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NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]        
Net income attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. $ 62,121 $ 33,397 $ 157,379 $ 91,048
Less general partner distribution (including IDR) 12,766 12,766 38,298 38,298
Less limited partner distribution 85,285 85,285 255,855 255,855
Distributions in excess of earnings (35,930) (64,654) (136,774) (203,105)
General partner earnings:        
Distributions 12,766 12,766 38,298 38,298
Allocation of distributions in excess of earnings (2%) (719) (1,293) (2,736) (4,061)
Total 12,047 11,473 35,562 34,237
Limited partner earnings:        
Distributions 85,285 85,285 255,855 255,855
Allocation of distributions in excess of earnings (98%) (35,211) (63,361) (134,038) (199,044)
Total $ 50,074 $ 21,924 $ 121,817 $ 56,811
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding (units) 77,886,078 77,886,078 77,886,078 77,886,078
Net income per unit applicable to limited partners (dollars per unit) $ 0.64 $ 0.28 $ 1.56 $ 0.73