Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Physical fixed price derivative contracts Physical Fixed Price Derivative Contracts [Member] Represents activity related to physical fixed-price derivative contracts. Physical index derivative contracts Physical Index Derivative Contracts [Member] Represents activity related to physical index derivative contracts. Futures contracts for refined petroleum products Refined Petroleum Derivative Contract [Member] Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to refined petroleum commodity prices. Fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Financial assets Derivative Asset Financial liabilities Derivative Liability Fair value Derivative, Fair Value, Net Level 2 fixed-price contracts assets, CVA Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities Business Combinations [Abstract] ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Awards activity under the LTIP Schedule of Share Based Compensation Units and Unit Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the unvested number and weighted-average grant date fair value for LP units and LP units appreciation rights that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, unvested at the end of the year, and the number of units and unit appreciation rights that were granted, vested, forfeited, and expired during the year. Summary of changes in options outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic: Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax [Abstract] Weighted average units outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic Earnings per unit - basic (in dollars per share) Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Diluted: Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted [Abstract] Dilutive effect of LP Unit options and LTIP awards granted (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Limited Partnership Units Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average units outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted Earnings per unit - diluted (in dollars per share) Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Equity [Abstract] Distributions Made to Limited Partner [Table] Distributions Made to Limited Partner [Table] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners Limited Partner Unit [Member] Represents activity related to LP Unit limited partnership interests. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Distributions to unitholders Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] Actual cash distributions Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Distribution per LP unit (in dollars per share) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Cash distributions declared (in dollars per share) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Domestic Pipelines & Terminals Pipelines And Terminals [Member] Represents activity related to the Pipeline and Terminals segment. Global Marine Terminals Global Marine Terminals [Member] Represents information related to the Global Marine Terminals, a reportable segment of the entity. Merchant Services Merchant Services [Member] Represents information related to the Merchant Services, a reportable segment of the entity. Segment information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Number of liquid petroleum products terminals operated Number of Terminals Operated Represents the number of refined petroleum products terminals operated. Number of underground propane storage caverns Number of Propane Storage Caverns Represents the number of propane storage caverns. Number of terminals owned Number of Terminals Owned Represents the number of refined petroleum products terminals owned. Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] EARNINGS PER UNIT Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest and debt expense Interest and Debt Expense [Member] Interest and Debt Expense [Member] Product sales Sales [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedge Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Commodity derivatives Commodity Contract [Member] Losses reclassified from AOCI to income Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets: Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Construction and pipeline relocation receivables Receivables, Long-term Contracts or Programs Inventories Inventory, Net Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Current Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Equity investments Equity Method Investments Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and partners’ capital: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Line of credit Line of Credit, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Accrued and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 3) Commitments and Contingencies Partners’ capital: Partners' Capital [Abstract] Buckeye Partners, L.P. capital: General and Limited Partners' Capital Account [Abstract] Limited Partners (130,296,512 and 129,523,703 units outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) Limited Partners' Capital Account Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Buckeye Partners, L.P. capital Partners' Capital Noncontrolling interests Partners' Capital Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total partners’ capital Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and partners’ capital Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Long Term Incentive Plan 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Thirteen [Member] Represents the activity related to the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the LTIP). Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of LP Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Ending Balance (in shares) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per LP Unit Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending Balance (in dollars per share) Additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Compensation expense expected to be recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Liquid petroleum products Energy Related Inventory, Petroleum Materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Total inventories Energy Related Inventory [Abstract] Energy Related Inventory [Abstract] Refined petroleum products (in gallons) Energy Related Inventory Petroleum Volume Represents the volume of petroleum or crude oil in inventory. Percentage of hedged refined petroleum products inventory Percentage of Hedged Inventory Represents the percentage of inventory volumes hedged as of the reporting date. Summary of commodity derivative instruments outstanding Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Fair value of each classification of derivative instrument and their location in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements. Gains and losses on derivative instruments recognized in income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Losses reclassified from AOCI to income (effective portion) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Pennsauken Pipeline Pennsauken Pipeline [Member] Pennsauken Pipeline [Member] ExxonMobil Pipeline ExxonMobil Pipeline [Member] ExxonMobil Pipeline [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Asset retirement obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Environmental liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Environmental Liabilities Amount of environmental liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Allocated purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Table] Schedule of Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Table] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Equity Distribution Agreements Equity Distribution Agreement [Member] Represents the activity related to the equity distribution agreements. Partner's capital and distributions Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items] LP Units authorized to sell (in shares) Limited Partners Capital Account Units Authorized Amount The maximum amount of common limited partners units allowed to issuance under agreement during the period. Public offering, LP units issued (in shares) Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Proceeds from issuance of units Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Aggregate compensation expense paid to the agents under the Equity Distribution Agreements Compensation Expense Paid Represents the aggregate amount of compensation expense paid to the agents under the Equity Distribution Agreements. