NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT Table - Net Income per Common Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands |
3 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Mar. 31, 2018 |
Mar. 31, 2017 |
|
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||
| Net income attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. | $ 126,133 | $ 57,940 |
| Less: Distributions to preferred limited partners | 15,990 | 4,813 |
| Less: Distributions to general partner (including incentive distribution rights) | 1,141 | 15,255 |
| Less: Distributions to common limited partners | 55,916 | 101,913 |
| Less: Distribution equivalents rights to restricted units | 445 | 715 |
| Distributions less than (in excess of) earnings | 52,641 | (64,756) |
| Net income attributable to common units: | ||
| Common limited partners’ distribution | 55,916 | 101,913 |
| Allocation of distributions less than (in excess of) earnings | 51,148 | (63,461) |
| Total | $ 107,064 | $ 38,452 |
| Basic weighted-average common units outstanding | 93,181,781 | 78,642,888 |
| Basic net income per common unit | $ 1.15 | $ 0.49 |