DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
NuStar Energy [Member]
The allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners
General partner interest	$ 1,628		$ 1,592	$ 4,847	$ 4,635
General partner incentive distribution	8,972		8,568	26,503	24,736
Total general partner distribution	10,600		10,160	31,350	29,371
Limited partner distribution	11,271		11,114	33,506	32,886
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	21,871		21,274	64,856	62,257
Public unitholders’ distributions	59,543		58,342	177,513	169,505
Total cash distributions	$ 81,414		$ 79,616	$ 242,369	$ 231,762
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.075	$ 3.265	$ 3.205

Allocation of equity method investee's cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners.

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Equity method investee's cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners.

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General and limited partner allocations of equity method investee's cash distributions earned.

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General partner incentive distribution allocation of equity method investee's cash distributions earned.

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General partner interest allocation of equity method investee's cash distributions earned.

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Total general partner allocation of equity method investee's cash distributions earned.

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Limited partner interest allocation of equity method investee's cash distributions earned.

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Public limited partner unitholders' allocation of equity method investee's cash distributions earned.

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Equity method investee's total cash distributions earned for all owners.

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