2.2.0.25truefalse0150 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (Unaudited)truefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis} : General Partner 3/31/2011 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_General_Partner_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000805022na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_GeneralPartnerMemberus-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_GeneralPartnerMemberus-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis} : Limited Partners 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $ThreeMonthsEnded_31Mar2011_Limited_Partner_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000805022na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_LimitedPartnerMemberus-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_LimitedPartnerMemberus-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis} : Capital Unit Class B [Member] 1/1/2011 - 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3/31/2011 USD ($) $ThreeMonthsEnded_31Mar2011_Accumulated_Other_Comprehensive_Income_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000805022na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMemberus-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis} : Noncontrolling Interests 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $ThreeMonthsEnded_31Mar2011_Noncontrolling_Interest_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000805022na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMemberus-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMemberus-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Jan-01-2011_Mar-31-2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000805022na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$1false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2010-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse70007falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse236545000236545falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse00falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse32250003225falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse25570002557falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse00falsetruefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse12099600001209960falsetruefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse14522940001452294falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOwnership interest of different classes of partners in the publicly listed limited partnership or master limited partnership. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are formed in accordance with the laws of the state in which such entities are organized. Because those laws are not uniform, the characteristics of LPCs vary from state to state. However, LLPs generally have the following characteristics: An LLP is an unincorporated association of two or more "persons"; Its members have limited personal liability for the obligations or debts of the entity; It is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseBeginning Balance at Dec. 31, 20092false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse1105800011058falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse212000212falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse3937200039372falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse5064200050642falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet income3false0us-gaap_DistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerCashDistributionus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-11386000-11386falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-217000-217falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-11603000-11603falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared or paid to a common shareholder or unit-holder by LLC or LP.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K (SK) -Number 229 -Section 201 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph 1, 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 5 -Paragraph 55, 56, 57 falsefalseDistributions paid to partners4false0bpl_RecognitionOfUnitBasedCompensationChargesbplfalsecreditdurationRecognition Of Unit Based Compensation Charges.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse320000320falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse60006falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse326000326falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRecognition Of Unit Based Compensation Charges.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseRecognition of unit-based compensation charges5false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse20240002024falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse20240002024falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to unit-based compensation. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseAmortization of Buckeye's unit-based compensation awards6false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountOptionExerciseus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse23760002376falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse23760002376falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to option exercise. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseExercise of Buckeye's LP Unit options7false0bpl_NonCashEsopDistributionsbplfalsedebitdurationNon Cash Esop Distributions.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-1316000-1316falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-1316000-1316falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNon Cash Esop Distributions.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseServices Company's non-cash ESOP distributions8false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-47586000-47586falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-47586000-47586falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseDistributions paid to noncontrolling interests9false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-1928000-1928falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-1928000-1928falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet of tax effect change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges after taxes. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 20, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 31, 46 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 20, 24, 26 falsefalseChange in value of derivatives10false0bpl_InvestmentInLimitedPartnerUnitsbplfalsecreditdurationInvestment in limited partner units.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse43180004318falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse43180004318falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInvestment in limited partner units.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInvestment in Buckeye's limited partner units11false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalOtherus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-2465000-2465falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-2465000-2465falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in partners' capital which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.truefalseOther12false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2010-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse70007falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse236537000236537falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse32260003226falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse25570002557falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse12047550001204755falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse14470820001447082falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOwnership interest of different classes of partners in the publicly listed limited partnership or master limited partnership. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are formed in accordance with the laws of the state in which such entities are organized. Because those laws are not uniform, the characteristics of LPCs vary from state to state. However, LLPs generally have the following characteristics: An LLP is an unincorporated association of two or more "persons"; Its members have limited personal liability for the obligations or debts of the entity; It is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseEnding Balance at Mar. 31, 201013false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2011-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse14136640001413664falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-21259000-21259falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1785500017855falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse14102600001410260falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOwnership interest of different classes of partners in the publicly listed limited partnership or master limited partnership. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are formed in accordance with the laws of the state in which such entities are organized. Because those laws are not uniform, the characteristics of LPCs vary from state to state. However, LLPs generally have the following characteristics: An LLP is an unincorporated association of two or more "persons"; Its members have limited personal liability for the obligations or debts of the entity; It is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseBeginning Balance at Dec. 31, 201014false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse5678300056783falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse97100009710falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse13200001320falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse6781300067813falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet income15false0bpl_AcquisitionOfInterestbplfalsecreditdurationAcquisition of interest.