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] West Shore Pipe Line Company West Shore Pipe Line Company [Member] Represents activity related to West Shore Pipe Line Company. Muskegon Pipeline LLC Muskegon Pipeline Limited Liability Company [Member] Represents activity related to Muskegon Pipeline, LLC.. Transport4, LLC Transport Four Limited Liability Company [Member] Represents activity related to Transport 4, LLC.. South Portland Terminal LLC South Portland Terminal Limited Liability Company [Member] Represents activity related to South Portland Terminal, LLC.. Equity investments Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Total earnings from equity investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Buckeye Texas Partners Contractor Dispute Buckeye Texas Partners Contractor Dispute [Member] Buckeye Texas Partners Contractor Dispute [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of condensate splitters Number of Condensate Splitters Number of Condensate Splitters Approximate value of aggregate claims Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives NOT Designated as Hedging Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Cost of product sales Cost of Sales [Member] Futures contracts for refined products Physical inventory - hedged items Physical Inventory, Hedged Items [Member] Physical Inventory, Hedged Items [Member] Hedge Ineffectiveness Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivatives NOT designated as hedging instruments: Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gains (losses) on derivative instruments recognized in income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments: Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract] Futures contracts for refined products Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Physical inventory - hedged items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness excluding the time value component on fair value hedging instruments: Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net [Abstract] Fair value hedge ineffectiveness (excluding time value) Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Time value excluded from hedge assessment Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness, Net Net gain (loss) in income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Site Contingency [Table] Site Contingency [Table] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Axis] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Axis] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain] Environmental remediation unrelated to claims and legal proceedings Environmental Remediation [Member] Represents activity related to environmental remediation matters unrelated to claims and legal proceedings. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure Site Contingency [Line Items] Operating expenses, net of insurance recoveries related to environmental liabilities Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Environmental remediation liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Receivables related to environmental remediation expenditures covered by insurance or third party claims Insurance Settlements Receivable Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Fair Value Hedge Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current Current [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing current assets or liabilities. Long-Term Noncurrent [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing noncurrent assets or liabilities. Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Derivative [Line Items] Volume (in gallons) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Summary of revenue by each segment Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Summary of revenue for continuing operations by major geographic area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations by segment and reconciliation of income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] RIGP Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Medical Plan Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Pension and other postretirement benefits Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Components of net periodic benefit cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of unrecognized losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined benefit plan contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Earnings from equity investments Equity Method Earnings [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of earnings (losses) from equity method investments during the period. Summary of combined income statement data for equity method investments Schedule of Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of financial information that is related to equity method investments. Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental cash flows and non-cash transactions Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Fixed-rate debt Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Represents activity related to fixed-rate debt. Variable-rate debt Variable Rate Debt [Member] Represents activity related to variable-rate debt. Fair Value And Carrying Value By Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Total debt Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND DISTRIBUTIONS Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Reclassification of derivative losses to net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Recognition of costs related to benefit plans to net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Components of net periodic benefit cost for RIGP and Retiree Medical Plan Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of weighted average units outstanding used in computing basic and diluted earnings per unit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue: Revenue, Net [Abstract] Product sales Oil and Gas Sales Revenue Transportation, storage and other services Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Revenue Total revenue Oil and Gas Revenue Costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of product sales Cost of Goods Sold, Oil and Gas Operating expenses Operating Expense Costs incurred and are directly related to operating cost and expense items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Earnings from equity investments Interest and debt expense Interest and Debt Expense Other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P. Basic earnings (loss) per unit attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.: Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic Total (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Diluted earnings (loss) per unit attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P.: Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Total (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Weighted average units outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Limited Partner Units, Outstanding [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) EQUITY INVESTMENTS Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Representation of investee financial information in the summarized equity method investments (as a percent) Equity Method Investments Investee Financial Information Representation Percentage Represents the percentage of investee financial information in the summarized equity method investments. INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Costs and expenses Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Costs and Expenses The amount of the cost and expenses reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Non-operating expenses Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Nonoperating Income (Expense) The amount of the nonoperating income (expense) reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Limited Partner Limited Partner [Member] Option Plan Unit Option And Distribution Equivalent Plan [Member] Represents activity related to the Unit Option and Distribution Equivalent Plan (the "Option Plan"). Long Term Incentive Plan 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Zero Nine [Member] Represents activity related to the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the LTIP). Summary of Changes in Outstanding Units for the Period Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units LP Units issued (in shares) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Unit-based Compensation Issuance of units through Equity Distribution Agreements (in shares) Partners Capital Account Units Sold Through Equity Distribution Agreements Represents the number of units sold through the Equity Distribution Agreements of