DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
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	$ 1,961		$ 1,782
General partner incentive distribution	10,805		9,816
Total general partner distribution	12,766		11,598
Limited partner distribution	11,280		11,211
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	24,046		22,809
Public unitholders’ distributions	74,005		66,267
Total cash distributions	$ 98,051		$ 89,076
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095