocated to operating segments
Operating costs and expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	36,640	45,391	71,624	94,177
Operating expenses	75,891	72,168	148,127	140,824
Amortization expense	2,359	3,070	4,868	8,411
Net loss on sale and disposition of assets and impairment charges	2,530	213	8,635	650
Total costs and operating expenses	$ 117,420	$ 120,842	$ 233,254	$ 244,062