FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 11,899	$ 6,224
Deferred Compensation Share Based Arrangements Stock Options Liability Current	1,198	29
Total	13,097	6,253
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	11,899	6,224
Deferred Compensation Share Based Arrangements Stock Options Liability Current	0	0
Total	11,899	6,224
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
Deferred Compensation Share Based Arrangements Stock Options Liability Current	1,198	29
Total	1,198	29
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
Deferred Compensation Share Based Arrangements Stock Options Liability Current	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 0