Supplemental Cash Flows and Non-Cash Transactions (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]
Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized interest)	$ 98,044	$ 83,852	$ 66,264
Cash paid for income taxes	1,147	941	2,316
Capitalized interest	7,583	2,499	3,401
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in accrued and other current liabilities related to capital expenditures	14,296	421	(3,296)
Class B Units | Cash Distribution
Non-cash financing activities:
Issuance of units for acquisition	28,111
Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Limited | FRC Founders Corporation
Non-cash financing activities:
Issuance of units for acquisition	407,391
Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Limited | Vopak Bahamas B.V.
Non-cash financing activities:
Issuance of units for acquisition	$ 96,110