FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 16,053	$ 13,622
NuStar Energy unit options	2,060	1,953
Total	18,113	15,575
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	16,053	13,622
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	16,053	13,622
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	2,060	1,953
Total	2,060	1,953
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 0