CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 160,270	$ 99,947	$ 439,746	$ 302,437
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments	1,052	11,168	1,052	7,311
Reclassification of derivative losses to net income	3,037	3,037	7,846	9,113
Recognition of costs related to benefit plans to net income	252	712	756	1,232
Total other comprehensive income	4,341	14,917	9,654	17,656
Comprehensive income	164,611	114,864	449,400	320,093
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,896)	93	(11,803)	794
Comprehensive income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.	$ 160,715	$ 114,957	$ 437,597	$ 320,887