ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Table (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued compensation expense
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards, current	$ 10,376	$ 13,622
NuStar Energy unit options, current	70	1,953
Pension liabilities, current	137	99
Other postretirement benefit plan liabilities, current	243	162
Other employee-related liabilities, current	4,142	3,640
Accrued compensation expense	14,968	19,476
Long-term liabilities
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards, noncurrent	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options, noncurrent	0	0
Pension liabilities, noncurrent	44,640	24,131
Other postretirement benefit plan liabilities, noncurrent	20,719	18,510
Other employee-related liabilities, noncurrent	1,737	1,521
Long-term liabilities	$ 67,096	$ 44,162