v2.4.0.8
PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Mar. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 1,903,794 $ 2,584,995
Net income 39,637 24,404
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation adjustment (4,685) (7,564)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges 0 4,687
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (1,919) (2,390)
Cash distributions to partners (98,051) (98,051)
Other 23 222
Ending balance 1,843,484 2,509,180
Interest expense, net
    
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Net (gain) loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI 2,766 487
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity
    
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 1,902,136 2,572,384
Net income 39,744 24,565
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation adjustment (4,240) (7,277)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges 0 4,687
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (1,474) (2,103)
Cash distributions to partners (98,051) (98,051)
Other 23 222
Ending balance 1,842,378 2,497,017
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity | Interest expense, net
    
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Net (gain) loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI 2,766 487
Noncontrolling Interest
    
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 1,658 12,611
Net income (107) (161)
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation adjustment (445) (287)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges 0 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (445) (287)
Cash distributions to partners 0 0
Other 0 0
Ending balance 1,106 12,163
Noncontrolling Interest | Interest expense, net
    
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Net (gain) loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI $ 0 $ 0