CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 120,224	$ 160,270	$ 362,912	$ 439,746
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments	(5,764)	1,052	(11,995)	1,052
Reclassification of derivative losses to net income	3,038	3,037	9,113	7,846
Recognition of costs related to benefit plans to net income	50	252	66	756
Other comprehensive income from equity method investments	11,933	0	39,679	0
Total other comprehensive income	9,257	4,341	36,863	9,654
Comprehensive income	129,481	164,611	399,775	449,400
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,037)	(3,896)	(10,427)	(11,803)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.	$ 125,444	$ 160,715	$ 389,348	$ 437,597