FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 2 (Details) (NS unit options [Member])	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
NS unit options [Member]
The fair value of our accrued compensation expense for NuStar Energy unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the reporting date based on the following weighted-average assumptions:
Expected life in years	6.3	6.3
Expected volatility	19.80%	23.30%
Expected distribution yield	6.70%	6.20%
Risk-free interest rate	0.30%	0.40%

The weighted-average of risk-free interest rate assumptions used in valuing options for an entity accounted for under the equity method.

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- Definition

Equity Method Investement Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]

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- Definition

Disclosure of the weighted average expected dividend for an entity using a valuation technique with different dividend rates during the contractual term. This rate pertains to an entity accounted for under the equity method.

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- Definition

The weighted-average period of time share-based awards, for an entity accounted for under the equity method, are expected to be outstanding. A share-based award's expected term shall be determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior. An entity is required to aggregate individual awards into relatively homogeneous groups.

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- Definition

An entity using a valuation technique with different volatilities during the contractual term must disclose the range of expected volatilities used and the weighted-average expected volatility. This percentage pertains to an entity accounted for under the equity method.

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