FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units	$ 12,132	$ 10,376
NuStar Energy unit options	2	70
Total	12,134	10,446
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units	12,132	10,376
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	12,132	10,376
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	2	70
Total	2	70
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 0