INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 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	17.60%	17.60%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 442,177	$ 475,675
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	88,017	91,001
Investment in NuStar Energy	530,194	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	$ 2,512,367	$ 2,702,700