MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (32,022)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,752
Ending balance	(29,270)
Share of NS Energy's OCI [Member]
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(8,743)
NuStar Energy other comprehensive loss adjustment	178
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	178
Ending balance	(8,565)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustment [Member]
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(23,279)
NuStar Energy other comprehensive loss adjustment	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,574
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,574
Ending balance	(20,705)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(32,022)
NuStar Energy other comprehensive loss adjustment	178
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,574
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,752
Ending balance	$ (29,270)