NuStar Energy (NS) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

DEI_Document

DEI Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NuStar Energy L.P.
Entity Central Index Key	1110805
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ns
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		77,886,078
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$4,194

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$87,912	$100,743
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,808 and $1,224 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	208,314	281,310
Receivable from related parties	164	51,084
Inventories	55,713	138,147
Other current assets	35,944	40,278
Assets held for sale	1,100	21,987
Total current assets	389,147	633,549
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	4,815,396	4,500,837
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,354,664	-1,190,184
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,460,732	3,310,653
Intangible assets, net	58,670	71,249
Goodwill	617,429	617,429
Investment in joint ventures	74,223	68,735
Deferred income tax asset	4,429	5,769
Note receivable from related party, net	0	165,440
Other long-term assets, net	314,166	159,362
Total assets	4,918,796	5,032,186
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	162,056	298,751
Payable to related party	15,128	8,325
Short-term debt	77,000	0
Accrued interest payable	33,345	33,113
Accrued liabilities	61,025	38,632
Taxes other than income tax	14,121	9,745
Income tax payable	2,517	4,006
Total current liabilities	365,192	392,572
Long-term debt	2,749,452	2,655,553
Long-term payable to related party	33,537	41,139
Deferred income tax liability	27,308	27,350
Other long-term liabilities	27,097	11,778
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Partners' equity:
Limited partners (77,886,078 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013)	1,744,810	1,921,726
General partner	39,312	43,804
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-67,912	-63,394
Total NuStar Energy L.P. partners' equity	1,716,210	1,902,136
Noncontrolling interest	0	1,658
Total partners’ equity	1,716,210	1,903,794
Total liabilities and partners' equity	$4,918,796	$5,032,186

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$7,808	$1,224
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	77,886,078	77,886,078

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Service revenues	$1,026,446	$938,138	$870,157
Product sales	2,048,672	2,525,594	5,075,579
Total revenues	3,075,118	3,463,732	5,945,736
Costs and expenses:
Cost of product sales	1,967,528	2,453,997	4,930,174
Operating expenses:
Third parties	347,189	331,719	392,491
Related party	125,736	122,677	133,654
Total operating expenses	472,925	454,396	526,145
General and administrative expenses:
Third parties	29,146	32,484	42,266
Related party	66,910	58,602	62,490
Total general and administrative expenses	96,056	91,086	104,756
Depreciation and amortization expense	191,708	178,921	159,789
Goodwill impairment loss	0	304,453	22,132
Asset impairment loss	0	0	249,646
Gain on legal settlement	0	0	-28,738
Total costs and expenses	2,728,217	3,482,853	5,963,904
Operating (loss) income	346,901	-19,121	-18,168
Equity in (loss) earnings of joint ventures	4,796	-39,970	-9,378
Interest expense, net	-132,281	-127,119	-90,535
Interest income from related party	1,055	6,113	1,219
Other income (expense), net	4,499	7,341	-24,689
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense	224,970	-172,756	-141,551
Income tax expense	10,801	12,753	24,450
Income (loss) from continuing operations	214,169	-185,509	-166,001
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-3,791	-99,162	-61,236
Net income (loss)	210,378	-284,671	-227,237
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-395	-10,901	-621
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$210,773	($273,770)	($226,616)
Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners:
Continuing operations	$2.14	($2.89)	($2.79)
Discontinued operations	($0.04)	($1.11)	($0.82)
Total (Note 23)	$2.10	($4)	($3.61)
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding	77,886,078	77,886,078	72,957,417

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income (loss)	$53,394	$61,948	$55,399	$39,637	($375,280)	$33,236	$32,969	$24,404	$210,378	($284,671)	($227,237)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense of $0, $0 and $414									-15,614	-19,364	10,677
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges									0	7,213	-94,269
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									10,663	7,570	53,232
Total other comprehensive loss									-4,951	-4,581	-30,360
Comprehensive (loss) income									205,427	-289,252	-257,597
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									-828	-10,953	477
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									$206,255	($278,299)	($258,074)

CONSOIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COMP

CONSOIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	$0	$0	$414

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$210,378	($284,671)	($227,237)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	191,708	184,363	170,651
Amortization of debt related items	8,969	4,329	-7,016
Loss (gain) on sale or disposition of assets	-3,853	-7,829	26,902
Asset and goodwill impairment loss	4,201	406,982	271,778
Gain on legal settlement	0	0	-28,738
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	3,467	-6,739	1,542
Equity in (earnings) loss of joint ventures	-4,796	39,970	9,378
Distributions of equity in earnings of joint ventures	7,587	7,956	6,364
Changes in current assets and current liabilities (Note 24)	82,418	112,776	90,247
Other, net	18,444	28,082	-14,668
Net cash provided by operating activities	518,523	485,219	299,203
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	-356,965	-343,320	-410,595
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	4,903	-5,384	0
Acquisitions	0	0	-315,810
Investment in other long-term assets	0	0	-2,610
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	26,012	119,006	478,926
Increase in note receivable from related party	-13,328	-80,961	-95,711
Other, net	-853	-302	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-340,231	-310,961	-345,800
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings	743,719	1,738,451	2,549,145
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings	574,900	0	71,880
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs	0	686,863	247,398
Long-term debt repayments	-623,770	-2,150,743	-2,648,475
Short-term debt repayments	-497,900	0	-71,880
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs	0	0	336,415
Contributions from general partner	0	0	7,121
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	-392,204	-392,204	-365,279
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps	0	-33,697	-5,678
Other, net	7,070	1,980	-9,978
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-188,185	-149,350	110,669
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-2,938	-7,767	2,033
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-12,831	17,141	66,105
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	100,743	83,602	17,497
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	$87,912	$100,743	$83,602

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_PAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Limited Partners	General Partner	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	NuStar Energy L.P. Partners' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Partners' equity at Dec. 31, 2011	$2,864,335	$2,817,069	$62,539	($27,407)	$2,852,201	$12,134
Limited partner units at Dec. 31, 2011		70,756,078
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-227,237	-262,502	35,886	0	-226,616	-621
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-30,360	0	0	-31,458	-31,458	1,098
Cash distributions to partners	-365,279	-317,719	-47,560	0	-365,279	0
Issuance of common units, including contribution from general partner	343,860	336,739	7,121	0	343,860	0
Issuance of common units, in units		7,130,000
Other	-324	-324	0	0	-324	0
Partners’ equity at Dec. 31, 2012	2,584,995	2,573,263	57,986	-58,865	2,572,384	12,611
Limited partner units at Dec. 31, 2012		77,886,078
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	-284,671	-310,652	36,882	0	-273,770	-10,901
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,581	0	0	-4,529	-4,529	-52
Cash distributions to partners	-392,204	-341,140	-51,064	0	-392,204	0
Other	255	255	0	0	255	0
Partners’ equity at Dec. 31, 2013	1,903,794	1,921,726	43,804	-63,394	1,902,136	1,658
Limited partner units at Dec. 31, 2013		77,886,078
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	210,378	164,201	46,572	0	210,773	-395
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,951	0	0	-4,518	-4,518	-433
Cash distributions to partners	-392,204	-341,140	-51,064	0	-392,204	0
Other	-807	23	0	0	23	-830
Partners’ equity at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,716,210	$1,744,810	$39,312	($67,912)	$1,716,210	$0
Limited partner units at Dec. 31, 2014		77,886,078

