UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 5 (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Liability for NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units	$ 3,794
The 2000 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Liability for NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units	$ 3,794

Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for restricted unit and performance award compensation arrangements payable within one year (or the operating cycle, if longer).

No definition available.

Name:	nsh_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsRestrictedUnitsAndPerformanceAwardsLiabilityCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	nsh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant