v2.4.0.6
NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Schedule Of Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]        
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. $ 4,389 $ 70,158 $ (215,997) $ 191,259
Less general partner distribution (including IDR) 12,766 10,600 35,962 31,350
Less limited partner distribution 85,285 70,814 240,241 211,019
Distributions less than (greater than) earnings (93,662) (11,256) (492,200) (51,110)
General partner earnings:        
Distributions 12,766 10,600 35,962 31,350
Allocation of distributions less than (greater than) earnings (2%) (1,874) (225) (9,846) (1,023)
Total 10,892 10,375 26,116 30,327
Limited partner earnings:        
Limited partners' distribution 85,285 70,814 240,241 211,019
Allocation of distributions less than (greater than) earnings (98%) (91,788) (11,031) (482,354) (50,087)
Total $ (6,503) $ 59,783 $ (242,113) $ 160,932
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding 72,383,578 64,612,423 71,302,538 64,611,181
Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners $ (0.09) $ 0.92 $ (3.40) $ 2.49