MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ (8,664)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer	$ (4,200)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,210)	$ (2,889)	$ (14,716)
Ending Balance		(13,874)	(8,664)
Share of NuStar Energy's Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(13,189)	(10,082)	(9,417)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments		(685)	(3,107)	(665)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		0	0	0
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(685)	(3,107)	(665)
Ending Balance		(13,874)	(13,189)	(10,082)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		4,525	4,307	18,358
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments		0	1,312	(11,136)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		(324)	(1,094)	(2,915)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer		(4,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,525)	218	(14,051)
Ending Balance		0	4,525	4,307
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(8,664)	(5,775)	8,941
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments		(685)	(1,795)	(11,801)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		(324)	(1,094)	(2,915)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer		(4,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,210)	(2,889)	(14,716)
Ending Balance		$ (13,874)	$ (8,664)	$ (5,775)