diff --git a/platform/lang-impl/src/com/intellij/execution/ui/layout/impl/RunnerContentUi.java b/platform/lang-impl/src/com/intellij/execution/ui/layout/impl/RunnerContentUi.java
index 179216fa6d21..1300f5ead851 100644
--- a/platform/lang-impl/src/com/intellij/execution/ui/layout/impl/RunnerContentUi.java
+++ b/platform/lang-impl/src/com/intellij/execution/ui/layout/impl/RunnerContentUi.java
@@ -299,6 +299,8 @@ public class RunnerContentUi implements ContentUI, Disposable, CellTransform.Fac
   }
 
   private void rebuildTabPopup() {
+    if (myTabs == null) return;
+
     myTabs.setPopupGroup(getCellPopupGroup(TAB_POPUP_PLACE), TAB_POPUP_PLACE, true);
 
     final ArrayList<GridImpl> grids = getGrids();