DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
NuStar Energy LP [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners (distribution earned)		$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 4.380	$ 4.38	$ 4.380
NuStar Energy's total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 115,267	$ 115,084	$ 115,083	$ 117,168	$ 462,602	$ 393,882	$ 392,204
NuStar Energy's distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Feb. 08, 2018	Nov. 09, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017	May 08, 2017
NuStar Energy's distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Feb. 13, 2018	Nov. 14, 2017	Aug. 11, 2017	May 12, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Jan. 29, 2018