v2.4.0.8
PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ 1,843,484 $ 2,509,180 $ 1,903,794 $ 2,584,995
Net income (loss) 55,399 32,969 95,036 57,373
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment 5,856 (8,732) 1,171 (16,296)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 0 2,526 0 7,213
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 8,527 (3,731) 6,608 (6,121)
Cash distributions to partners (98,051) (98,051) (196,102) (196,102)
Other 0 (101) 23 121
Ending balance 1,809,359 2,440,266 1,809,359 2,440,266
Interest expense, net
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Net loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI 2,671 2,475 5,437 2,962
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity
        
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 1,842,378 2,497,017 1,902,136 2,572,384
Net income (loss) 55,514 33,086 95,258 57,651
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment 5,858 (7,820) 1,618 (15,097)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 0 2,526 0 7,213
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 8,529 (2,819) 7,055 (4,922)
Cash distributions to partners (98,051) (98,051) (196,102) (196,102)
Other 0 (101) 23 121
Ending balance 1,808,370 2,429,132 1,808,370 2,429,132
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity | Interest expense, net
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Net loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI 2,671 2,475 5,437 2,962
Noncontrolling Interest
        
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 1,106 12,163 1,658 12,611
Net income (loss) (115) (117) (222) (278)
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment (2) (912) (447) (1,199)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 0 0 0 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (2) (912) (447) (1,199)
Cash distributions to partners 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
Ending balance 989 11,134 989 11,134
Noncontrolling Interest | Interest expense, net
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Net loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0