ORGANIZATION_AND_OPERATIONS

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS	ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
	Organization
	NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy) (NYSE: NS) is engaged in the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, the terminalling and storage of petroleum products and the marketing of petroleum products. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar Energy L.P.,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar Energy L.P., to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole. NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH) owns our general partner, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., and owns a 14.9% total interest in us as of December 31, 2014.
	Operations
	We conduct our operations through our subsidiaries, primarily NuStar Logistics, L.P. (NuStar Logistics) and NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. (NuPOP). We have three business segments: pipeline, storage and fuels marketing.
	Pipeline. We own refined product pipelines covering approximately 5,463 miles, which consist of Central West System refined product pipelines, the East Pipeline and the North Pipeline. The East and North Pipelines have storage capacity of approximately 6.3 million barrels. In addition, we own a 2,000 mile anhydrous ammonia pipeline (the Ammonia Pipeline) and 1,180 miles of Central West System crude oil pipelines including approximately 3.5 million barrels of storage capacity. We charge tariffs on a per barrel basis for transporting refined products, crude oil and other feedstocks in our refined product and crude oil pipelines and on a per ton basis for transporting anhydrous ammonia in the Ammonia Pipeline.
	Storage. We own terminal and storage facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, including St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom providing approximately 80.9 million barrels of storage capacity. Our terminal and storage facilities provide storage, handling and other services on a fee basis for petroleum products, crude oil, specialty chemicals and other liquids.
	Fuels Marketing. Within our fuels marketing operations, we purchase crude oil and refined petroleum products for resale. Our fuels marketing segment included asphalt operations prior to the sale of a 50% ownership interest in NuStar Asphalt LLC on September 28, 2012. Please refer to Note 5 for a discussion of the asphalt sales. The activities of the fuels marketing segment expose us to the risk of fluctuations in commodity prices, which has a direct impact on the segment’s results of operations. We enter into derivative contracts to attempt to mitigate the effect of commodity price fluctuations.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated operations of the Partnership and our subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests are separately disclosed on the financial statements. Inter-partnership balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The operations of certain pipelines and terminals in which we own an undivided interest are proportionately consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews their estimates based on currently available information. Management may revise estimates due to changes in facts and circumstances.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash is cash held in escrow restricted to use under certain contractual obligations. Restricted cash is included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable represent valid claims against non-affiliated customers for products sold or services rendered. We extend credit terms to certain customers after review of various credit indicators, including the customer’s credit rating. Outstanding customer receivable balances are regularly reviewed for possible non-payment indicators and allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded based upon management’s estimate of collectability at the time of their review.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and materials and supplies. Inventories, except those associated with a qualifying fair value hedge, are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost method. Our inventory, other than materials and supplies, consists of one end-product category, petroleum products, which we include in the fuels marketing segment. Accordingly, we determine lower of cost or market adjustments on an aggregate basis. Inventories associated with qualifying fair value hedges are valued at current market prices. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or market.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	We record additions to property, plant and equipment, including reliability and strategic capital expenditures, at cost.
	Reliability capital expenditures are capital expenditures to replace partially or fully depreciated assets to maintain the existing operating capacity of existing assets and extend their useful lives. Strategic capital expenditures are capital expenditures to expand or upgrade the operating capacity, increase efficiency or increase the earnings potential of existing assets, whether through construction or acquisition, along with certain capital expenditures related to support functions. Repair and maintenance costs associated with existing assets that are minor in nature and do not extend the useful life of existing assets are charged to operating expenses as incurred.
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Gains or losses on sales or other dispositions of property are recorded in income and are reported in “Other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of income. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the difference between the carrying value and the net proceeds is recognized in the year retired.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill acquired in a business combination is not amortized. Instead, we assess goodwill for impairment annually on October 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it might be impaired. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2014 and 2013, and we determined that no impairment charges resulted from our October 1, 2014 impairment assessment. See Note 11 for a discussion of the goodwill impairment recognized in 2013. As of October 1, 2012, based on our review of the qualitative factors present, we determined that a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not necessary, and no goodwill impairment had occurred.
	We calculate the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units using a weighted-average of values calculated using an income approach and a market approach. The income approach involved estimating the fair value of each reporting unit by discounting its estimated future cash flows using a discount rate, consistent with a market participant’s assumption. The market approach bases the fair value measurement on information obtained from observed stock prices of public companies and recent merger and acquisition transaction data of comparable entities.
	Our reporting units to which goodwill has been allocated consist of the following:
	•	crude oil pipelines;
	•	refined product pipelines;
	•	refined product terminals, excluding our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities; and
	•	bunkering activity at our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities.
	The quantitative impairment test for goodwill consists of a two-step process. Step 1 compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. The carrying value of each reporting unit equals the total identified assets (including goodwill) less the sum of each reporting unit’s identified liabilities. We used reasonable and supportable methods to assign the assets and liabilities to the appropriate reporting units in a consistent manner. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is a potential impairment and step 2 must be performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment. Step 2 compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value using a hypothetical allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value. If the goodwill carrying value exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is reported as impairment.
	Intangible assets are recorded at cost and are assets that lack physical substance (excluding financial assets). Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 47 years.
	Investment in Joint Ventures
	We account for our investment in the joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. We report our ownership interest in our equity method investments within “Investment in joint ventures” on the consolidated balance sheet and our portion of the results of operations for our equity method investments in “Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures” in the consolidated statements of income (loss). See Note 12 for a discussion of our investments in ST Linden Terminal, LLC and NuStar Asphalt LLC (now known as Axeon Specialty Products LLC, or Axeon).
	Note Receivable from Related Party
	The note receivable from related party consisted of the amounts due to us from Axeon under a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. We recognized interest income ratably over the term of the facility in “Interest income from related party” on the consolidated statements of income. Effective upon the sale of our remaining 50% ownership interest in Axeon, this revolving credit facility was converted into a term loan, and its carrying value is now included in “Other long-term assets” on the consolidated balance sheet. The revolving credit facility and term loan are both recorded at the outstanding principal amount, adjusted for equity losses from our investment in Axeon that exceeded the carrying value of our investment in Axeon, and for the fair value of guarantees issued on behalf of Axeon. We recognize interest income for the term loan ratably over the term of the loan in “Interest expense, net” on the consolidated statements of income (loss). See Note 5 and Note 19 for additional information on our agreements with Axeon.
	Other Long-Term Assets
	“Other long-term assets, net” primarily include the following:
	•	the term loan to Axeon (see Note 17 for additional information);
	•	funds deposited with a trustee related to revenue bonds issued by the Parish of St. James associated with our St. James terminal expansion (see Note 14 for additional information on the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds);
	•	ammonia pipeline linefill and tank heel inventory;
	•	deferred financing costs amortized over the life of the related debt obligation using the effective interest method; and
	•	long-term derivative assets.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investment in joint ventures, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We evaluate recoverability using undiscounted estimated net cash flows generated by the related asset or asset group. If the results of that evaluation indicate that the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset (i.e, the asset is not recoverable) we perform an impairment analysis. If our intent is to hold the asset for continued use, we determine the amount of impairment as the amount by which the net carrying value exceeds its fair value. If our intent is to sell the asset, and the criteria required to classify an asset as held for sale are met, we determine the amount of impairment as the amount by which the net carrying amount exceeds its fair value less costs to sell. We believe that the carrying amounts of our long-lived assets as of December 31, 2014 are recoverable. See Note 5 for a discussion of impairments of long-lived assets.
	Taxes Other than Income Taxes
	Taxes other than income taxes include liabilities for ad valorem taxes, franchise taxes, sales and use taxes, excise fees and taxes and value added taxes.
	Income Taxes
	We are a limited partnership and generally are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Accordingly, our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from income or loss reported for financial reporting purposes, is generally included in the federal and state income tax returns of our partners. For transfers of publicly held units subsequent to our initial public offering, we have made an election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to adjust the common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our underlying assets to reflect the purchase price of the units. This results in an allocation of taxable income and expenses to the purchaser of the common units, including depreciation deductions and gains and losses on sales of assets, based upon the new unitholder’s purchase price for the common units.
	We conduct certain of our operations through taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries. We account for income taxes related to our taxable subsidiaries using the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred taxes using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	We recognize a tax position if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	NuStar Energy and certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, as well as for our major non-U.S. jurisdictions, tax years subject to examination are 2010 through 2013, according to standard statute of limitations.
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	We record a liability for asset retirement obligations at the fair value of the estimated costs to retire a tangible long-lived asset at the time we incur that liability, which is generally when the asset is purchased, constructed or leased, when we have a legal obligation to incur costs to retire the asset and when a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the obligation can be made. If a reasonable estimate cannot be made at the time the liability is incurred, we record the liability when sufficient information is available to estimate the fair value.
	We have asset retirement obligations with respect to certain of our assets due to various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of those assets at the time they are retired. However, these assets can be used for an extended and indeterminate period of time as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is our practice and current intent to maintain our assets and continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, we believe that our assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any asset, we estimate the costs of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of these costs.
	We also have legal obligations in the form of leases and right-of-way agreements, which require us to remove certain of our assets upon termination of the agreement. However, these lease or right-of-way agreements generally contain automatic renewal provisions that extend our rights indefinitely or we have other legal means available to extend our rights. We have recorded a liability of approximately $0.8 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets, for conditional asset retirement obligations related to the retirement of terminal assets with lease and right-of-way agreements.
	Environmental Remediation Costs
	Environmental remediation costs are expensed and an associated accrual established when site restoration and environmental remediation and cleanup obligations are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. These environmental obligations are based on estimates of probable undiscounted future costs over a 20-year time period using currently available technology and applying current regulations, as well as our own internal environmental policies. The environmental liabilities have not been reduced by possible recoveries from third parties. Environmental costs include initial site surveys, costs for remediation and restoration and ongoing monitoring costs, as well as fines, damages and other costs, when estimable. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded, from time to time, to reflect changing circumstances and estimates based upon additional information developed in subsequent periods.
	Product Imbalances
	We incur product imbalances as a result of variances in pipeline meter readings and volume fluctuations within the East Pipeline system due to pressure and temperature changes. We use quoted market prices as of the reporting date to value our assets and liabilities related to product imbalances. Product imbalance liabilities are included in “Accrued liabilities” and product imbalance assets are included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues for the pipeline segment are derived from interstate and intrastate pipeline transportation of refined product, crude oil and anhydrous ammonia. Transportation revenues (based on pipeline tariffs) are recognized as the refined product, crude oil or anhydrous ammonia is delivered out of the pipelines.
	Revenues for the storage segment include fees for tank storage agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay for a certain amount of storage in a tank over a period of time (storage lease revenues), and throughput agreements, whereby a customer pays a fee per barrel for volumes moving through our terminals for which we charge additional fees (throughput revenues). Our terminals also provide blending, additive injections, handling and filtering services for which we charge additional fees. Certain of our facilities charge fees to provide marine services such as pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, emergency response services and other ship services. Storage lease revenues are recognized when services are provided to the customer. Throughput revenues are recognized as refined products or crude oil are received in or delivered out of our terminal and as crude oil and certain other refinery feedstocks are received by the related refinery. Revenues for marine services are recognized as those services are provided.
	Revenues from the sale of petroleum products, which are included in our fuels marketing segment, are recognized when product is delivered to the customer and title and risk pass to the customer.
	We collect taxes on certain revenue transactions to be remitted to governmental authorities, which may include sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. These taxes are not included in revenue.
	Income Allocation
	Our net income for each quarterly reporting period is first allocated to the general partner in an amount equal to the general partner’s incentive distribution calculated based upon the declared distribution for the respective reporting period. We allocate the remaining net income among the limited and general partners in accordance with their respective 98% and 2% interests.
	Net Income per Unit Applicable to Limited Partners
	We have identified the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights as participating securities and use the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners, which is based on the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted net income per unit applicable to limited partners are the same as we have no potentially dilutive securities outstanding.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting partners’ equity that are excluded from net income, such as foreign currency translation adjustments and mark-to-market adjustments on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items. This process includes identification of the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness will be assessed. To qualify for hedge accounting, at inception of the hedge we assess whether the derivative instruments that are used in our hedging transactions are expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or the fair value of the hedged items. Throughout the designated hedge period and at least quarterly, we assess whether the derivative instruments are highly effective and continue to qualify for hedge accounting. To assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship both prospectively and retrospectively, we use regression analysis to calculate the correlation of the changes in the fair values of the derivative instrument and related hedged item.
We record commodity derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We recognize mark-to-market adjustments for derivative instruments designated and qualifying as fair value hedges (Fair Value Hedges) and the related change in the fair value of the associated hedged physical inventory or firm commitment within “Cost of product sales.” For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges (Cash Flow Hedges), we record the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” (AOCI) until the underlying hedged forecasted transactions occur and are recognized in income. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in “Cost of product sales.” Once a hedged transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion from AOCI to “Cost of product sales.” If it becomes probable that a hedged transaction will not occur, then the associated gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to “Cost of product sales” immediately. For derivative instruments that have associated underlying physical inventory but do not qualify for hedge accounting (Economic Hedges and Other Derivatives), we record the mark-to-market adjustments in “Cost of product sales.”
We terminated all forward-starting interest rate swaps during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Prior to December 31, 2013, we were a party to forward-starting interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of hedging the interest rate risk associated with forecasted interest payments of probable debt issuances. Under the terms of these swap agreements, we paid a fixed rate and received a variable rate. We entered into the swaps in order to hedge the risk of changes in the interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the period from the effective date of the swap to the issuance of the forecasted debt. We accounted for the forward-starting interest rate swaps as Cash Flow Hedges, and we recognized the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheets. We recorded the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of AOCI, and any hedge ineffectiveness was recognized immediately in “Interest expense, net.” The amount accumulated in AOCI is amortized into “Interest expense, net” as the forecasted interest payments occur or if the interest payments are probable not to occur.
We classify cash flows associated with our derivative instruments as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows, except for receipts or payments associated with terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements, which are included in cash flows from financing activities.
We terminated all fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps during the year ended December 31, 2012. Prior to December 31, 2012, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements associated with a portion of our fixed-rate senior notes. Under the terms of these swap agreements, we received a fixed rate and paid a variable rate that varied with each agreement. We accounted for the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as Fair Value Hedges and recognized the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheets. The interest rate swap agreements qualified for the shortcut method of accounting. As a result, changes in the fair value of the swaps completely offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt.
Although we no longer enter into commodity derivatives without underlying physical inventory, in 2012 we entered into derivative commodity instruments based on our analysis of market conditions in order to attempt to profit from market fluctuations. These derivative instruments were financial positions entered into without underlying physical inventory and are not considered hedges. We recorded these derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value with mark-to-market adjustments recorded in “Product sales.”
See Note 18 for additional information regarding our derivative financial instruments.
Operating Leases
We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the impact of both scheduled rent increases and free or reduced rents (commonly referred to as “rent holidays”).
Unit-based Compensation
NuStar GP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar GP Holdings, has adopted various long-term incentive plans that provide the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC with the right to grant employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC providing services to NuStar Energy the right to receive NS common units. NuStar GP, LLC accounts for awards of NS common unit options, restricted units and performance awards at fair value as a derivative, whereby a liability for the award is recorded at inception. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the award are included in the determination of net income. NuStar GP, LLC determines the fair value of NS unit options using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. NuStar GP, LLC determines the fair value of NS restricted units and performance awards using the market price of NS common units at each reporting date. However, performance awards are earned only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure. NuStar GP, LLC records compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense recognized equals the current fair value of the percentage of the award that has vested. NuStar GP, LLC records compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options are exercised, and compensation expense related to NS restricted units until the date of vesting.
NuStar GP Holdings has adopted a long-term incentive plan that provides the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP Holdings with the right to grant employees, consultants and directors of NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including NuStar GP, LLC, rights to receive NSH common units. NuStar GP Holdings accounts for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to its directors or employees of NuStar GP, LLC at fair value. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date, and the fair value of the NSH restricted unit equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. NuStar GP Holdings recognizes compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options ratably over the vesting period based on the fair value of the units at the grant date.
Under these long-term incentive plans, certain awards provide that the grantee’s award vests immediately upon retirement. Compensation expense is recognized immediately if these awards are granted to retirement-eligible employees, as defined in each award.  In addition, if, during a vesting period of a grant, the grantee will become retirement-eligible, then compensation expense associated with the grant is recognized from the grant date through the grantee’s retirement eligibility date.
We reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for the expenses resulting from grants of NS and NSH awards under our long-term incentive plans to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC. We include such compensation expense in “General and administrative expenses” on the consolidated statements of income. We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for the expense resulting from NSH awards to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings.
Margin Deposits
Margin deposits relate to our exchange-traded derivative contracts and generally vary based on changes in the value of the contracts. Margin deposits are included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary is located, except for our subsidiaries located in St. Eustatius in the Caribbean (formerly the Netherlands Antilles), whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries with local functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and income and expense items are translated to U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the period. These translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of income.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new consolidation guidance that modifies the criterion involved in a reporting organization’s evaluation of whether certain legal entities are subject to consolidation under the standard. The standard is effective for public companies for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements and disclosures.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard. The standard is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective transition methods. Early adoption is not permitted for public entities. We are currently assessing the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements and disclosures, and we have not yet selected a transition method.
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB amended the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations. Under the amended guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as the disposal of a component that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amended guidance also requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations and disposals of a significant part of an entity that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The amended guidance is effective prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of assets held for sale in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. Accordingly, we adopted the amended guidance on January 1, 2015.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions [Text Block]	ACQUISITIONS
	TexStar Asset Acquisition. On December 13, 2012, we acquired the TexStar Crude Oil Assets (as defined below) from TexStar Midstream Services, LP and certain of its affiliates (collectively, TexStar) for $325.4 million (the TexStar Asset Acquisition), pursuant to an asset purchase agreement. The TexStar Crude Oil Assets consist of approximately 140 miles of crude oil pipelines and gathering lines, as well as five terminals and storage facilities providing 0.6 million barrels of storage capacity. The consolidated statements of income include the results of operations for the TexStar Asset Acquisition in the pipeline segment commencing on December 13, 2012.
	We accounted for the TexStar Asset Acquisition using the acquisition method. The fair value of the consideration transferred was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price and purchase price allocation was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	Cash paid for the TexStar Asset Acquisition	$	315,810
	Fair value of liabilities assumed	9,600
	Purchase price	$	325,410
	Accounts receivable	$	537
	Property, plant and equipment	125,614
	Goodwill	131,359
	Intangible assets	67,900
	Purchase price allocation	$	325,410