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse276508000276508falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse276508000276508falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAcquisition of interest.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAcquisition of 80% interest in BORCO16false0bpl_AcquisitionOfRemainingInterestbplfalsecreditdurationAcquisition of remaining interest.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-278211000-278211falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-278211000-278211falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAcquisition of remaining interest.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAcquisition of remaining interest in BORCO17false0bpl_CostsAssociatedWithAgreementAndPlanOfMergerbplfalsedebitdurationCosts associated with agreement and plan of merger.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-344000-344falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-344000-344falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCosts associated with agreement and plan of merger.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCosts associated with agreement and plan of merger18false0us-gaap_DistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerCashDistributionus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-78148000-78148falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-78148000-78148falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared or paid to a common shareholder or unit-holder by LLC or LP.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K (SK) -Number 229 -Section 201 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph 1, 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 5 -Paragraph 55, 56, 57 falsefalseDistributions paid to partners19false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountAcquisitionsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse152772000152772falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse254619000254619falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse407391000407391falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in the different classes of partners' capital accounts during the year due to acquisitions. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseIssuance of units to First Reserve for BORCO acquisition20false0bpl_IssuanceOfUnitsToAcquisitionbplfalsecreditdurationIssuance of Units to Acquisition.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse3604100036041falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse6006900060069falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse9611000096110falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIssuance of Units to Acquisition.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIssuance of units to Vopak for BORCO acquisition21false0bpl_IssuanceOfUnitsToInstitutionalInvestorsbplfalsecreditdurationIssuance of units to institutional investors.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse350001000350001falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse7500000075000falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse425001000425001falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIssuance of units to institutional investors.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIssuance of units to institutional investors22false0bpl_EquityIssuanceCostsbplfalsedebitdurationEquity issuance costs.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-2667000-2667falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-1929000-1929falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-4596000-4596falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryEquity issuance costs.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseEquity issuance costs23false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse19860001986falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse19860001986falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to unit-based compensation. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseAmortization of Buckeye's unit-based compensation awards24false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountOptionExerciseus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse270000270falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse270000270falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to option exercise. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseExercise of Buckeye's LP Unit options25false0bpl_NonCashEsopDistributionsbplfalsedebitdurationNon Cash Esop Distributions.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-1410000-1410falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-1410000-1410falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNon Cash Esop Distributions.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseServices Company's non-cash ESOP distributions26false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-1204000-1204falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-1204000-1204falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseDistributions paid to noncontrolling interests27false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-110000-110falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-110000-110falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe adjustment out of other comprehensive income for prior service costs recognized as a component of net period benefit cost during the period, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 52 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 19, 24 falsefalseAmortization of benefit plan costs28false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse46060004606falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse46060004606falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet of tax effect change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges after taxes. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 20, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 31, 46 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 20, 24, 26 falsefalseChange in value of derivatives29false0bpl_AmortizationOfInterestRateSwapsbplfalsedebitdurationAmortization of interest rate swaps.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse241000241falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse241000241falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmortization of interest rate swaps.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAmortization of interest rate swaps30false0bpl_AmortizationOfTreasuryLockSettlementsbplfalsedebitdurationAmortization of treasury lock settlements.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-8000-8falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-8000-8falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmortization of treasury lock settlements.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAmortization of treasury lock settlements31false0bpl_ProceedFromSettlementOfTreasuryLockbplfalsecreditdurationProceed from settlement of treasury lock.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse497000497falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse497000497falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryProceed from settlement of treasury lock.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseProceeds from settlement of treasury lock32false0bpl_NonCashAccrualForDistributionEquivalentRightsbplfalsedebitdurationNon Cash Accrual For Distribution Equivalent Rights.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-267000-267falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-267000-267falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNon Cash Accrual For Distribution Equivalent Rights.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNoncash accrual for distribution equivalent rights33false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalOtherus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse-454000-454falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse31060003106falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse26520002652falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in partners' capital which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.truefalseOther34false0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse00falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse19296370001929637falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse397469000397469falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse00falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse00falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-16033000-16033falsetruefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1796400017964falsetruefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse23290370002329037falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOwnership interest of different classes of partners in the publicly listed limited partnership or master limited partnership. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are formed in accordance with the laws of the state in which such entities are organized. Because those laws are not uniform, the characteristics of LPCs vary from state to state. However, LLPs generally have the following characteristics: An LLP is an unincorporated association of two or more "persons"; Its members have limited personal liability for the obligations or debts of the entity; It is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Practice Bulletin (PB) -Number 14 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseEnding Balance at Mar. 31, 2011834Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (Unaudited) (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue