MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	$ (5,775)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,113)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	(8,888)
Share of NuStar Energy's Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	(10,082)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2,293)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,293)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	(12,375)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	4,307
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	0
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)	(820)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(820)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	3,487
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	(5,775)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2,293)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)	(820)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,113)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$ (8,888)