DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative (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]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
Quarterly cash distribution, date paid	11/14/2011	8/12/2011
NuStar Energy's total cash distribution, paid	$ 81,339
Quarterly cash distribution per unit	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.075	$ 3.265	$ 3.205
Distributions, date of record	11/8/2011
NuStar Energy's total cash distribution, earned	$ 81,414		$ 79,616	$ 242,369	$ 231,762

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

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Equity Method Investment Distribution Dates and Totals [Abstract]

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

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Equity method investee's total cash distributions paid.

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Payment date of equity method investee's quarterly cash distribution.

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The date as of when a unit holder of the equity method investee must own the units to be entitled to the distribution.

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