v2.4.0.8
PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ 1,809,359 $ 2,440,266 $ 1,903,794 $ 2,584,995
Net income (loss) 61,948 33,236 156,984 90,609
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment (6,406) 3,901 (5,235) (12,395)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges     0 7,213
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (3,781) 5,554 2,827 (567)
Cash distributions to partners (98,051) (98,051) (294,153) (294,153)
Other (830) (26) (807) 95
Ending balance 1,768,645 2,380,979 1,768,645 2,380,979
Interest expense, net
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Net loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI 2,625 1,653 8,062 4,615
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity
        
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 1,808,370 2,429,132 1,902,136 2,572,384
Net income (loss) 62,121 33,397 157,379 91,048
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment (6,420) 4,469 (4,802) (10,628)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges     0 7,213
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (3,795) 6,122 3,260 1,200
Cash distributions to partners (98,051) (98,051) (294,153) (294,153)
Other 0 (26) 23 95
Ending balance 1,768,645 2,370,574 1,768,645 2,370,574
NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity | Interest expense, net
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Net loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI 2,625 1,653 8,062 4,615
Noncontrolling Interest
        
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 989 11,134 1,658 12,611
Net income (loss) (173) (161) (395) (439)
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation adjustment 14 (568) (433) (1,767)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges     0 0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 14 (568) (433) (1,767)
Cash distributions to partners 0 0 0 0
Other (830) 0 (830) 0
Ending balance 0 10,405 0 10,405
Noncontrolling Interest | Interest expense, net
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Net loss on cash flow hedges reclassified out of AOCI $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0