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale	DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Dispositions
	2012 Asphalt Sale. On September 28, 2012, we sold a 50% ownership interest (the 2012 Asphalt Sale) in NuStar Asphalt LLC, previously a wholly owned subsidiary, to an affiliate of Lindsay Goldberg LLC (Lindsay Goldberg), a private investment firm. NuStar Asphalt LLC owns and operates the asphalt refining assets that were previously wholly owned by NuStar Energy, including an asphalt refinery located in Paulsboro, New Jersey and a terminal in Savannah, Georgia (collectively, the Asphalt Operations). Lindsay Goldberg paid $175.0 million for the Class A equity interests (Class A Interests) of NuStar Asphalt LLC, while we retained the Class B equity interests with a fair value of $52.0 million (Class B Interests). We also received $263.8 million from NuStar Asphalt LLC for inventory related to the Asphalt Operations. At closing, the fair value of the consideration we received was less than the carrying amount of the net assets of the Asphalt Operations and we recognized a loss of $23.8 million in “Other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2012. Upon closing, we deconsolidated NuStar Asphalt LLC and started reporting our remaining investment in NuStar Asphalt LLC using the equity method of accounting.
	2014 Asphalt Sale. On February 26, 2014, we sold our remaining 50% ownership interest in NuStar Asphalt LLC to Lindsay Goldberg (the 2014 Asphalt Sale). Effective February 27, 2014, NuStar Asphalt LLC changed its name to Axeon Specialty Products LLC (Axeon). Lindsay Goldberg now owns 100% of Axeon. As a result of the 2014 Asphalt Sale, we ceased applying the equity method of accounting. Therefore, the results of our investment in Axeon were reported in “Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures” in the consolidated statements of income from September 28, 2012 through February 26, 2014. Upon completion of the 2014 Asphalt Sale, the parties agreed to: (i) convert the $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility provided by us to Axeon (the NuStar JV Facility) from a revolving credit agreement into a $190.0 million term loan (the Axeon Term Loan); (ii) terminate the terminal services agreements with respect to our terminals in Rosario, NM, Catoosa, OK and Houston, TX; (iii) amend the terminal services agreements for our terminals in Baltimore, MD and Jacksonville, FL; and (iv) transfer ownership of both the Wilmington, NC and Dumfries, VA terminals to Axeon, which were categorized as assets held for sale at December 31, 2013. We have presented transactions between us and Axeon as related party transactions in the consolidated financial statements from September 28, 2012 through February 25, 2014.
	The Axeon Term Loan includes scheduled repayments to reduce the outstanding amount from $190.0 million to $175.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and then to $150.0 million on September 30, 2015. Any repayments of the Axeon Term Loan, including those scheduled in 2014 and 2015, are subject to Axeon meeting certain restrictive requirements contained in its third-party asset-based revolving credit facility. Axeon failed to make a scheduled repayment by December 31, 2014, which will increase the interest rate until Axeon makes the repayment. While the Axeon Term Loan does not provide for any other scheduled payments, Axeon is required to use all of its excess cash, as defined in the Axeon Term Loan, to repay the Axeon Term Loan. The Axeon Term Loan must be repaid in full on September 28, 2019. The carrying value of the Axeon Term Loan is included in “Other long-term assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
	We will continue to provide credit support, such as guarantees, letters of credit and cash collateral, as applicable, of up to $150.0 million. Our obligation to provide credit support will be reduced by a minimum of $25.0 million beginning February 2016 and will terminate in full no later than September 28, 2019. As of December 31, 2014, we provided guarantees for commodity purchases, lease obligations and certain utilities for Axeon with an aggregate maximum potential exposure of $25.3 million, plus two guarantees to suppliers that do not specify a maximum amount. A majority of these guarantees have no expiration date. As of December 31, 2014, we have also provided $50.1 million in letters of credit on behalf of Axeon. In the event we are obligated to perform under any of these guarantees or letters of credit, the amount paid by us will be treated as additional borrowings under the Axeon Term Loan. See Note 17 for a discussion on the fair value of these guarantees.
	Asphalt Operations Impairments. In anticipation of the 2012 Asphalt Sale, we evaluated the goodwill and other long-lived assets associated with the Asphalt Operations for potential impairment. The estimated fair value of the Asphalt Operations reporting unit was less than its carrying value, which resulted in the recognition of a goodwill impairment loss of $22.1 million in the second quarter of 2012. In addition, in the second quarter of 2012, we recorded an asset impairment loss of $244.2 million in order to write-down the carrying value of long-lived assets related to the Asphalt Operations, including fixed assets, intangible assets and other long-term assets, to their estimated fair value. The goodwill impairment loss and the asset impairment loss related to the Asphalt Operations were reported in the fuels marketing segment.
	The Asphalt Operations asset impairment loss consisted of the following:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-12
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	232,759
	Intangible assets, net	6,564
	Other long-term assets, net	4,902
	Asset impairment loss	$	244,225
	Discontinued Operations
	Terminals Dispositions. As of December 31, 2013, in addition to the terminals located in Wilmington, NC and Dumfries, VA that were transferred to Axeon as described above, we identified several non-strategic, underperforming terminal facilities and decided to divest those facilities. As a result, we classified the associated assets as “Assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, assets held for sale consisted of property, plant and equipment of $1.1 million and $22.0 million, respectively. We presented the results of operations for those facilities, which were previously reported in the storage segment, as discontinued operations for all periods presented. We allocated interest expense of $0.8 million, $1.4 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to discontinued operations based on the ratio of net assets discontinued to consolidated net assets.
	In connection with the plan for disposal, we determined that the estimated fair value, less cost to sell, was less than the carrying amount of each disposal group, resulting in an impairment loss of $102.5 million. Since these terminal facilities met the required criteria to be classified as assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet, we recorded the impairment loss in “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax” on the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The impairment loss consisted of the following:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	68,213
	Intangible assets, net (customer relationships)	6,856
	Goodwill	27,460
	Asset impairment loss	$	102,529
	In September 2014, we sold our 75% interest in our facility in Mersin, Turkey for proceeds of $13.4 million. We recognized a gain of $3.7 million, which is included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. In June 2014, we sold three terminals located in Mobile, AL with an aggregate storage capacity of 1.8 million barrels for proceeds of $13.7 million. In April 2012, we sold five terminals in Georgia and Alabama with an aggregate storage capacity of 1.8 million barrels for proceeds of $30.8 million.
	San Antonio Refinery Disposition. On January 1, 2013, we sold our fuels refinery in San Antonio, Texas (the San Antonio Refinery) and related assets for approximately $117.0 million (the San Antonio Refinery Sale). We have presented the results of operations for the San Antonio Refinery and related assets as discontinued operations for all periods presented. We allocated interest expense of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 to discontinued operations based on the ratio of net assets discontinued to consolidated net assets. We recognized a gain of $9.3 million on the sale, which is included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the results from discontinued operations for the terminal dispositions and the San Antonio Refinery:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Revenues	$	4,265		$	7,758		$	571,071
	Loss before income tax expense	$	(3,791	)	$	(106,033	)	$	(63,165	)

ALLOWANCE_FOR_DOUBTFUL_ACCOUNT

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Text Block]	ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balance as of beginning of year	$	1,224		$	808		$	2,147
	Increase in allowance	7,649			1,039			27
	Accounts charged against the allowance, net of recoveries	(1,065		)	(625		)	(1,367		)
	Foreign currency translation	—			2			1
	Balance as of end of year	$	7,808		$	1,224		$	808

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Crude oil	$	3,527	$	6,485
	Finished products	43,206		123,656
	Materials and supplies	8,980		8,006
	Total	$	55,713	$	138,147
	Our finished products consist of intermediates, gasoline, distillates and other petroleum products. Materials and supplies mainly consist of blending and additive chemicals and maintenance materials used in our pipeline and storage segments.

OTHER_CURRENT_ASSETS

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
	Other current assets consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Prepaid expenses	$	16,140	$	16,487
	Restricted cash	—		9,316
	Derivative assets	16,362		4,948
	Margin deposits	—		3,285
	Product advances	2,392		3,076
	Other	1,050		3,166
	Other current assets	$	35,944	$	40,278

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following:
		Estimated Useful Lives			December 31,
					2014			2013
		(Years)			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Land		—		$	120,351		$	129,731
	Land and leasehold improvements	5	-	40	160,283			142,122
	Buildings	15	-	40	134,857			133,531
	Pipelines, storage and terminals	20	-	40	3,963,134			3,787,499
	Rights-of-way	20	-	40	160,008			155,833
	Construction in progress		—		276,763			152,121
	Total				4,815,396			4,500,837
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization				(1,354,664		)	(1,190,184		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net				$	3,460,732		$	3,310,653
	Capitalized interest costs added to property, plant and equipment totaled $5.7 million, $4.5 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment totaled $177.3 million, $168.8 million and $157.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which includes depreciation expense included in “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax” on the consolidated statements of income (loss).

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Cost		Accumulated			Cost		Accumulated
				Amortization					Amortization
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Customer relationships	$	126,566	$	(69,711	)	$	127,614	$	(58,230	)
	Other	2,359		(544		)	2,359		(494		)
	Total	$	128,925	$	(70,255	)	$	129,973	$	(58,724	)
	All of our intangible assets are subject to amortization. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $12.6 million, $13.8 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
		Amortization Expense
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	2015	$	9,709
	2016	$	6,840
	2017	$	6,840
	2018	$	6,840
	2019	$	6,840

GOODWILL

GOODWILL	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows:
		Pipeline		Storage			Fuels			Total
							Marketing
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balances as of January 1, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	302,744	$	617,157		$	53,255		$	973,156
	Accumulated impairment losses	—		—			(22,132		)	(22,132		)
	Net goodwill	302,744		617,157			31,123			951,024
	Activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	TexStar Asset Acquisition final purchase price allocation	3,463		—			—			3,463
	Other (a)	—		(5,145		)	—			(5,145		)
	Impairment losses	—		(331,913		)	—			(331,913		)
	Balances as of December 31, 2013 and 2014:
	Goodwill	306,207		612,012			53,255			971,474
	Accumulated impairment losses	—		(331,913		)	(22,132		)	(354,045		)
	Net goodwill	$	306,207	$	280,099		$	31,123		$	617,429
	(a)	Includes foreign currency translation adjustments.
	2013 Goodwill Impairment
	The estimated fair value of the Statia Terminals reporting unit was less than its carrying value. To determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss, we first considered whether any other assets assigned to the Statia Terminals reporting unit were impaired. The only significant assets of this reporting unit, other than goodwill, consist of property, plant and equipment, which we determined were fully recoverable. The hypothetical fair value allocation for the Statia Terminals reporting unit indicated the estimated fair value of goodwill was $0. As a result, we recognized a $304.5 million goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2013, which represented all of the goodwill allocated to the Statia Terminals reporting unit.
	The goodwill impairment charge resulted from changes in demand for storage at our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper terminal locations. Increased supply from various shale formations within the U.S. has reduced the need for storage at these locations, which historically functioned as break bulk facilities for light crude moving from foreign sources into the U.S. These changes in crude flow patterns, as well as the backwardation of the forward pricing curve, reduced demand at these terminals. Primarily resulting from those factors, a customer at our St. Eustatius terminal vacated a significant portion of its storage in the fourth quarter of 2013.

INVESTMENT_IN_JOINT_VENTURES

INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES
	ST Linden Terminal, LLC. The 44-acre facility provides deep-water terminalling capabilities in the New York Harbor and primarily stores petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel and fuel oils. As part of our acquisition of Kaneb Pipeline Partners, L.P. and Kaneb Services LLC in July 2005 (the Kaneb Acquisition), we acquired a 50% ownership interest in ST Linden Terminal, LLC (Linden), with the remaining 50% owned by Linden Holding Corp. In connection with the Kaneb Acquisition, we recorded our investment in Linden at fair value, which exceeded our 50% share of its members’ equity. This excess totaled $42.3 million and $42.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, a portion of which is being amortized into expense over the average life of the assets held by Linden, or 25 years. The remaining balance not amortized represents goodwill of Linden. On January 2, 2015, we acquired full ownership of Linden by purchasing the remaining ownership interest from Linden Holding Corp for $142.5 million.
	Axeon. Axeon was owned 50% by the Partnership and 50% by Lindsay Goldberg. On February 26, 2014, we sold our remaining 50% ownership interest in Axeon. See Note 5 for additional discussion.

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES

ACCRUED LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Derivative liabilities	$	4,623	$	2,233
	Employee wages and benefit costs	32,349		16,698
	Unearned income	10,884		8,225
	TexStar Asset Acquisition contingent consideration	—		1,318
	Other	13,169		10,158
	Accrued liabilities	$	61,025	$	38,632

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
						December 31,
		Maturity				2014			2013
						(Thousands of Dollars)
	$1.5 billion revolving credit agreement		2019			$	601,496		$	503,036
	4.75% senior notes		2022			250,000			250,000
	6.75% senior notes		2021			300,000			300,000
	4.80% senior notes		2020			450,000			450,000
	7.65% senior notes		2018			350,000			350,000
	7.625% subordinated notes		2043			402,500			402,500
	Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds	2038	thru	2041		365,440			365,440
	Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts		N/A			30,016			34,577
	Total long-term debt					$	2,749,452		$	2,655,553
	The long-term debt repayments are due as follows (in thousands):
	2015 - 2017	$	—
	2018	350,000
	2019	601,496
	Thereafter	1,767,940
	Total repayments	2,719,436
	Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts	30,016
	Total long-term debt	$	2,749,452
	Interest payments totaled $135.0 million, $118.3 million and $118.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	On October 29, 2014, NuStar Logistics amended and restated its $1.5 billion five-year revolving credit agreement (the Revolving Credit Agreement), which matures on October 29, 2019. 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). The Revolving Credit Agreement also includes the ability to borrow up to the equivalent of $250.0 million in Euros and up to the equivalent of $250.0 million in British Pounds Sterling. Obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement are guaranteed by NuStar Energy and NuPOP. NuPOP will be released from its guarantee of the Revolving Credit Agreement when it no longer guarantees indebtedness of NuStar Energy or its subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $200.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded deferred issuance costs of $4.8 million associated with the Revolving Credit Agreement to “Other long-term assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheet.
	The Revolving Credit Agreement bears interest, at our option, based on an alternative base rate, a LIBOR-based rate or a EURIBOR-based rate. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Agreement is subject to adjustment if our debt rating is downgraded (or upgraded) by certain credit rating agencies. As of December 31, 2014, our weighted-average interest rate was 2.0%. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the weighted-average interest rate related to borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement was 2.2%.
	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. The Revolving Credit Agreement permits unlimited investments in joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries, provided that no default exists and we would be in compliance with the consolidated debt coverage ratio, but limits the amount of cash distributions for such joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries included in the calculation of the consolidated debt coverage ratio to 20% of consolidated EBITDA. The requirement not to exceed a maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio may limit the amount we can borrow under the Revolving Credit Agreement to an amount less than the total amount available for borrowing. As of December 31, 2014, our consolidated debt coverage ratio was 4.0x, and we had $842.3 million available for borrowing.
	Letters of credit issued under our Revolving Credit Agreement totaled $56.2 million as of December 31, 2014. Letters of credit are limited to $750.0 million (including up to the equivalent of $25.0 million in Euros and up to the equivalent of $25.0 million in British Pounds Sterling) and also may restrict the amount we can borrow under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	Notes
	NuStar Logistics’ Senior Notes. On August 19, 2013, NuStar Logistics issued $300.0 million of 6.75% senior notes due February 1, 2021. We received net proceeds of approximately $296.0 million, which we used for general partnership purposes, including repayment of outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears for the $250.0 million of 4.75% senior notes, $300.0 million of 6.75% senior notes, $450.0 million of 4.80% senior notes and $350.0 million of 7.65% senior notes (collectively, the NuStar Logistics Senior Notes). 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 and is at 8.2% as of December 31, 2014. The NuStar Logistics Senior Notes do not have sinking fund requirements. These notes rank equally with existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics and contain restrictions on NuStar Logistics’ ability to incur secured indebtedness unless the same security is also provided for the benefit of holders of the NuStar Logistics Senior Notes. In addition, the NuStar Logistics Senior Notes limit NuStar Logistics’ ability to incur indebtedness secured by certain liens and to engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions. At the option of NuStar Logistics, the NuStar Logistics Senior Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a redemption price, which includes a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
	The NuStar Logistics Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by NuStar Energy and NuPOP. NuPOP will be released from its guarantee of senior notes issued by NuStar Logistics when it no longer guarantees any obligations of NuStar Energy, or any of its subsidiaries, including NuStar Logistics, under any bank facility or public debt instrument.
	In 2013, we repaid Nustar Logistics’ $229.9 million of 6.05% senior notes due March 15, 2013 and NuPOP’s $250.0 million of 5.875% senior notes due June 1, 2013, both with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	NuStar Logistics’ 7.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes. NuStar Logistics’ $402.5 million of 7.625% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes are due January 15, 2043 (the Subordinated Notes). The Subordinated Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured and subordinated basis by NuStar Energy and NuPOP. 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. Deferred interest will accumulate additional interest at a rate equal to the interest rate then applicable to the Subordinated Notes until paid. If NuStar Logistics elects to defer interest payments, NuStar Energy cannot declare or make cash distributions to its unitholders during the period interest is deferred.
	The Subordinated Notes do not have sinking fund requirements and are subordinated to existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics and NuPOP. The Subordinated Notes do not contain restrictions on NuStar Logistics’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, including debt that ranks senior in priority of payment to the notes. In addition, the Subordinated Notes do not limit NuStar Logistics’ ability to incur indebtedness secured by liens or to engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions. At the option of NuStar Logistics, the Subordinated Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a redemption price, which may include a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
	Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds
	In 2008, 2010 and 2011, the Parish of St. James, where our St. James, Louisiana, terminal is located, issued Revenue Bonds (NuStar Logistics, L.P. Project) Series 2008, Series 2010, Series 2010A, Series 2010B and Series 2011 associated with our St. James terminal expansion pursuant to the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (collectively, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds). The interest rates on these bonds are based on a weekly tax-exempt bond market interest rate, and interest is paid monthly. Following the issuance, the proceeds were deposited with a trustee and are disbursed to us upon our request for reimbursement of expenditures related to our St. James terminal expansion. We include the amount remaining in trust in “Other long-term assets, net,” and we include the amount of bonds issued in “Long-term debt” in our consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amount received from the trustee totaled $11.9 million and $43.1 million, respectively.
	NuStar Logistics is solely obligated to service the principal and interest payments associated with the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds. Letters of credit were issued on our behalf to guarantee the payment of interest and principal on the bonds. All letters of credit rank equally with existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics. The letters of credit issued by individual banks do not restrict the amount we can borrow under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	The following table summarizes the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2014:
	Date Issued		Maturity Date		Amount			Amount of			Amount Received from		Amount Remaining in		Average Annual
					Outstanding			Letter of			Trustee		Trust		Interest Rate
								Credit
					(Thousands of Dollars)
	June 26, 2008		June 1, 2038		$	55,440		$	56,169		$	55,440	$	—	0.1	%
	July 15, 2010		July 1, 2040		100,000			101,315			100,000		—		0.1	%
	October 7, 2010		October 1, 2040		50,000			50,658			35,760		14,240		0.1	%
	December 29, 2010		December 1, 2040		85,000			86,118			27,689		57,311		0.1	%
	August 29, 2011		August 1, 2041		75,000			75,986			75,000		—		0.1	%
			Total		$	365,440		$	370,246		$	293,889	$	71,551
	UK Term Loan
	In 2013, we repaid our UK subsidiary, NuStar Terminals Limited’s, £21 million amended and restated term loan, which matured on December 10, 2013, with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	Short-term Lines of Credit
	In 2014, we entered into two short-term line of credit agreements with an aggregate uncommitted borrowing capacity of up to $80.0 million. The agreements allow us to better manage fluctuations in our daily cash requirements and minimize our excess cash balances. The interest rate and maturity vary and are determined at the time of the borrowing. We had $77.0 million outstanding under these lines of credit as of December 31, 2014. The weighted-average interest rate related to outstanding borrowings under these short-term lines of credit during the year ended December 31, 2014 was 1.8%.

