DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 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				$ 1,961	$ 5,883	$ 5,525
General partner incentive distribution	10,805				10,805	32,415	30,437
Total general partner distribution	12,766				12,766	38,298	35,962
Limited partner distribution	11,268				11,374	33,820	33,808
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	24,034				24,140	72,118	69,770
Public unitholders’ distributions	74,017				73,911	222,035	206,433
Total cash distributions	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 294,153	$ 276,203
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 3.285	$ 3.285