DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
NuStar Energy [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
Quarterly cash distribution, date paid	May 10, 2013	2/14/2013
NuStar Energy's total cash distribution, paid		$ 98,100,000
Quarterly cash distribution per unit	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095
Distributions, date of record	May 6, 2013
NuStar Energy's total cash distribution, earned	$ 98,051,000		$ 89,076,000