HEALTH_SAFETY_AND_ENVIRONMENTA

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Health, Safety and Environmental Matters	HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
	Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, waste management, pollution prevention measures, pipeline integrity and operator qualifications, among others. Our operations are also subject to extensive federal and state health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to worker and pipeline safety. The principal environmental and safety risks associated with our operations relate to unauthorized or unpermitted emissions into the air, unauthorized releases into soil, surface water or groundwater, and personal injury and property damage. Compliance with these environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permits increases our capital expenditures and our overall cost of business, and violations of these laws, regulations or permits can result in significant civil and criminal liabilities, injunctions or other penalties.
	Most of our pipelines are subject to federal regulation by one or more of the following governmental agencies or laws: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the FERC), the Surface Transportation Board (the STB), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Homeland Security Act. Additionally, the operations and integrity of the pipelines are subject to the respective state jurisdictions along the route of the systems.
	We have adopted policies, practices and procedures including in the areas of pollution control, pipeline integrity, operator qualifications, public relations and education, process safety management, occupational health and the handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials, that are designed to prevent material environmental or other damage, to ensure the safety of our pipelines, our employees, the public and the environment and to limit the financial liability that could result from such events. Future governmental action and regulatory initiatives could result in changes to expected operating permits and procedures, additional remedial actions or increased capital expenditures and operating costs that cannot be assessed with certainty at this time. In addition, contamination resulting from spills of petroleum and other products occurs within the industry. Risks of additional costs and liabilities are inherent within the industry, and there can be no assurances that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future.
	Environmental and safety exposures and liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors such as the timing and extent of remediation, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, improvements in cleanup technologies and the extent to which environmental and safety laws and regulations may change in the future. Although environmental and safety costs may have a significant impact on the results of operations for any single period, we believe that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.
	The balance of and changes in the accruals for environmental matters were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balance as of the beginning of year	$	6,233		$	13,451
	Additions to accrual	3,292			3,623
	Payments	(2,878		)	(2,940		)
	San Antonio Refinery Sale	—			(7,910		)
	Foreign currency translation	(49		)	9
	Balance as of the end of year	$	6,598		$	6,233
	Accruals for environmental matters are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Accrued liabilities	$	3,518		$	3,299
	Other long-term liabilities	3,080			2,934
	Accruals for environmental matters	$	6,598		$	6,233

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Contingencies
	We have contingent liabilities resulting from various litigation, claims and commitments. We record accruals for loss contingencies when losses are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal fees associated with defending the Partnership in legal matters are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2014, we have accrued $2.1 million for contingent losses. The amount that will ultimately be paid related to these matters may differ from the recorded accruals, and the timing of such payments is uncertain. In addition, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
	Commitments
	Future minimum rental payments applicable to all noncancellable operating leases and purchase obligations as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Payments Due by Period
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		There-		Total
												after
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Operating leases	$	30,179	$	26,135	$	21,885	$	19,536	$	13,297	$	66,635	$	177,667
	Purchase obligations	6,294		3,880		694		216		—		—		11,084
	Rental expense for all operating leases totaled $46.1 million, $52.9 million and $73.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including rental expense included in “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax” on the consolidated statements of income. Our operating leases consist primarily of the following:
	•	a ten-year lease for tugs and barges utilized at our St. Eustatius facility for bunker fuel sales, with two five-year renewal options; and
	•	land leases at various terminal facilities.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	We segregate the inputs used in measuring fair value into three levels: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists. We consider counterparty credit risk and our own credit risk in the determination of all estimated fair values.
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Assets:
	Other current assets:
	Product imbalances	$	117		$	—		$	—		$	117
	Commodity derivatives	11,009			5,353			—			16,362
	Total	$	11,126		$	5,353		$	—		$	16,479
	Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities:
	Product imbalances	$	(1,388	)	$	—		$	—		$	(1,388	)
	Commodity derivatives	—			(4,623		)	—			(4,623		)
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Guarantee liability	—			—			(580		)	(580		)
	Total	$	(1,388	)	$	(4,623	)	$	(580	)	$	(6,591	)
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Assets:
	Other current assets:
	Product imbalances	$	1,980		$	—		$	—		$	1,980
	Commodity derivatives	—			4,948			—			4,948
	Other long-term assets, net:
	Commodity derivatives	—			6,977			—			6,977
	Total	$	1,980		$	11,925		$	—		$	13,905
	Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities:
	Product imbalances	$	(2,190	)	$	—		$	—		$	(2,190	)
	Commodity derivatives	(1,433		)	(800		)	—			(2,233		)
	Contingent consideration	—			—			(1,318		)	(1,318		)
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives	—			(1,575		)	—			(1,575		)
	Guarantee liability	—			—			(1,880		)	(1,880		)
	Total	$	(3,623	)	$	(2,375	)	$	(3,198	)	$	(9,196	)
	Product Imbalances. We value our assets and liabilities related to product imbalances using quoted market prices in active markets as of the reporting date.
	Commodity Derivatives. We base the fair value of certain of our commodity derivative instruments on quoted prices on an exchange; accordingly, we include these in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. We also have derivative instruments for which we determine fair value using industry pricing services and other observable inputs, such as quoted prices on an exchange for similar derivative instruments. Therefore, we include these derivative instruments in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 18 for a discussion of our derivative instruments.
	Contingent Consideration. In connection with the TexStar Asset Acquisition, we could have been obligated to pay additional consideration to TexStar, depending upon the cost of work required to complete certain assets and obtain outstanding real estate rights (collectively, the Contingent Consideration). In August 2014, we settled with TexStar and reduced the associated liability to $0.
	Guarantees. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a liability of $0.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively, representing the fair value of guarantees we have issued on behalf of Axeon. We estimated the fair value considering the probability of default by Axeon and an estimate of the amount we would be obligated to pay under the guarantees at the time of default. We calculated the fair value based on the guarantees outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, totaling $25.3 million and $79.7 million, respectively, plus two guarantees that do not specify a maximum amount. Our estimate of the fair value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 5 for a discussion of our financing agreements with Axeon.
	In the event we are obligated to perform under these guarantees, that amount paid by us will be treated as additional borrowings under the Axeon Term Loan. As a result, we increased the carrying value of the note receivable from Axeon by the same amount as the increase to the liability for the fair value of the guarantees outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
	The following table summarizes the activity in our Level 3 liabilities:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Beginning balance	$	3,198
	Amounts settled	(870		)
	Adjustment to guarantee liability	(1,300		)
	Changes in fair value recorded in earnings:
	Operating expenses	(448		)
	Ending balance	$	580
	Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements
	We classified the property, plant and equipment associated with certain terminals as “Assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet and recorded those assets at fair value, less costs to sell. As of December 31, 2014, the fair value totaled $1.1 million, based on the sales price of the terminal. We estimated the fair value of $22.0 million as of December 31, 2013, using a weighted-average of values calculated using an income approach and a market approach. The income approach calculates fair value by discounting the estimated net cash flows generated by the related terminal. The market approach involves estimating the fair value measurement on an earnings multiple based on public company transaction data. Our estimate of the fair value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We recognize cash equivalents, receivables, note receivables, payables and debt in our consolidated balance sheets at their carrying amounts. The fair values of these financial instruments, except for a note receivable from Axeon and long-term debt, approximate their carrying amounts. The estimated fair values and carrying amounts of the debt and note receivable were as follows:
		31-Dec-14						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Long-term debt	$	2,764,242		$	2,749,452		$	2,636,734		$	2,655,553
	Note receivable from Axeon	$	164,386		$	169,235		$	133,416		$	165,440
	We estimated the fair value of our publicly-traded senior notes based upon quoted prices in active markets; therefore, we determined the fair value of our publicly-traded senior notes falls in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For our other debt, for which a quoted market price is not available, we estimated the fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis using current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements and determined the fair value falls in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	We estimated the fair value of the note receivable using discounted cash flows, which use observable inputs such as time to maturity and market interest rates, and determined the fair value falls in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 5 for additional information on the note receivable from Axeon.
As of December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of the note receivable from Axeon is $169.2 million, consisting of the following: (i) the outstanding principal amount from the Axeon Term Loan of $190.0 million; (ii) plus the fair value of guarantees of $0.6 million; and (iii) less equity losses from our investment in Axeon of $21.3 million incurred prior to the 2014 Asphalt Sale and after the carrying value of our equity investment in Axeon was reduced to zero.

