DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
NuStar Energy [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
Quarterly cash distribution, date paid	5/11/2012	2/10/2012
NuStar Energy's total cash distribution, paid		$ 89,100,000
Quarterly cash distribution per unit	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.075
Distributions, date of record	5/8/2012
NuStar Energy's total cash distribution, earned	$ 89,076,000		$ 79,616,000