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NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]    
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. $ 39,744 $ 24,565
Less general partner distribution (including IDR) 12,766 12,766
Less limited partner distribution 85,285 85,285
Distributions less than (in excess of) earnings (58,307) (73,486)
General partner earnings:    
Distributions 12,766 12,766
Allocation of distributions less than (in excess of) earnings (2%) (1,166) (1,469)
Total 11,600 11,297
Limited partner earnings:    
Distributions 85,285 85,285
Allocation of distributions less than (in excess of) earnings (98%) (57,141) (72,017)
Total $ 28,144 $ 13,268
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding 77,886,078 77,886,078
Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners $ 0.36 $ 0.17