PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 3 - Net Income Applicable to the General Partner (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2017 |
Sep. 30, 2017 |
Jun. 30, 2017 |
Mar. 31, 2017 |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
Sep. 30, 2016 |
Jun. 30, 2016 |
Mar. 31, 2016 |
Dec. 31, 2017 |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
Dec. 31, 2015 |
|
| Net Income Allocation [Abstract] | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. | $ 25,182 | $ 38,592 | $ 26,250 | $ 57,940 | $ (11,056) | $ 51,141 | $ 52,517 | $ 57,401 | $ 147,964 | $ 150,003 | $ 306,720 |
| Less preferred limited partner interest | 40,448 | 1,925 | 0 | ||||||||
| Less general partner incentive distribution | 45,669 | 43,407 | 43,220 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) after general partner incentive distribution and preferred limited partner interest | $ 61,847 | $ 104,671 | $ 263,500 | ||||||||
| General partner interest | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00% | ||||||||
| General partner allocation of net income (loss) | $ 1,237 | $ 2,091 | $ 5,270 | ||||||||
| General partner incentive distribution | 45,669 | 43,407 | 43,220 | ||||||||
| Net income applicable to general partner | $ 46,906 | $ 45,498 | $ 48,490 | ||||||||