Consolidated Statement Of Partners' Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Limited Partner [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Net income	$ 819,122	$ 819,122
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,868,233	1,949,773	$ (81,540)
Comprehensive income:
Total other comprehensive income	(14,810)		(14,810)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	804,312	819,122	(14,810)
Distributions	(662,948)	(662,948)
Equity-based incentive compensation expense	22,248	22,248
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based incentive plan awards	8,045	8,045
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Other Long-term Incentive Plans, Requisite Service Period Recognition	(17,784)	(17,784)
Other	(370)	(370)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	2,021,736	2,118,086	(96,350)
Net income	802,771	802,771
Comprehensive income:
Total other comprehensive income	(4,891)		(4,891)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	797,880	802,771	(4,891)
Distributions	(739,157)	(739,157)
Equity-based incentive compensation expense	19,358	19,358
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based incentive plan awards	7,289	7,289
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Other Long-term Incentive Plans, Requisite Service Period Recognition	(14,376)	(14,376)
Other	(625)	(625)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	2,092,105	2,193,346	(101,241)
Net income	869,531	869,531
Comprehensive income:
Total other comprehensive income	(36,337)		(36,337)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	833,194	869,531	(36,337)
Distributions	(803,216)	(803,216)
Equity-based incentive compensation expense	20,641	20,641
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based incentive plan awards	1,669	1,669
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Other Long-term Incentive Plans, Requisite Service Period Recognition	(13,875)	(13,875)
Other	(865)	(865)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 2,129,653	$ 2,267,231	$ (137,578)