EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS Table 2 (Details) - NuStar GP LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2015 |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
|
| Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
| Benefit plans | $ 13,215 | $ 11,385 | $ 27,741 |
| Long-term incentive plans | $ 6,397 | $ 10,934 | $ 7,369 |