v3.3.1.900
DEBT Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest payments $ 138,900 $ 135,000 $ 118,300
Amount outstanding 3,079,349 2,749,452  
Short-term debt 84,000 77,000  
$1.5 billion revolving credit agreement      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,500,000    
Term 5 years    
Maturity Date Oct. 29, 2019    
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount The Revolving Credit Agreement includes an option allowing NuStar Logistics to request an aggregate increase in the commitments from the lenders of up to $250.0 million (after which increase the aggregate commitment from all lenders shall not exceed $1.75 billion)    
Maximum available for Euro borrowings $ 250,000    
Maximum available for British Pound Borrowings $ 250,000    
Interest rate at period end 2.10%    
Interest rate during period 2.00%    
Covenant terms The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary restrictive covenants, such as limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, asset transfers and certain investing activities. In addition, the Revolving Credit Agreement requires us to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio (consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, each as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00. If we consummate an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $50.0 million, the maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.50-to-1.00 for two rolling periods.    
Debt coverage ratio 4.5    
Current remaining borrowing capacity $ 587,300    
Letters of credit issued 30,100    
Maximum letters of credit allowed 750,000    
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Available for Euro Borrowings 25,000    
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Available for British Borrowings 25,000    
Amount outstanding $ 882,664 601,496  
4.75% senior notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maturity Date Feb. 01, 2022    
Amount outstanding $ 250,000 250,000  
Stated interest rate 4.75%    
6.75 % senior notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maturity Date Feb. 01, 2021    
Amount outstanding $ 300,000 300,000  
Stated interest rate 6.75%    
4.80% senior notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maturity Date Sep. 01, 2020    
Amount outstanding $ 450,000 450,000  
Stated interest rate 4.80%    
7.65% senior notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maturity Date Mar. 15, 2018    
Amount outstanding $ 350,000 350,000  
Stated interest rate 7.65%    
Interest rate terms The interest rate payable on the 7.65% senior notes is subject to adjustment if our debt rating is downgraded (or upgraded) by certain credit rating agencies    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage 8.20%    
7.625% subordinated notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maturity Date Jan. 15, 2043    
Amount outstanding $ 402,500 402,500  
Stated interest rate 7.625%    
Interest rate terms The Subordinated Notes bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.625%, payable quarterly in arrears beginning on April 15, 2013 and ending on January 15, 2018. Thereafter, the Subordinated Notes will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the sum of the three-month LIBOR rate for the related quarterly interest period, plus 6.734% payable quarterly, commencing April 15, 2018, unless payment is deferred in accordance with the terms of the notes. NuStar Logistics may elect to defer interest payments on the Subordinated Notes on one or more occasions for up to five consecutive years.    
Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Letters of credit issued $ 370,246    
Amount outstanding 365,440 365,440  
Amount Received From Trustee 17,500 11,900  
Receivables Financing Agreement      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 125,000    
Maturity Date Jun. 15, 2018    
Amount outstanding $ 53,500 $ 0  
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Description The maximum amount available for borrowing by NuStar Finance under the Receivables Financing Agreement is $125.0 million, with an option for NuStar Finance to request an increase of up to $75.0 million from the lenders (for aggregate total borrowings not to exceed $200.0 million). The amount available for borrowing is based on the availability of eligible receivables and other customary factors and conditions.    
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description The Securitization Program has an initial termination date of June 15, 2018, with the option to renew for additional 364-day periods thereafter.    
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount $ 97,900    
Average Annual Interest Rate 1.10%    
Short-term lines of credit      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 105,000    
Interest rate at period end 1.90% 1.80%  
Short-term debt $ 84,000