INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 4 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in (Loss) Earnings of NuStar Energy
General partner interest	$ (5,356)	$ 3,703	$ 4,113
General partner incentive distribution	41,242	36,319	33,304
General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy	35,886	40,022	37,417
Limited partner interest in (loss) earnings of NuStar Energy	(37,580)	28,645	32,326
Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities	(2,884)	(2,884)	(2,884)
Equity in (loss) earnings of NuStar Energy	$ (4,578)	$ 65,783	$ 66,859