Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 24,051	$ 3,413	$ 9,288	$ (54,006)	$ (3,066)	$ 2,092	$ (92)	$ (1,012)	$ (17,254)	$ (2,078)	$ (2,310)
SemCAMS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									6,348	720	552
SemLogistics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									(5,699)	(7,736)	(3,331)
SemMexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									2,589	2,285	629
Corporate and other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									$ (20,492)	$ 2,653	$ (160)