PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 2 (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
Net Income Allocation [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 4,389	$ 70,158	$ (215,997)	$ 191,259
Less general partner incentive distribution	10,805	8,972	30,437	26,503
Net (loss) income after general partner incentive distribution	(6,416)	61,186	(246,434)	164,756
General partner interest	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
General partner allocation of net (loss) income after general partner incentive distribution	(128)	1,223	(4,928)	3,294
General partner incentive distribution	10,805	8,972	30,437	26,503
Net income applicable to general partner	$ 10,677	$ 10,195	$ 25,509	$ 29,797

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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