DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) (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
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's Distibution announcement date (distribution earned)	Oct. 31, 2013
NuStar Energy [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners (distribution earned)	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 3.285	$ 3.285
NuStar Energy's Total cash distributions (distribution earned)	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 294,153	$ 276,203
NuStar Energy's Distribution date of record (distribution earned)	Nov. 11, 2013	Aug. 05, 2013	May 06, 2013	Feb. 11, 2013
NuStar Energy's Distribution payment date (distribution earned)	Nov. 14, 2013	Aug. 09, 2013	May 10, 2013	Feb. 14, 2013