UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy	$ 7,745	$ 8,521	$ 20,349
Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards to non-employee directors	$ 305	$ 305	$ 225