FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 14,093	$ 10,376
NuStar Energy unit options	724	70
Total	14,817	10,446
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	14,093	10,376
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	14,093	10,376
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	724	70
Total	724	70
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 0