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
	We utilize various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Our risk management policies and procedures are designed to monitor interest rates, futures and swap positions and over-the-counter positions, as well as physical volumes, grades, locations and delivery schedules, to help ensure that our hedging activities address our market risks. Our risk management committee oversees our trading controls and procedures and certain aspects of commodity and trading risk management. Our risk management committee also reviews all new commodity and trading risk management strategies in accordance with our risk management policy, as approved by our board of directors.
	Interest Rate Risk
	We were a party to certain interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements associated with a portion of our fixed-rate senior notes. We accounted for our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. In 2012, we entered into and terminated fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $200.0 million related to our 4.75% senior notes issued on February 2, 2012. We also terminated fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $270.0 million associated with 4.80% senior notes. Under the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, we received a fixed rate of 4.75% and 4.80% and paid a variable rate based on one month USD LIBOR, plus a percentage that varies with each agreement. We received $19.7 million in connection with the terminations, which are amortizing into “Interest expense, net” over the remaining lives of the 4.75% and 4.80% senior notes. The termination payments are included in cash flows from financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We had no fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	We were also a party to forward-starting interest rate swap agreements related to the interest payments associated with forecasted probable debt issuances in 2013. Under the terms of the swaps, we paid a fixed rate and received a rate based on three month USD LIBOR. We entered into these swaps in order to hedge the risk of changes in the interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the period from the effective date of the swap to the issuance of the forecasted debt. These swaps qualified, and we designated them, as cash flow hedges of future interest payments associated with forecasted debt issuances. In connection with the issuance of the 4.75% senior notes on February 2, 2012, we terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $225.0 million. We paid $25.4 million in connection with the terminations, which is being reclassified out of “Accumulated other comprehensive Loss” and into “Interest expense, net” as the interest payments occur over the life of the 4.75% senior notes.
	In 2013, in connection with the maturity of the 6.05% senior notes due March 15, 2013 and 5.875% senior notes due June 1, 2013, we terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $275.0 million. We paid $33.7 million in connection with the terminations, which we reclassify from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” into “Interest expense, net” as the interest payments occur or if the interest payments are probable not to occur. During the second quarter of 2013, we determined that one forecasted interest payment was probable not to occur, and we reclassified $2.0 million from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense, net.” The termination payments are included in cash flows from financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We had no forward-starting interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Commodity Price Risk
	We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility of crude oil and refined product prices. In order to reduce the risk of commodity price fluctuations with respect to our crude oil and finished product inventories and related firm commitments to purchase and/or sell such inventories, we utilize commodity futures and swap contracts, which qualify and we designate as fair value hedges. Derivatives that are intended to hedge our commodity price risk, but fail to qualify as fair value or cash flow hedges, are considered economic hedges, and we record associated gains and losses in net income.
	We entered into commodity swap contracts to hedge the price risk associated with the San Antonio Refinery. These contracts fixed the purchase price of crude oil and sale prices of refined products for a portion of the expected production of the San Antonio Refinery, thereby attempting to mitigate the risk of volatility of future cash flows associated with hedged volumes. These contracts qualified, and we designated them, as cash flow hedges. In anticipation of the San Antonio Refinery Sale, we concluded that all of the remaining forecasted sales were probable not to occur. Therefore, we discontinued cash flow hedging treatment for the related commodity contracts in December 2012 and incurred a loss of $21.7 million, which we reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.”
	The volume of commodity contracts is based on open derivative positions and represents the combined volume of our long and short open positions on an absolute basis, which totaled 4.7 million barrels and 15.2 million barrels as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, we had $3.3 million of margin deposits related to our derivative instruments and none as of December 31, 2014.
	The fair values of our derivative instruments included in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
				Asset Derivatives								Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Location		December 31,
				2014				2013				2014				2013
				(Thousands of Dollars)
	Derivatives Designated as
	Hedging Instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Other current assets		$	5,609			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Commodity contracts	Accrued liabilities		—				—				—				(130		)
	Total			5,609				—				—				(130		)
	Derivatives Not Designated
	as Hedging Instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Other current assets		38,704				16,168				(27,951		)		(11,220		)
	Commodity contracts	Other long-term assets, net		—				15,883				—				(8,906		)
	Commodity contracts	Accrued liabilities		13,081				4,523				(17,704		)		(6,626		)
	Commodity contracts	Other long-term liabilities		—				5,448				—				(7,023		)
	Total			51,785				42,022				(45,655		)		(33,775		)
	Total Derivatives			$	57,394			$	42,022			$	(45,655	)		$	(33,905	)
	Certain of our derivative instruments are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets and subject to master netting arrangements. Under our master netting arrangements, there is a legally enforceable right to offset amounts, and we intend to settle such amounts on a net basis. The following are the net amounts presented on the consolidated balance sheets:
			December 31,
	Commodity Contracts		2014				2013
			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Net amounts of assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets		$	16,362			$	11,925
	Net amounts of liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets		$	(4,623	)		$	(3,808	)
	The earnings impact of our derivative activity was as follows:
	Derivatives Designated as Fair		Income Statement		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
	Value Hedging Instruments		Location		in Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)				on Hedged Item				(Ineffective Portion)
					(Thousands of Dollars)
	Year ended December 31, 2014:
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	21,951			$	(21,587	)		$	364
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	3,964			$	(6,327	)		$	(2,363	)
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps		Interest expense, net		$	17,345			$	(17,345	)		$	—
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		(10,505		)		12,139				1,634
	Total				$	6,840			$	(5,206	)		$	1,634
	Derivatives Designated as Cash		Amount of Gain				Income Statement		Amount of Gain				Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Flow Hedging Instruments		(Loss) Recognized				Location (a)		(Loss) Reclassified from				Recognized in Income on
			in OCI on Derivative						Accumulated OCI				Derivative
			(Effective Portion)						into Income				(Ineffective Portion)
									(Effective Portion)
			(Thousands of Dollars)						(Thousands of Dollars)
	Year ended December 31, 2014:
	Interest rate swaps		$	—			Interest expense, net		$	(10,663	)		$	—
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Interest rate swaps		$	7,213			Interest expense, net		$	(7,570	)		$	—
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(17,069	)		Interest expense, net		$	(1,749	)		$	—
	Commodity contracts		(77,200		)		Loss from discontinued operations		(51,483		)		4,010
	Total		$	(94,269	)				$	(53,232	)		$	4,010
	(a)	Amounts are included in specified location for both the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) and the gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion).
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments		Income Statement Location		Amount of Gain (Loss)
					Recognized in Income
				(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31, 2014:
Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	18,407
Year ended December 31, 2013:
Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	(5,323	)
Commodity contracts		Loss from discontinued operations		(218		)
Total				$	(5,541	)
Year ended December 31, 2012:
Commodity contracts		Revenues		$	(7,654	)
Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		20,138
Commodity contracts		Loss from discontinued operations		6,176
Total				$	18,660
For derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments, once a hedged transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion from AOCI to “Interest expense, net” for our forward-starting interest rate swaps or to “Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax” for our commodity contracts associated with the San Antonio Refinery. As of December 31, 2014, we expect to reclassify a loss of $9.8 million to “Interest expense, net” within the next twelve months.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Revenues	$	929	$	14,897	$	1,990
	Operating expenses	$	125,736	$	122,677	$	133,654
	General and administrative expenses	$	66,910	$	58,602	$	62,490
	Interest income	$	1,055	$	6,113	$	1,219
	Revenues included in discontinued operations, net of tax	$	528	$	3,720	$	3,390
	Expenses included in discontinued operations, net of tax	$	1,680	$	6,051	$	14,328
	NuStar GP, LLC
	Our operations are managed by NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of our general partner. Under a services agreement between NuStar Energy and NuStar GP, LLC, employees of NuStar GP, LLC perform services for our U.S. operations. Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries employ persons who perform services for our international operations.
	GP Services Agreement. NuStar Energy and NuStar GP, LLC entered into a services agreement effective January 1, 2008 (the GP Services Agreement). The GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar GP, LLC will furnish administrative and certain operating services necessary to conduct the business of NuStar Energy. All employees providing services to both NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar Energy are employed by NuStar GP, LLC; therefore, NuStar Energy reimburses NuStar GP, LLC for all employee costs, other than the expenses allocated to NuStar GP Holdings (the Holdco Administrative Services Expense). The GP Services Agreement had an original termination date of December 31, 2014, which was subsequently renewed automatically and will continue to renew automatically every two years unless terminated by either party upon six months’ prior written notice.
	We had a payable to NuStar GP, LLC of $15.1 million and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with both amounts representing payroll, employee benefit plan expenses and unit-based compensation. We also had a long-term payable to NuStar GP, LLC as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $33.5 million and $41.1 million, respectively, for amounts payable for retiree medical benefits and other post-employment benefits.
	Non-Compete Agreement. On July 19, 2006, we entered into a non-compete agreement with NuStar GP Holdings, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar GP, LLC (the Non-Compete Agreement). The Non-Compete Agreement became effective on December 22, 2006 when NuStar GP Holdings ceased to be subject to the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated March 31, 2006. Under the Non-Compete Agreement, we will have a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of assets that relate to the transportation, storage or terminalling of crude oil, feedstocks or refined petroleum products (including petrochemicals) in the United States and internationally. NuStar GP Holdings will have a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of general partner and other equity interests in publicly traded partnerships under common ownership with the general partner interest. With respect to any other business opportunities, neither the Partnership nor NuStar GP Holdings are prohibited from engaging in any business, even if the Partnership and NuStar GP Holdings would have a conflict of interest with respect to such other business opportunity.
	Axeon
	As a result of the 2014 Asphalt Sale, we ceased reporting transactions between us and Axeon as related party transactions in our consolidated financial statements on February 26, 2014.
	Terminal Service Agreements. Simultaneously with the 2012 Asphalt Sale, we entered into four terminal service agreements with Axeon for our terminals in Wilmington, NC, Rosario, NM, Catoosa, OK and Houston, TX. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, we provided aggregate storage capacity of 0.8 million barrels and blending services to Axeon for a service charge of $1.5 million per year. In addition, we had terminal service agreements with Axeon for our terminals in Jacksonville, FL, Dumfries, VA, and Baltimore, MD. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, we provided aggregate storage capacity of approximately 0.6 million barrels to Axeon for a storage charge of approximately $6.3 million per year, plus applicable throughput and handling fees. As a result of the 2014 Asphalt Sale, these terminal service agreements were either amended or terminated. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional discussion.
	Crude Oil Supply Agreement. We were a party to a crude oil supply agreement with Axeon (the Axeon Crude Oil Supply Agreement) that committed Axeon to purchase from us a minimum number of barrels of crude oil in a given year. The Axeon Crude Oil Supply Agreement terminated effective January 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, we had a receivable from Axeon of $50.7 million, mainly associated with crude oil sales under the Axeon Crude Oil Supply Agreement.
	Services Agreements. NuStar GP, LLC and Axeon were a party to a services agreement, which provided that NuStar GP, LLC would furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Axeon for an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment (the Axeon Services Agreement). The Axeon Services Agreement terminated on June 30, 2014. In addition, NuStar GP, LLC and Axeon were a party to an employee services agreement, which provided that certain of NuStar GP, LLC employees provide employee-services to Axeon (the Axeon Employee Services Agreement). In exchange, Axeon reimbursed NuStar GP, LLC for the compensation expense of those employees. The Axeon Employee Services Agreement terminated on December 31, 2012, and effective January 1, 2013, those employees became employees of Axeon.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_AND_LON

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans and Long-Term Incentive Plans	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
	Employee Benefit Plans
	We rely on employees of NuStar GP, LLC to provide the necessary services to conduct our U.S. operations. NuStar GP, LLC sponsors various employee benefit plans.
	The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that provides eligible employees with retirement income as calculated under a cash balance formula. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are based on age, service and interest credits, and employees become fully vested in their benefits upon attaining three years of vesting service. Prior to January 1, 2014, eligible employees were covered under either a cash balance formula or a final average pay formula (FAP). Effective January 1, 2014, the Pension Plan was amended to freeze the FAP benefits as of December 31, 2013, and going forward, all eligible employees are covered under the cash balance formula discussed above.
	NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess pension plan (the Excess Pension Plan) which is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to a select group of management or other highly compensated employees of NuStar GP, LLC. The supplemental executive retirement plan terminated in 2014.
	The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified defined contribution plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to substantially all NuStar GP, LLC employees upon their date of hire. Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC makes matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation.
	NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess thrift plan (the Excess Thrift Plan) that became effective July 1, 2006. The Excess Thrift Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to those employees of NuStar GP, LLC whose compensation and/or annual contributions under the Thrift Plan are subject to the limitations applicable to qualified retirement plans under the Code.
	Neither the Excess Thrift Plan nor the Excess Pension Plan is intended to constitute either a qualified plan under the provisions of Section 401 of the Code or a funded plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
	NuStar GP, LLC also sponsors a contributory medical benefits plan for employees that retired prior to April 1, 2014. For employees that retire on or after April 1, 2014, NuStar GP, LLC provides partial reimbursement for eligible third-party health care premiums.
	We also maintain several other defined contribution plans for certain international employees located in Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our costs for these plans totaled $2.7 million, $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
	Long-Term Incentive Plans
	NuStar GP, LLC sponsors the following:
	•	The Fourth Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2000 LTIP), under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 3,250,000 NS common units. Awards under the 2000 LTIP can include NS unit options, restricted units, performance awards, distribution equivalent rights (DER) and contractual rights to receive common units. As of December 31, 2014, NS common units that remained available to be awarded totaled 1,441,988 under the 2000 LTIP.
	•	The 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2006 LTIP) under which NuStar GP Holdings may award up to 2,000,000 NSH units to employees, consultants and directors of NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including us. Awards under the 2006 LTIP can include NSH unit options, performance awards, DER, restricted units, phantom units, unit grants and unit appreciation rights. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 1,527,164 NSH units remained available to be awarded under the 2006 LTIP.
	The 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan (the UIP), under which NuStar GP, LLC awarded NS common units to employees of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, terminated on June 16, 2013. The 2002 Unit Option Plan (the UOP), under which NuStar GP, LLC awarded NS unit options to officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, terminated on March 22, 2012.
	The number of awards granted under the above-described plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014					2013			2012
		Granted		Vesting			Granted		Vesting	Granted	Vesting
	2000 LTIP:
	Performance awards	28,841		(a)			38,786		(a)	33,445	(a)
	Restricted units (b)	208,714		1/5 per year			269,182		1/5 per year	231,855	1/5 per year
	Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC)	7,009		1/3 per year			8,904		1/3 per year	8,170	1/3 per year
	UIP:
	Restricted units (c)	—		—			—		—	15,382	1/5 per year
	2006 LTIP:
	Restricted units	16,895		1/5 per year			18,620		1/5 per year	25,640	1/5 per year
	Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings) (d)	8,911		1/3 per year			13,183		1/3 per year	10,601	1/3 per year
	(a)	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.
	(b)	The 2000 LTIP restricted unit grants include 2,844 and 3,882 restricted unit awards granted to certain international employees for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that vest 1/3 per year, as defined in the award agreements.
	(c)	The UIP restricted unit grants include 3,392 restricted unit awards granted to certain international employees for the year ended December 31, 2012, that vest 1/3 per year, as defined in the award agreements.
	(d)	We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for compensation expense relating to these awards.
	Our share of compensation expense related to the benefit plans and long-term incentive plans sponsored by NuStar GP, LLC described above is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Benefit plans	$	11,385		$	27,741		$	32,003
	Long-term incentive plans	$	10,934		$	7,369		$	5,831

OTHER_INCOME_EXPENSE

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
	Other income (expense) consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Foreign exchange gains (losses)	$	2,057	$	7,707		$	(1,429	)
	Gain (loss) from sale or disposition of assets	642		(524		)	(1,522		)
	Loss on deconsolidation of Axeon	—		—			(23,800		)
	Other, net	1,800		158			2,062
	Other income (expense), net	$	4,499	$	7,341		$	(24,689	)

