CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$ 164,425	$ 230,551	$ 114,664
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	37,718	(28,726)	(104,809)
Reclassification of derivative losses to net income	4,881	917	1,170
Recognition of costs related to benefit plans to net income	1,574	807	95
Adjustments to recognize the funded status of benefit plans	11,054	(4,036)	(2,938)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	55,227	(31,038)	(106,482)
Comprehensive income	219,652	199,513	8,182
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,152)	(4,134)	(6,163)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.	$ 215,500	$ 195,379	$ 2,019