RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreements, description	The Amended GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar Services Co will furnish administrative services necessary to conduct our business. We will compensate NuStar Services Co for these services through an annual fee of $1.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to NuStar Services Co employees for the most recently completed fiscal year and for changes in level of service. The Amended GP Services Agreement will terminate on March 1, 2020 and will automatically renew for successive two-year terms, unless terminated by either party.
Axeon Services Agreement [Member] | Axeon [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreements, description	provided that NuStar GP, LLC furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Axeon for an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment (the Axeon Services Agreement).
Services Agreements, termination date	Jun. 30, 2014
Administrative services expense		$ 3.1
NuStar Energy [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Non-Compete Agreement, description	The Non-Compete Agreement remains in effect for so long as we or any of our affiliates own 20% or more of NuStar GP, LLC or Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.