PARTNERS_EQUITY

PARTNERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partners' Capital Notes [Abstract]
PARTNERS' EQUITY	PARTNERS’ EQUITY
	Issuance of Common Units
	In September 2012, we issued 7,130,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $48.94 per unit. We used the net proceeds from this offering of $343.9 million, including a contribution of $7.1 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest, for general partnership purposes, including repayments of outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement and working capital purposes.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The balance of and changes in the components included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” were as follows:
		Foreign				Cash Flow Hedges			Total
		Currency
		Translation
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	(3,925	)		$	(23,482	)	$	(27,407	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9,579				(94,269		)	(84,690		)
	Net loss reclassified into interest expense, net	—				1,749			1,749
	Net loss reclassified into loss from discontinued operations	—				51,483			51,483
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	9,579				(41,037		)	(31,458		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	5,654				(64,519		)	(58,865		)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(19,312		)		7,213			(12,099		)
	Net loss reclassified into interest expense, net	—				7,570			7,570
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	(19,312		)		14,783			(4,529		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	(13,658		)		(49,736		)	(63,394		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(15,181		)		—			(15,181		)
	Net loss reclassified into interest expense, net	—				10,663			10,663
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	(15,181		)		10,663			(4,518		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(28,839	)		$	(39,073	)	$	(67,912	)
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest consisted of foreign currency translation adjustment losses of $0.4 million, $0.1 million and gains of $1.1 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Allocations of Net Income
	General Partner. Our partnership agreement, as amended, sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the amount and priority of cash distributions that the common unitholders and general partner will receive. The partnership agreement also contains provisions for the allocation of net income and loss to the unitholders and the general partner. For purposes of maintaining partner capital accounts, the partnership agreement specifies that items of income and loss shall be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective percentage interests. Normal allocations according to percentage interests are made after giving effect to priority income allocations, if any, in an amount equal to incentive cash distributions allocated 100% to the general partner.
	The following table details the calculation of net income applicable to the general partner:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$	210,773			$	(273,770	)	$	(226,616	)
	Less general partner incentive distribution	43,220				43,220			41,242
	Net income (loss) after general partner incentive distribution	167,553				(316,990		)	(267,858		)
	General partner interest	2		%		2		%	2		%
	General partner allocation of net income (loss) after general partner	3,352				(6,338		)	(5,356		)
	incentive distribution
	General partner incentive distribution	43,220				43,220			41,242
	Net income applicable to general partner	$	46,572			$	36,882		$	35,886
	Cash Distributions
	We make quarterly distributions of 100% of our available cash, generally defined as cash receipts less cash disbursements and cash reserves established by the general partner, in its sole discretion. These quarterly distributions are declared and paid within 45 days subsequent to each quarter-end. The limited partner unitholders are entitled to receive a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.60 per unit each quarter ($2.40 annualized). Our cash is first distributed 98% to the limited partners and 2% to the general partner until the amount distributed to our unitholders is equal to the minimum quarterly distribution and arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution for any prior quarter. Cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distributions is distributed to our unitholders and our general partner based on the percentages shown below.
	Our general partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount we distribute with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:
			Percentage of Distribution
	Quarterly Distribution Amount per Unit		Unitholders		General Partner
	Up to $0.60		98%		2%
	Above $0.60 up to $0.66		90%		10%
	Above $0.66		75%		25%
	The following table reflects the allocation of total cash distributions to our general and limited partners applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	General partner interest	$	7,844			$	7,844		$	7,486
	General partner incentive distribution	43,220				43,220			41,242
	Total general partner distribution	51,064				51,064			48,728
	Limited partners’ distribution	341,140				341,140			325,526
	Total cash distributions	$	392,204			$	392,204		$	374,254
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$	4.38			$	4.38		$	4.38
	The following table summarizes information related to our quarterly cash distributions:
	Quarter Ended		Cash Distributions Per Unit				Total Cash Distributions (Thousands of Dollars)			Record Date		Payment Date
	December 31, 2014 (a)		$	1.095			$	98,051		February 9, 2015		February 13, 2015
	30-Sep-14		$	1.095			$	98,051		November 10, 2014		November 14, 2014
	30-Jun-14		$	1.095			$	98,051		August 6, 2014		August 11, 2014
	31-Mar-14		$	1.095			$	98,051		May 7, 2014		May 12, 2014
	(a)	The distribution was announced on January 30, 2015.

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_UNIT

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER UNIT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER UNIT	NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT
	The following table details the calculation of earnings per unit:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$	210,773		$	(273,770	)	$	(226,616	)
	Less general partner distribution (including incentive distribution rights)	51,064			51,064			48,728
	Less limited partner distribution	341,140			341,140			325,526
	Distributions greater than earnings	$	(181,431	)	$	(665,974	)	$	(600,870	)
	General partner earnings:
	Distributions	$	51,064		$	51,064		$	48,728
	Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (2%)	(3,630		)	(13,318		)	(12,019		)
	Total	$	47,434		$	37,746		$	36,709
	Limited partner earnings:
	Distributions	$	341,140		$	341,140		$	325,526
	Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (98%)	(177,801		)	(652,656		)	(588,851		)
	Total	$	163,339		$	(311,516	)	$	(263,325	)
	Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding	77,886,078			77,886,078			72,957,417
	Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners	$	2.1		$	(4.00	)	$	(3.61	)

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Decrease (increase) in current assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	72,298		$	107,209		$	160,435
	Receivable from related parties	50,918			58,692			(113,018		)
	Inventories	82,075			31,975			112,589
	Income tax receivable	(24		)	414			2,921
	Other current assets	3,809			25,725			(26,050		)
	Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	(153,671		)	(96,330		)	(43,451		)
	Payable to related party	837			6,922			(5,339		)
	Accrued interest payable	303			9,370			(6,092		)
	Accrued liabilities	22,980			(32,452		)	11,259
	Taxes other than income tax	4,341			(87		)	(2,444		)
	Income tax payable	(1,448		)	1,338			(563		)
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities	$	82,418		$	112,776		$	90,247
	The above changes in current assets and current liabilities differ from changes between amounts reflected in the applicable consolidated balance sheets due to:
	•	the changes in assets held for sale being reflected in the line items to which the changes relate in the table above;
	•	current assets and current liabilities acquired and disposed during the period;
	•	the change in the amount accrued for capital expenditures; and
	•	the effect of foreign currency translation.
	Non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 mainly consist of changes in the fair values of our fixed-to-floating and forward-starting interest rate swaps.
	Cash flows related to interest and income taxes were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized	$	129,377		$	113,805		$	110,679
	Cash paid for income taxes, net of tax refunds received	$	6,699		$	11,386		$	21,032

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	Components of income tax expense related to certain of our continuing operations conducted through separate taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Current:
	U.S.	$	(182	)	$	3,098		$	4,416
	Foreign	7,516			9,273			16,480
	Total current	7,334			12,371			20,896
	Deferred:
	U.S.	1,889			1,687			7,494
	Foreign	1,578			(1,305		)	(3,940		)
	Total deferred	3,467			382			3,554
	Total income tax expense	$	10,801		$	12,753		$	24,450
	The difference between income tax expense recorded in our consolidated statements of income and income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (35% for all years presented) to income before income tax expense is due to the fact that the majority of our income is not subject to federal income tax due to our status as a limited partnership.
	The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	35,698		$	28,945
	Environmental and legal reserves	664			433
	Allowance for bad debt	1,261			—
	Other	1,827			1,772
	Total deferred income tax assets	39,450			31,150
	Less: Valuation allowance	(14,532		)	(12,237		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	24,918			18,913
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	(47,797		)	(40,494		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	(22,879	)	$	(21,581	)
	Reported on the consolidated balance sheets as:
	Deferred income tax asset	$	4,429		$	5,769
	Deferred income tax liability	(27,308		)	(27,350		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	(22,879	)	$	(21,581	)
	As of December 31, 2014, our U.S. and foreign corporate operations have net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes totaling approximately $90.0 million and $14.0 million, respectively, which are subject to various limitations on use and expire in years 2019 through 2024 for U.S. losses and in years 2018 and 2019 for foreign losses.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a valuation allowance of $14.5 million and $12.2 million, respectively, related to our deferred tax assets. We estimate the amount of valuation allowance based upon our expectations of taxable income in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over which we can utilize those future deductions. The valuation allowance reflects uncertainties related to our ability to utilize certain net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. In 2014, the valuation allowance for the U.S. net operating loss remained the same and we increased the foreign net operating loss by $2.3 million, due to changes in our estimates of the amount of those loss carryforwards that will be realized, based upon future taxable income.
	The realization of net deferred income tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2014 is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. We believe it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2014 will be realized, based on expected future taxable income.
	Grace Energy Corporation Matter
	In connection with the settlement of a legal matter, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $28.7 million in 2012 within one of our taxable subsidiaries. As a result, we recorded related income tax expense of $10.1 million, resulting from the reduction of the related deferred income tax asset.
	Canadian Income Tax Audit
	During the second quarter of 2012, we recorded $1.0 million of additional income tax liability and $2.2 million of interest and penalties associated with an ongoing Canadian income tax audit for the years 2006 through 2011. We also recorded $1.3 million of Canadian withholding tax and $0.7 million of interest and penalties associated with the withholding tax liability related to interest payments made from our Canadian subsidiaries to a United States entity from 2003 to 2009. We believe that adequate provisions for uncertainties related to the Canadian audits have been reflected in the financial statements.
	We settled Canadian income tax audits for the years 2006 through 2009.
	St. Eustatius Tax Agreement
	On February 22, 2006, we entered into a Tax and Maritime Agreement with the governments of St. Eustatius and the Netherlands Antilles (the 2005 Tax Agreement). The 2005 Tax Agreement was effective beginning January 1, 2005 and expired on December 31, 2014. Under the terms of the 2005 Tax Agreement, we agreed to make a one-time payment of 5.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $2.8 million) in full and final settlement of all of our liabilities, taxes, fees, levies, charges, or otherwise (including settlement of audits) due or potentially due to St. Eustatius. The 2005 Tax Agreement provides for annual minimum profit tax of 1.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $0.6 million), beginning as of January 1, 2005. To the extent the minimum annual profit tax exceeds 2% of taxable profit (as defined in the 2005 Tax Agreement), we can carry forward that excess to offset future tax liabilities. If the minimum annual profit tax is less than 2% of taxable profit, we agreed to pay that difference.
	Effective January 1, 2011, the Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist, and St. Eustatius became part of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Tax Ministry (the Ministry) contends that as of January 2011, we are subject to real estate tax rather than profit tax as expressed in our 2005 Tax Agreement.  In 2013, the Ministry issued a property tax assessment for years 2011 through 2012. We objected to and appealed the assessment.  The Ministry later issued property tax assessments for the years 2013 and 2014, to which we have or will file similar objections. In 2013, we filed a lawsuit in the Netherlands civil court seeking to enforce the terms of our existing 2005 Tax Agreement.  In 2014, the Netherlands civil court determined that it did not have jurisdiction and deferred to the jurisdiction of the tax court. We have appealed this decision. In the tax court proceeding, a hearing was held in late 2014, and we expect a ruling in 2015. We believe it is likely that we will prevail.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our reportable business segments consist of pipeline, storage and fuels marketing. Our segments represent strategic business units that offer different services and products. We evaluate the performance of each segment based on its respective operating income, before general and administrative expenses and certain non-segmental depreciation and amortization expense. General and administrative expenses are not allocated to the operating segments since those expenses relate primarily to the overall management at the entity level. Our principal operations include the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, the terminalling and storage of petroleum products and the marketing of petroleum products. Intersegment revenues result from storage agreements with wholly owned subsidiaries of NuStar Energy at lease rates consistent with rates charged to third parties for storage. Related party revenues mainly result from storage agreements with our joint ventures.
	Results of operations for the reportable segments were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Revenues:
	Pipeline:
	Third parties	$	477,030		$	411,529		$	340,455
	Storage:
	Third parties	537,142			518,253			517,699
	Intersegment	26,435			32,044			59,168
	Related party	929			6,252			1,199
	Total storage	564,506			556,549			578,066
	Fuels marketing:
	Third parties	2,060,017			2,519,053			5,085,592
	Related party	—			8,645			791
	Total fuels marketing	2,060,017			2,527,698			5,086,383
	Consolidation and intersegment eliminations	(26,435		)	(32,044		)	(59,168		)
	Total revenues	$	3,075,118		$	3,463,732		$	5,945,736
	Depreciation and amortization expense:
	Pipeline	$	77,691		$	68,871		$	52,878
	Storage	103,848			99,868			88,217
	Fuels marketing	16			27			11,253
	Total segment depreciation and amortization expense	181,555			168,766			152,348
	Other depreciation and amortization expense	10,153			10,155			7,441
	Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	191,708		$	178,921		$	159,789
	Operating income (loss):
	Pipeline	$	245,233		$	208,293		$	158,590
	Storage	183,104			(127,484		)	198,842
	Fuels marketing	24,805			(126		)	(296,785		)
	Consolidation and intersegment eliminations	(32		)	1,437			7,939
	Total segment operating income	453,110			82,120			68,586
	Less general and administrative expenses	96,056			91,086			104,756
	Less other depreciation and amortization expense	10,153			10,155			7,441
	Other asset impairment loss	—			—			3,295
	Gain on legal settlement	—			—			(28,738		)
	Total operating income (loss)	$	346,901		$	(19,121	)	$	(18,168	)
	Revenues by geographic area are shown in the table below.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	United States	$	2,276,609		$	2,340,694		$	4,230,607
	Netherlands	705,207			1,027,260			1,438,297
	Other	93,302			95,778			276,832
	Consolidated revenues	$	3,075,118		$	3,463,732		$	5,945,736
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Valero Energy Corporation accounted for approximately 9%, or $282.9 million, 15%, or $534.2 million, and 11%, or $668.1 million, of our consolidated revenues, respectively. These revenues were included in all of our reportable business segments. No other single customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues.
	Total amounts of property, plant and equipment, net by geographic area were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	United States	$	2,809,462		$	2,635,792
	Netherlands	451,564			467,660
	Other	199,706			207,201
	Consolidated long-lived assets	$	3,460,732		$	3,310,653
	Total assets by reportable segment were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Pipeline	$	1,962,821		$	1,797,698
	Storage	2,241,573			2,275,183
	Fuels marketing	227,642			445,882
	Total segment assets	4,432,036			4,518,763
	Other partnership assets	486,760			513,423
Total consolidated assets	$	4,918,796		$	5,032,186
Capital expenditures, including acquisitions and investments in other noncurrent assets, by reportable segment were as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(Thousands of Dollars)
Pipeline	$	244,713		$	165,096		$	493,028
Storage	108,457			170,637			161,672
Fuels marketing	—			69			20,333
Other partnership assets	3,795			7,518			53,982
Total capital expenditures	$	356,965		$	343,320		$	729,015

