v2.4.0.6
NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule Of Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]                      
Net income attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.                 $ 221,461 $ 238,970 $ 224,875
Less general partner distribution (including IDR)                 42,948 39,531 34,142
Less limited partner distribution                 288,497 271,847 237,308
Distributions greater than earnings                 (109,984) (72,408) (46,575)
General partner earnings:                      
Distributions                 42,948 39,531 34,142
Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (2%)                 (2,201) (1,447) (932)
Total                 40,747 38,084 33,210
Limited partner earnings:                      
Limited partners' distribution                 288,497 271,847 237,308
Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (98%)                 (107,783) (70,961) (45,643)
Total                 $ 180,714 $ 200,886 $ 191,665
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding                 65,018,301 62,946,987 55,232,467
Net income per unit applicable to limited partners $ 0.30 $ 0.92 $ 1.27 $ 0.30 $ 0.65 $ 0.90 $ 1.43 $ 0.19 $ 2.78 $ 3.19 $ 3.47