FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 15,421	$ 6,224
NuStar Energy unit options	1,477	29
Total	16,898	6,253
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	15,421	6,224
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	15,421	6,224
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	1,477	29
Total	1,477	29
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 0