| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 23, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | GENESIS ENERGY LP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001022321 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 23, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-12295 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0513049 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 919 Milam |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 2100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77002 |
| City Area Code | (713) |
| Local Phone Number | 860-2500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Units |
| Trading Symbol | GEL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
