v2.4.0.6
PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ 2,421,117 $ 2,658,966 $ 2,864,335 $ 2,702,700
Acquisition     0 15,000
Net income (loss) 4,342 70,281 (216,214) 191,402
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment 6,721 (24,351) 11,701 (16,915)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges (24,454) (109,632) (90,565) (138,916)
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges 9,373 7,733 26,287 8,958
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (8,360) (126,250) (52,577) (146,873)
Cash distributions to partners (89,076) (81,339) (267,228) (240,571)
Issuance of common units, including contribution from general partner 344,076 3,391 344,076 3,391
Other     (293) 0
Ending balance 2,672,099 2,525,049 2,672,099 2,525,049
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity
        
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 2,408,269 2,644,221 2,852,201 2,702,700
Acquisition     0 0
Net income (loss) 4,389 70,158 (215,997) 191,259
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment 6,608 (22,165) 10,704 (14,454)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges (24,454) (109,632) (90,565) (138,916)
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges 9,373 7,733 26,287 8,958
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (8,473) (124,064) (53,574) (144,412)
Cash distributions to partners (89,076) (81,339) (267,228) (240,571)
Issuance of common units, including contribution from general partner 344,076 3,391 344,076 3,391
Other     (293) 0
Ending balance 2,659,185 2,512,367 2,659,185 2,512,367
Noncontrolling Interest
        
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 12,848 14,745 12,134 0
Acquisition     0 15,000
Net income (loss) (47) 123 (217) 143
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment 113 (2,186) 997 (2,461)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges 0 0 0 0
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges 0 0 0 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 113 (2,186) 997 (2,461)
Cash distributions to partners 0 0 0 0
Issuance of common units, including contribution from general partner 0 0 0 0
Other     0 0
Ending balance $ 12,914 $ 12,682 $ 12,914 $ 12,682