CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 437,534	$ 274,857	$ 164,425
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	1,266	(21,424)	37,718
Reclassification of derivative losses to net income	12,151	9,753	4,881
Recognition of costs related to benefit plans to net income	1,510	698	1,574
Adjustments to recognize the funded status of benefit plans	2,520	(763)	11,054
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17,447	(11,736)	55,227
Comprehensive income	454,981	263,121	219,652
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(311)	(1,903)	(4,152)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.	$ 454,670	$ 261,218	$ 215,500