v3.4.0.3
UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 01, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, number of outstanding awards transferred 688,647  
Restricted units    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, number of outstanding awards transferred 604,153  
Restricted Units, domestic employees    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, vesting period   5 years
Restricted units, non-employees    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, vesting period   3 years
Restricted units, certain international employees    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, number of outstanding awards transferred 49,121  
Restricted units, certain international employees | Minimum [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, vesting period   3 years
Restricted units, certain international employees | Maximum [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, vesting period   5 years
Performance units    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, number of outstanding awards transferred 35,373  
Unit-based compensation, description of performance measure   The objective performance measure for the outstanding performance unit awards is a specific distribution coverage ratio (DCR) determined each year by the NuStar GP, LLC Compensation Committee for the following year. Our DCR determines the rate at which the performance units convert into our common units which can range from zero to 200%.
Unit-based compensation, terms of performance units   Performance units vest in three annual increments (tranches), based upon our DCR during the one-year performance periods that end on December 31 of each year following the date of grant.
The Amended 2000 LTIP    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Unit-based compensation, number of units authorized   3,250,000
Unit-based compensation, number of units available to be awarded   1,201,757