NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2015 |
Sep. 30, 2015 |
Jun. 30, 2015 |
Mar. 31, 2015 |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Sep. 30, 2014 |
Jun. 30, 2014 |
Mar. 31, 2014 |
Dec. 31, 2015 |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
|
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. | $ 306,720 | $ 210,773 | $ (273,770) | ||||||||
| Less general partner distribution (including incentive distribution rights) | 51,064 | 51,064 | 51,064 | ||||||||
| Less limited partner distribution | 341,140 | 341,140 | 341,140 | ||||||||
| Distributions greater than earnings | (85,484) | (181,431) | (665,974) | ||||||||
| General partner earnings: | |||||||||||
| Distributions | 51,064 | 51,064 | 51,064 | ||||||||
| Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (2%) | (1,710) | (3,630) | (13,318) | ||||||||
| Total | 49,354 | 47,434 | 37,746 | ||||||||
| Limited partner earnings: | |||||||||||
| Distributions | 341,140 | 341,140 | 341,140 | ||||||||
| Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (98%) | (83,774) | (177,801) | (652,656) | ||||||||
| Total | $ 257,366 | $ 163,339 | $ (311,516) | ||||||||
| Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding (units) | 77,886,078 | 77,886,078 | 77,886,078 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners (dollars per unit) | $ 0.61 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.54 | $ 1.47 | $ 0.54 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.56 | $ 0.36 | $ 3.30 | $ 2.10 | $ (4.00) |