DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
NuStar Energy [Member]
The allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners
General partner interest		$ 7,486	$ 6,630	$ 6,227
General partner incentive distribution		41,242	36,326	33,304
Total general partner distribution		48,728	42,956	39,531
Limited partner distribution		45,152	44,812	43,924
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings		93,880	87,768	83,455
Public unitholders’ distributions		280,374	243,738	227,923
Total cash distributions		$ 374,254	$ 331,506	$ 311,378
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 4.380	$ 4.360	$ 4.280