RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 2 (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Asphalt JV [Member] | Asphalt JV Services Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreements, Description	The Asphalt JV Services Agreement provides that we furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Asphalt JV. Asphalt JV compensates us for these services through an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to our employees for the most recently completed contract year.
Services Agreements, Termination Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Administrative Fees Reduction, Description	On March 14, 2013 and May 1, 2013, Asphalt JV provided written notice to us, reducing the level of services to be provided to Asphalt JV, which will reduce the annual fee by an aggregate amount of approximately $3.3 million
NuStar Energy [Member] | GP Services Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreements, Description	The GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar GP, LLC will furnish administrative and certain operating services necessary to conduct the business of NuStar Energy. All employees providing services to both NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar Energy are employed by NuStar GP, LLC; therefore, NuStar Energy reimburses NuStar GP, LLC for all employee costs, other than the expenses allocated to NuStar GP Holdings
Services Agreements, Termination Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Holdco administrative services expense	$ 0.4	$ 0.5