MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	$ (22,665)	$ 471	$ (6,992)
Activity	(9,357)	(23,136)	7,463
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(32,022)	(22,665)	471
Share of NuStar Energy's Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(4,446)	8,134	1,455
Activity	(4,297)	(12,580)	6,679
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(8,743)	(4,446)	8,134
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments, Net of Tax [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(18,219)	(7,663)	(8,447)
Activity	(5,060)	(10,556)	784
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	$ (23,279)	$ (18,219)	$ (7,663)