FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 7,021	$ 5,369
Total	7,021	5,369
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	7,021	5,369
Total	7,021	5,369
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
Total	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
Total	$ 0	$ 0