MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Changes in Members' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of January 1, 2017			$ 243,788
Net income	$ 51,311	$ 15,073	68,303	$ 31,749
Distributions to unitholders			(46,817)	$ (46,794)
Share of NuStar Energy’s other comprehensive income			2,482
Unit-based compensation expense			306
Balance as of June 30, 2017	$ 268,062		$ 268,062