each class of partners' capital account. Units represent shares of ownership of the general, limited, and preferred partners. Ending Balance (in shares) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depletion and Amortization Including Discontinued Operations The aggregate expense recognized in the current period including discontinued operations that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. Net changes in fair value of derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Amortization of unfavorable storage contracts Amortization of above and below Market Leases Earnings from equity investments Distributions from equity investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Other non-cash items Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in assets and liabilities, net of amounts related to acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Construction and pipeline relocation receivables Increase (Decrease) in Contract Receivables, Net Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions, net of working capital settlement Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale and disposition of assets Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Escrow deposits Decrease in Restricted Cash Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net proceeds from issuance of LP Units Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Net The cash inflow from the issuance of common limited partners units during the period, net of issuance costs. Net proceeds from exercise of Unit options Proceeds from Exercise of Limited Partner Unit Options Proceeds from exercise of limited partner unit options. Payment of tax withholding on issuance of LTIP awards Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Borrowings under BPL Credit Facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments under BPL Credit Facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Net borrowings (repayments) under BMSC Credit Facility Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distributions paid to unitholders Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents — Beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents — End of period INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Buckeye Texas Buckeye Texas Partners LLC [Member] Buckeye Texas Partners LLC [Member] Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations Adjusted Earnings before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization Measure used to evaluate consolidated and segment operating performance. Represents earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Reconciliation of Income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations: Segment Reconciliation [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations attributable to Buckeye Partners, L.P. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Add: Interest and debt expense Income tax expense Non-cash unit-based compensation expense Non Cash Unit Based Compensation Expense The aggregate amount of noncash unit-based compensation expense. Acquisition and transition expense Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Less: Amortization of unfavorable storage contracts Amortization of Below Market Lease Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations Adjusted Earnings before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization from Continuing Operations Represents earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization from continuing operations. Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Number of LP Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Exercised (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited, cancelled or expired (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Ending Balance (in units) Exercisable (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted Average Strike Price per LP Unit Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited, cancelled or expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending Balance (in dollars per share) Exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract] Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Carrying value and fair value using level 2 inputs of debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Total current derivative assets Current Derivative Assets [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing current derivative assets. Total non-current derivative assets Noncurrent Derivative Assets [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing noncurrent derivative assets. Total current derivative liabilities Current Derivative Liabilities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing current derivative liabilities. Total non-current derivative liabilities Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing noncurrent derivative liabilities. Derivative Carrying Value Net Total Derivatives, Fair Value Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Netting balance sheet adjustment Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Netting balance sheet adjustment Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Limited Partners Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Net income (loss) Adjusted value of noncontrolling interest in acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Business Combination Adjustment Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Business Combination Adjustment Distributions paid to unitholders Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount Net proceeds from issuance of LP Units Partners' Capital Account, Public Sale of Units Amortization of unit-based compensation awards Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation Net proceeds from exercise of Unit options Partners' Capital Account, Option Exercise Payment of tax withholding on issuance of LTIP awards Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Contributions from noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Additional Contribution Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Additional Contribution Other comprehensive income Noncash accrual for distribution equivalent rights Noncash Accrual for Distribution Equivalent Rights Decrease in limited partners' capital accounts during the year due to accrual for noncash equivalent rights distribution. Other Partners' Capital, Other Ending balance LTIP and Option Plan Long Term Incentive2009 Plan And Unit Option And Distribution Plan [Member] Represents aggregate activity under the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") and the Unit Option and Distribution Equivalent Plan (the "Option Plan"). Long Term Incentive Plan 2009, Deferral Plan Long Term Incentive Plan 2009, Deferral Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan 2009, Deferral Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Phantom Stock Units Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Employee Employee [Member] Represents activity related to employees of the entity. Independent directors Director [Member] Compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense LP Units, available for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Compensation awards deferred Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Awards granted (in shares) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Consideration for business acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES International Non-US [Member] Revenue: Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Total revenue UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Nature of Operations [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets. If the entity operates in more than one business, the disclosure also indicates the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination (for example, assets, revenues, or earnings). Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for basis of accounting, or basis of presentation, and principles of consolidation. Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Limited Partners, units outstanding Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Summary of changes in LP units outstanding Schedule of Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Table Text Block] Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized interest) Interest Paid, Net Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Capitalized interest Interest Paid, Capitalized Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid BUSINESS SEGMENTS Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of purchase price allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]