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	NuStar Energy has no operations, and its assets consist mainly of its investments in NuStar Logistics and NuPOP, both wholly owned subsidiaries. The senior and subordinated notes issued by NuStar Logistics are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by NuStar Energy and NuPOP. As a result, the following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented as an alternative to providing separate financial statements for NuStar Logistics and NuPOP.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	December 31, 2014
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	923		$	6		$	—		$	86,983		$	—		$	87,912
	Receivables, net	—			47,038			18,347			143,093			—			208,478
	Inventories	—			1,998			3,768			49,989			(42		)	55,713
	Other current assets	—			10,403			418			25,239			(116		)	35,944
	Assets held for sale	—			—			—			1,100			—			1,100
	Intercompany receivable	—			1,438,675			—			—			(1,438,675		)	—
	Total current assets	923			1,498,120			22,533			306,404			(1,438,833		)	389,147
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			1,820,126			559,808			1,080,798			—			3,460,732
	Intangible assets, net	—			55,801			—			2,869			—			58,670
	Goodwill	—			149,453			170,652			297,324			—			617,429
	Investment in wholly owned	2,289,673			37,179			910,394			913,343			(4,150,589		)	—
	subsidiaries
	Investment in joint venture	—			—			—			74,223			—			74,223
	Deferred income tax asset	—			—			—			4,429			—			4,429
	Other long-term assets, net	673			279,058			26,329			8,106			—			314,166
	Total assets	$	2,291,269		$	3,839,737		$	1,689,716		$	2,687,496		$	(5,589,422	)	$	4,918,796
	Liabilities and Partners’ Equity
	Payables	$	—		$	60,687		$	8,211		$	108,286		$	—		$	177,184
	Short-term debt	—			77,000			—			—			—			77,000
	Accrued interest payable	—			33,340			—			5			—			33,345
	Accrued liabilities	862			32,178			6,965			21,020			—			61,025
	Taxes other than income tax	125			7,896			3,099			3,001			—			14,121
	Income tax payable	—			—			4			2,629			(116		)	2,517
	Intercompany payable	506,160			—			751,023			181,492			(1,438,675		)	—
	Total current liabilities	507,147			211,101			769,302			316,433			(1,438,791		)	365,192
	Long-term debt	—			2,749,452			—			—			—			2,749,452
	Long-term payable to related party	—			28,094			—			5,443			—			33,537
	Deferred income tax liability	—			528			22			26,758			—			27,308
	Other long-term liabilities	—			13,681			6,963			6,453			—			27,097
	Total partners’ equity	1,784,122			836,881			913,429			2,332,409			(4,150,631		)	1,716,210
	Total liabilities and	$	2,291,269		$	3,839,737		$	1,689,716		$	2,687,496		$	(5,589,422	)	$	4,918,796
	partners’ equity
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	December 31, 2013
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	904		$	22,307		$	—		$	77,532		$	—		$	100,743
	Receivables, net	—			87,899			13,281			231,220			(6		)	332,394
	Inventories	—			2,083			2,879			133,195			(10		)	138,147
	Other current assets	—			18,109			2,334			19,835			—			40,278
	Assets held for sale	—			—			—			21,987			—			21,987
	Intercompany receivable	—			1,521,552			—			—			(1,521,552		)	—
	Total current assets	904			1,651,950			18,494			483,769			(1,521,568		)	633,549
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			1,556,893			573,694			1,180,066			—			3,310,653
	Intangible assets, net	—			16,993			—			54,256			—			71,249
	Goodwill	—			149,453			170,652			297,324			—			617,429
	Investment in wholly owned	2,469,331			177,961			860,787			918,339			(4,426,418		)	—
	subsidiaries
	Investment in joint ventures	—			—			—			68,735			—			68,735
	Deferred income tax asset	—			—			—			5,769			—			5,769
	Note receivable from related	—			165,440			—			—			—			165,440
	party, net
	Other long-term assets, net	611			118,254			26,331			14,166			—			159,362
	Total assets	$	2,470,846		$	3,836,944		$	1,649,958		$	3,022,424		$	(5,947,986	)	$	5,032,186
Liabilities and Partners’ Equity
Payables	$	123		$	84,533		$	7,517		$	214,909		$	(6	)	$	307,076
Accrued interest payable	—			33,066			—			47			—			33,113
Accrued liabilities	585			18,850			6,133			13,064			—			38,632
Taxes other than income tax	125			6,272			2,873			475			—			9,745
Income tax payable	—			618			6			3,382			—			4,006
Intercompany payable	504,483			—			714,847			302,222			(1,521,552		)	—
Total current liabilities	505,316			143,339			731,376			534,099			(1,521,558		)	392,572
Long-term debt	—			2,655,553			—			—			—			2,655,553
Long-term payable to related party	—			35,696			—			5,443			—			41,139
Deferred income tax liability	—			—			—			27,350			—			27,350
Other long-term liabilities	—			4,961			306			6,511			—			11,778
Total partners’ equity	1,965,530			997,395			918,276			2,449,021			(4,426,428		)	1,903,794
Total liabilities and	$	2,470,846		$	3,836,944		$	1,649,958		$	3,022,424		$	(5,947,986	)	$	5,032,186
partners’ equity
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	—		$	510,833		$	229,211		$	2,344,750		$	(9,676	)	$	3,075,118
Costs and expenses	1,753			287,614			149,955			2,298,540			(9,645		)	2,728,217
Operating (loss) income	(1,753		)	223,219			79,256			46,210			(31		)	346,901
Equity in earnings (loss)	212,527			(12,798		)	62,946			142,238			(404,913		)	—
of subsidiaries
Equity in (loss) earnings of	—			(8,278		)	—			13,074			—			4,796
joint ventures
Interest (expense) income, net	—			(132,274		)	89			959			—			(131,226		)
Other income (expense), net	—			511			(37		)	4,025			—			4,499
Income from continuing	210,774			70,380			142,254			206,506			(404,944		)	224,970
operations before income
tax expense
Income tax expense	1			5			23			10,772			—			10,801
Income from continuing	210,773			70,375			142,231			195,734			(404,944		)	214,169
operations
Loss from discontinued	—			(169		)	—			(3,622		)	—			(3,791		)
operations, net of tax
Net income	210,773			70,206			142,231			192,112			(404,944		)	210,378
Less net loss attributable to	—			—			—			(395		)	—			(395		)
noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to	$	210,773		$	70,206		$	142,231		$	192,507		$	(404,944	)	$	210,773
NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	—		$	415,128		$	218,591		$	2,864,160		$	(34,147	)	$	3,463,732
Costs and expenses	1,908			242,743			147,117			3,125,253			(34,168		)	3,482,853
Operating (loss) income	(1,908		)	172,385			71,474			(261,093		)	21			(19,121		)
Equity in (loss) earnings	(271,862		)	16,531			(347,808		)	(281,327		)	884,466			—
of subsidiaries
Equity in (loss) earnings of	—			(49,599		)	—			9,629			—			(39,970		)
joint ventures
Interest (expense) income, net	—			(116,624		)	(4,851		)	469			—			(121,006		)
Other (expense) income, net	—			(115		)	(127		)	7,583			—			7,341
(Loss) income from continuing	(273,770		)	22,578			(281,312		)	(524,739		)	884,487			(172,756		)
operations before income
tax expense
Income tax expense	—			579			8			12,166			—			12,753
(Loss) income from continuing	(273,770		)	21,999			(281,320		)	(536,905		)	884,487			(185,509		)
operations
Loss from discontinued	—			(12,317		)	—			(86,845		)	—			(99,162		)
operations, net of tax
Net (loss) income	(273,770		)	9,682			(281,320		)	(623,750		)	884,487			(284,671		)
Less net loss attributable to	—			—			—			(10,901		)	—			(10,901		)
noncontrolling interest
Net (loss) income attributable to	$	(273,770	)	$	9,682		$	(281,320	)	$	(612,849	)	$	884,487		$	(273,770	)
NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	—		$	362,451		$	210,712		$	5,397,626		$	(25,053	)	$	5,945,736
Costs and expenses	1,699			216,159			151,185			5,620,326			(25,465		)	5,963,904
Operating (loss) income	(1,699		)	146,292			59,527			(222,700		)	412			(18,168		)
Equity in (loss) earnings	(224,917		)	(361,830		)	65,505			112,818			408,424			—
of subsidiaries
Equity in (loss) earnings of	—			(16,117		)	—			6,739			—			(9,378		)
joint ventures
Interest expense, net	—			(76,311		)	(12,546		)	(459		)	—			(89,316		)
Other (expense) income, net	—			(26,596		)	1,679			228			—			(24,689		)
(Loss) income from continuing	(226,616		)	(334,562		)	114,165			(103,374		)	408,836			(141,551		)
operations before income
tax expense
Income tax expense	—			255			1,329			22,866			—			24,450
(Loss) income from continuing	(226,616		)	(334,817		)	112,836			(126,240		)	408,836			(166,001		)
operations
Loss from discontinued	—			(2,085		)	—			(58,765		)	(386		)	(61,236		)
operations, net of tax
Net (loss) income	(226,616		)	(336,902		)	112,836			(185,005		)	408,450			(227,237		)
Less net loss attributable to	—			—			—			(621		)	—			(621		)
noncontrolling interest
Net (loss) income attributable to	$	(226,616	)	$	(336,902	)	$	112,836		$	(184,384	)	$	408,450		$	(226,616	)
NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net income	$	210,773		$	70,206		$	142,231		$	192,112		$	(404,944	)	$	210,378
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	—			3,723			—			(19,337		)	—			(15,614		)
adjustment
Net loss reclassified into	—			10,663			—			—			—			10,663
income on cash flow hedges
Total other comprehensive income	—			14,386			—			(19,337		)	—			(4,951		)
(loss)
Comprehensive income	210,773			84,592			142,231			172,775			(404,944		)	205,427
Less comprehensive loss	—			—			—			(828		)	—			(828		)
attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive income	$	210,773		$	84,592		$	142,231		$	173,603		$	(404,944	)	$	206,255
attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net (loss) income	$	(273,770	)	$	9,682		$	(281,320	)	$	(623,750	)	$	884,487		$	(284,671	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	—			(3,090		)	—			(16,274		)	—			(19,364		)
adjustment
Net unrealized gain on cash	—			7,213			—			—			—			7,213
flow hedges
Net loss reclassified into	—			7,570			—			—			—			7,570
income on cash flow hedges
Total other comprehensive	—			11,693			—			(16,274		)	—			(4,581		)
income (loss)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(273,770		)	21,375			(281,320		)	(640,024		)	884,487			(289,252		)
Less comprehensive loss	—			—			—			(10,953		)	—			(10,953		)
attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(273,770	)	$	21,375		$	(281,320	)	$	(629,071	)	$	884,487		$	(278,299	)
attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net (loss) income	$	(226,616	)	$	(336,902	)	$	112,836		$	(185,005	)	$	408,450		$	(227,237	)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	—			—			—			10,677			—			10,677
adjustment
Net unrealized loss on cash	—			(17,069		)	—			(77,200		)	—			(94,269		)
flow hedges
Net loss reclassified into	—			1,749			—			51,483			—			53,232
income on cash flow hedges
Total other comprehensive loss	—			(15,320		)	—			(15,040		)	—			(30,360		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(226,616		)	(352,222		)	112,836			(200,045		)	408,450			(257,597		)
Less comprehensive income	—			—			—			477			—			477
attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(226,616	)	$	(352,222	)	$	112,836		$	(200,522	)	$	408,450		$	(258,074	)
attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating	$	390,543		$	221,422		$	111,931		$	333,936		$	(539,309	)	$	518,523
activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(273,785		)	(14,625		)	(68,555		)	—			(356,965		)
Change in accounts payable	—			8,741			789			(4,627		)	—			4,903
related to capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale or disposition	—			651			22			25,339			—			26,012
of assets
Increase in note receivable from	—			(13,328		)	—			—			—			(13,328		)
related party
Investment in subsidiaries	(23		)	—			13,340			—			(13,317		)	—
Other, net	23			(45		)	—			(831		)	—			(853		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(277,766		)	(474		)	(48,674		)	(13,317		)	(340,231		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	—			1,318,619			—			—			—			1,318,619
Debt repayments	—			(1,121,670		)	—			—			—			(1,121,670		)
Distributions to unitholders and	(392,204		)	(245,127		)	(147,077		)	(147,105		)	539,309			(392,204		)
general partner
Contributions from	—			—			—			(13,340		)	13,340			—
(distributions to) affiliates
Net intercompany borrowings	1,680			83,387			35,620			(120,687		)	—			—
(repayments)
Other, net	—			(1,166		)	—			8,259			(23		)	7,070
Net cash (used in) provided by	(390,524		)	34,043			(111,457		)	(272,873		)	552,626			(188,185		)
financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate	—			—			—			(2,938		)	—			(2,938		)
changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and	19			(22,301		)	—			9,451			—			(12,831		)
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	904			22,307			—			77,532			—			100,743
beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	$	923		$	6		$	—		$	86,983		$	—		$	87,912
end of the period
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating	$	390,002		$	210,742		$	84,490		$	192,228		$	(392,243	)	$	485,219
activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(224,798		)	(19,049		)	(99,473		)	—			(343,320		)
Change in accounts payable	—			(9,700		)	824			3,492			—			(5,384		)
related to capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale or disposition	—			118,806			35			165			—			119,006
of assets
Increase in note receivable from	—			(80,961		)	—			—			—			(80,961		)
related party
Investment in subsidiaries	(302		)	527			—			3			(228		)	—
Other, net	302			(604		)	—			—			—			(302		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(196,730		)	(18,190		)	(95,813		)	(228		)	(310,961		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	—			1,738,451			—			—			—			1,738,451
Debt repayments	—			(1,866,282		)	(250,000		)	(34,461		)	—			(2,150,743		)
Proceeds from note offerings,	—			686,863			—			—			—			686,863
net of issuance costs
Distributions to unitholders and	(392,204		)	(392,204		)	—			(39		)	392,243			(392,204		)
general partner
Payments for termination of	—			(33,697		)	—			—			—			(33,697		)
interest rate swaps
Contributions from	—			302			—			(530		)	228			—
(distributions to) affiliates
Net intercompany (repayments)	(3,880		)	(128,277		)	183,700			(51,543		)	—			—
borrowings
Other, net	(47		)	2,027			—			—			—			1,980
Net cash (used in) provided by	(396,131		)	7,183			(66,300		)	(86,573		)	392,471			(149,350		)
financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate	—			—			—			(7,767		)	—			(7,767		)
changes on cash
Net (decrease) increase in cash and	(6,129		)	21,195			—			2,075			—			17,141
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	7,033			1,112			—			75,457			—			83,602
beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	$	904		$	22,307		$	—		$	77,532		$	—		$	100,743
end of the period
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating	$	363,639		$	86,333		$	81,700		$	149,369		$	(381,838	)	$	299,203
activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(292,873		)	(16,114		)	(101,608		)	—			(410,595		)
Acquisitions	—			(201,610		)	—			(114,200		)	—			(315,810		)
Investment in other long-term assets	—			—			—			(2,610		)	—			(2,610		)
Proceeds from sale or disposition	—			441,442			4,537			32,947			—			478,926
of assets
Increase in note receivable from	—			(95,711		)	—			—			—			(95,711		)
related party
Investment in subsidiaries	(337,123		)	(114,200		)	—			(34		)	451,357			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(337,123		)	(262,952		)	(11,577		)	(185,505		)	451,357			(345,800		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	—			2,621,025			—			—			—			2,621,025
Debt repayments	—			(2,470,355		)	(250,000		)	—			—			(2,720,355		)
Proceeds from note offering,	—			247,398			—			—			—			247,398
net of issuance costs
Proceeds from issuance of common	336,415			—			—			—			—			336,415
units, net of issuance costs
Contributions from general partner	7,121			—			—			—			—			7,121
Distributions to unitholders and	(365,279		)	(365,279		)	—			(16,567		)	381,846			(365,279		)
general partner
Payments for termination of	—			(5,678		)	—			—			—			(5,678		)
interest rate swaps
Contributions from	—			337,123			—			114,234			(451,357		)	—
(distributions to) affiliates
Net intercompany borrowings	2,254			(177,851		)	179,877			(4,272		)	(8		)	—
(repayments)
Other, net	(133		)	(9,845		)	—			—			—			(9,978		)
Net cash (used in) provided by	(19,622		)	176,538			(70,123		)	93,395			(69,519		)	110,669
financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate	—			1,179			—			854			—			2,033
changes on cash
Net increase in cash and	6,894			1,098			—			58,113			—			66,105
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	139			14			—			17,344			—			17,497
beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	$	7,033		$	1,112		$	—		$	75,457		$	—		$	83,602
end of the period

