INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	17.50%	17.60%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 462,739	$ 475,675
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	89,072	91,001
Investment in NuStar Energy	551,811	566,676
NuStar Energy [Member]
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity	$ 2,644,221	$ 2,702,700

The item represents the difference, if any, between the amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried (reported) on the balance sheet and the amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting Entity has in the investee. A difference can arise between the carrying value of the equity method investment and the value of the Entity's amount of underlying equity in net assets of the investee, for example, from appreciation of certain assets which is not recognized in earnings, but is recognized in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) by the investee.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(3)

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The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph f

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
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This item represents the disclosure of summarized financial information for unconsolidated subsidiaries and 50 percent-or-less owned entities accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If investments in common stock of corporate joint ventures or other investments accounted for under the equity method are, in the aggregate, material in relation to the financial position or results of operations of an investor, it may be necessary to present summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investee, or group of investments for which combined disclosure is appropriate, either by individual financial statement caption or in groups, as appropriate. Such summarized financial information may include total equity or capital (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph f

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This item represents the entity's ownership percentage in the investee multiplied by the investee's total equity.

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Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable form a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.

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