RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation		$ 32,000
Other expenses		100
Holdco Administrative Services Expense		300
Amended GP Services Agreement, 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.
Amended GP Services Agreement Services Expense	$ 241	$ 83
Payable to related party	$ 80		$ 317