INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%	15.00%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 355,586	$ 385,858
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	75,163	79,123
Investment in NuStar Energy	430,749	464,981
NuStar Energy [Member]
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 2,370,574	$ 2,572,384