Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 12,569	$ 24,090	$ (6,672)	$ 16,526	$ 24,051	$ 3,413	$ 9,288	$ (54,006)	$ 46,513	$ (17,254)	$ (2,078)
SemCAMS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									3,135	6,348	720
SemLogistics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									(2,231)	(5,699)	(7,736)
SemMexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									4,053	2,589	2,285
Corporate and other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)									$ 41,556	$ (20,492)	$ 2,653