BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income	$ 77,370	$ 56,026	$ 167,869	$ 109,493
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(940)	(1,647)	(2,098)	(3,155)
Net income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.	76,430	54,379	165,771	106,338
Add: Interest and debt expense	30,237	27,612	60,486	56,422
Income tax expense	195	329	326	666
Depreciation and amortization	39,452	34,325	77,043	67,352
Non-cash deferred lease expense	942	975	1,884	1,950
Non-cash unit-based compensation expense	3,984	5,061	7,327	7,688
Less: Amortization of unfavorable storage contracts	(2,749)	(2,749)	(5,497)	(5,497)
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 148,491	$ 119,932	$ 307,340	$ 234,919