FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 8,972	$ 5,369
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	8,972	5,369
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 0	$ 0