v2.4.0.6
PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 2,864,335 $ 2,702,700
Acquisition 0 15,000
Net income 26,254 28,516
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 9,030 9,105
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges (53,823) 2,878
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges (7,767) 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (37,026) 11,983
Cash distributions to partners (89,076) (79,616)
Other (269) 0
Ending balance 2,764,218 2,678,583
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity
    
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 2,852,201 2,702,700
Acquisition 0 0
Net income 26,351 28,502
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 7,911 8,553
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges (53,823) 2,878
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges 7,767 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (38,145) 11,431
Cash distributions to partners (89,076) (79,616)
Other (269) 0
Ending balance 2,751,062 2,663,017
Noncontrolling Interest
    
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 12,134 0
Acquisition 0 15,000
Net income (97) 14
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 1,119 552
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges 0 0
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges 0 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 1,119 552
Cash distributions to partners 0 0
Other 0 0
Ending balance $ 13,156 $ 15,566