CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 117,092	$ 126,309
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net	14,138	2,985
Reclassification of derivative losses to net income, net	2,337	3,038
Changes in benefit plan assets and benefit obligations	18	177
Other comprehensive income from equity method investments	13,963	2,891
Total other comprehensive income	30,456	9,091
Comprehensive income	147,548	135,400
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,719)	(2,733)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.	$ 142,829	$ 132,667