INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%	16.30%	17.60%	18.70%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 385,858	$ 464,909
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	79,123	82,321
Investment in NuStar Energy	464,981	547,230
NuStar Energy [Member]
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity	$ 2,572,384	$ 2,852,201