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	2014:00:00
	Revenues	$	849,213		$	749,745		$	794,422		$	681,738		$	3,075,118
	Operating income	$	81,103		$	89,354		$	95,098		$	81,346		$	346,901
	Income from continuing operations	$	42,996		$	57,187		$	59,117		$	54,869		$	214,169
	(Loss) income from discontinued	(3,359		)	(1,788		)	2,831			(1,475		)	(3,791		)
	operations, net of tax
	Net income	$	39,637		$	55,399		$	61,948		$	53,394		$	210,378
	Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited
	partners:
	Continuing operations	$	0.4		$	0.58		$	0.61		$	0.55		$	2.14
	Discontinued operations	(0.04		)	(0.02		)	0.03			(0.01		)	(0.04		)
	Total	$	0.36		$	0.56		$	0.64		$	0.54		$	2.1
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited	$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	4.38
	partners
	2013:00:00
	Revenues	$	998,186		$	902,014		$	778,145		$	785,387		$	3,463,732
	Operating income (loss)	$	63,358		$	76,972		$	68,751		$	(228,202	)	$	(19,121	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	19,599		$	34,712		$	35,682		$	(275,502	)	$	(185,509	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued	4,805			(1,743		)	(2,446		)	(99,778		)	(99,162		)
	operations, net of tax
	Net income (loss)	$	24,404		$	32,969		$	33,236		$	(375,280	)	$	(284,671	)
	Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited
	partners:
	Continuing operations	$	0.1		$	0.3		$	0.31		$	(3.60	)	$	(2.89	)
	Discontinued operations	0.07			(0.02		)	(0.03		)	(1.13		)	(1.11		)
	Total	$	0.17		$	0.28		$	0.28		$	(4.73	)	$	(4.00	)
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited	$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	4.38
	partners

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated operations of the Partnership and our subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests are separately disclosed on the financial statements. Inter-partnership balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The operations of certain pipelines and terminals in which we own an undivided interest are proportionately consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews their estimates based on currently available information. Management may revise estimates due to changes in facts and circumstances.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash is cash held in escrow restricted to use under certain contractual obligations. Restricted cash is included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable represent valid claims against non-affiliated customers for products sold or services rendered. We extend credit terms to certain customers after review of various credit indicators, including the customer’s credit rating. Outstanding customer receivable balances are regularly reviewed for possible non-payment indicators and allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded based upon management’s estimate of collectability at the time of their review.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consist of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and materials and supplies. Inventories, except those associated with a qualifying fair value hedge, are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost method. Our inventory, other than materials and supplies, consists of one end-product category, petroleum products, which we include in the fuels marketing segment. Accordingly, we determine lower of cost or market adjustments on an aggregate basis. Inventories associated with qualifying fair value hedges are valued at current market prices. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	We record additions to property, plant and equipment, including reliability and strategic capital expenditures, at cost.
	Reliability capital expenditures are capital expenditures to replace partially or fully depreciated assets to maintain the existing operating capacity of existing assets and extend their useful lives. Strategic capital expenditures are capital expenditures to expand or upgrade the operating capacity, increase efficiency or increase the earnings potential of existing assets, whether through construction or acquisition, along with certain capital expenditures related to support functions. Repair and maintenance costs associated with existing assets that are minor in nature and do not extend the useful life of existing assets are charged to operating expenses as incurred.
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Gains or losses on sales or other dispositions of property are recorded in income and are reported in “Other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of income. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the difference between the carrying value and the net proceeds is recognized in the year retired.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill acquired in a business combination is not amortized. Instead, we assess goodwill for impairment annually on October 1, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it might be impaired. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2014 and 2013, and we determined that no impairment charges resulted from our October 1, 2014 impairment assessment. See Note 11 for a discussion of the goodwill impairment recognized in 2013. As of October 1, 2012, based on our review of the qualitative factors present, we determined that a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not necessary, and no goodwill impairment had occurred.
	We calculate the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units using a weighted-average of values calculated using an income approach and a market approach. The income approach involved estimating the fair value of each reporting unit by discounting its estimated future cash flows using a discount rate, consistent with a market participant’s assumption. The market approach bases the fair value measurement on information obtained from observed stock prices of public companies and recent merger and acquisition transaction data of comparable entities.
	Our reporting units to which goodwill has been allocated consist of the following:
	•	crude oil pipelines;
	•	refined product pipelines;
	•	refined product terminals, excluding our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities; and
	•	bunkering activity at our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities.
	The quantitative impairment test for goodwill consists of a two-step process. Step 1 compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. The carrying value of each reporting unit equals the total identified assets (including goodwill) less the sum of each reporting unit’s identified liabilities. We used reasonable and supportable methods to assign the assets and liabilities to the appropriate reporting units in a consistent manner. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is a potential impairment and step 2 must be performed to determine the amount of goodwill impairment. Step 2 compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value using a hypothetical allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value. If the goodwill carrying value exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is reported as impairment.
	Intangible assets are recorded at cost and are assets that lack physical substance (excluding financial assets). Our intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 47 years.
Investment in Joint Ventures	Investment in Joint Ventures
	We account for our investment in the joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. We report our ownership interest in our equity method investments within “Investment in joint ventures” on the consolidated balance sheet and our portion of the results of operations for our equity method investments in “Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures” in the consolidated statements of income (loss). See Note 12 for a discussion of our investments in ST Linden Terminal, LLC and NuStar Asphalt LLC (now known as Axeon Specialty Products LLC, or Axeon).
Note Receivable from Related Party	Note Receivable from Related Party
	The note receivable from related party consisted of the amounts due to us from Axeon under a $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. We recognized interest income ratably over the term of the facility in “Interest income from related party” on the consolidated statements of income. Effective upon the sale of our remaining 50% ownership interest in Axeon, this revolving credit facility was converted into a term loan, and its carrying value is now included in “Other long-term assets” on the consolidated balance sheet. The revolving credit facility and term loan are both recorded at the outstanding principal amount, adjusted for equity losses from our investment in Axeon that exceeded the carrying value of our investment in Axeon, and for the fair value of guarantees issued on behalf of Axeon. We recognize interest income for the term loan ratably over the term of the loan in “Interest expense, net” on the consolidated statements of income (loss). See Note 5 and Note 19 for additional information on our agreements with Axeon.
Other Long-Term Assets	Other Long-Term Assets
	“Other long-term assets, net” primarily include the following:
	•	the term loan to Axeon (see Note 17 for additional information);
	•	funds deposited with a trustee related to revenue bonds issued by the Parish of St. James associated with our St. James terminal expansion (see Note 14 for additional information on the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds);
	•	ammonia pipeline linefill and tank heel inventory;
	•	deferred financing costs amortized over the life of the related debt obligation using the effective interest method; and
	•	long-term derivative assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investment in joint ventures, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We evaluate recoverability using undiscounted estimated net cash flows generated by the related asset or asset group. If the results of that evaluation indicate that the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset (i.e, the asset is not recoverable) we perform an impairment analysis. If our intent is to hold the asset for continued use, we determine the amount of impairment as the amount by which the net carrying value exceeds its fair value. If our intent is to sell the asset, and the criteria required to classify an asset as held for sale are met, we determine the amount of impairment as the amount by which the net carrying amount exceeds its fair value less costs to sell. We believe that the carrying amounts of our long-lived assets as of December 31, 2014 are recoverable. See Note 5 for a discussion of impairments of long-lived assets.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	Taxes Other than Income Taxes
	Taxes other than income taxes include liabilities for ad valorem taxes, franchise taxes, sales and use taxes, excise fees and taxes and value added taxes.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We are a limited partnership and generally are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Accordingly, our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from income or loss reported for financial reporting purposes, is generally included in the federal and state income tax returns of our partners. For transfers of publicly held units subsequent to our initial public offering, we have made an election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to adjust the common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our underlying assets to reflect the purchase price of the units. This results in an allocation of taxable income and expenses to the purchaser of the common units, including depreciation deductions and gains and losses on sales of assets, based upon the new unitholder’s purchase price for the common units.
	We conduct certain of our operations through taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries. We account for income taxes related to our taxable subsidiaries using the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred taxes using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	We recognize a tax position if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	NuStar Energy and certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, as well as for our major non-U.S. jurisdictions, tax years subject to examination are 2010 through 2013, according to standard statute of limitations.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations
	We record a liability for asset retirement obligations at the fair value of the estimated costs to retire a tangible long-lived asset at the time we incur that liability, which is generally when the asset is purchased, constructed or leased, when we have a legal obligation to incur costs to retire the asset and when a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the obligation can be made. If a reasonable estimate cannot be made at the time the liability is incurred, we record the liability when sufficient information is available to estimate the fair value.
	We have asset retirement obligations with respect to certain of our assets due to various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of those assets at the time they are retired. However, these assets can be used for an extended and indeterminate period of time as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is our practice and current intent to maintain our assets and continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, we believe that our assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any asset, we estimate the costs of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of these costs.
	We also have legal obligations in the form of leases and right-of-way agreements, which require us to remove certain of our assets upon termination of the agreement. However, these lease or right-of-way agreements generally contain automatic renewal provisions that extend our rights indefinitely or we have other legal means available to extend our rights. We have recorded a liability of approximately $0.8 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets, for conditional asset retirement obligations related to the retirement of terminal assets with lease and right-of-way agreements.
Environmental Remediation Costs	Environmental Remediation Costs
	Environmental remediation costs are expensed and an associated accrual established when site restoration and environmental remediation and cleanup obligations are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. These environmental obligations are based on estimates of probable undiscounted future costs over a 20-year time period using currently available technology and applying current regulations, as well as our own internal environmental policies. The environmental liabilities have not been reduced by possible recoveries from third parties. Environmental costs include initial site surveys, costs for remediation and restoration and ongoing monitoring costs, as well as fines, damages and other costs, when estimable. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded, from time to time, to reflect changing circumstances and estimates based upon additional information developed in subsequent periods.
Product Imbalances	Product Imbalances
	We incur product imbalances as a result of variances in pipeline meter readings and volume fluctuations within the East Pipeline system due to pressure and temperature changes. We use quoted market prices as of the reporting date to value our assets and liabilities related to product imbalances. Product imbalance liabilities are included in “Accrued liabilities” and product imbalance assets are included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues for the pipeline segment are derived from interstate and intrastate pipeline transportation of refined product, crude oil and anhydrous ammonia. Transportation revenues (based on pipeline tariffs) are recognized as the refined product, crude oil or anhydrous ammonia is delivered out of the pipelines.
	Revenues for the storage segment include fees for tank storage agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay for a certain amount of storage in a tank over a period of time (storage lease revenues), and throughput agreements, whereby a customer pays a fee per barrel for volumes moving through our terminals for which we charge additional fees (throughput revenues). Our terminals also provide blending, additive injections, handling and filtering services for which we charge additional fees. Certain of our facilities charge fees to provide marine services such as pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, emergency response services and other ship services. Storage lease revenues are recognized when services are provided to the customer. Throughput revenues are recognized as refined products or crude oil are received in or delivered out of our terminal and as crude oil and certain other refinery feedstocks are received by the related refinery. Revenues for marine services are recognized as those services are provided.
	Revenues from the sale of petroleum products, which are included in our fuels marketing segment, are recognized when product is delivered to the customer and title and risk pass to the customer.
	We collect taxes on certain revenue transactions to be remitted to governmental authorities, which may include sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. These taxes are not included in revenue.
Income Allocation	Income Allocation
	Our net income for each quarterly reporting period is first allocated to the general partner in an amount equal to the general partner’s incentive distribution calculated based upon the declared distribution for the respective reporting period. We allocate the remaining net income among the limited and general partners in accordance with their respective 98% and 2% interests.
Net Income per Unit Applicable to Limited Partners	Net Income per Unit Applicable to Limited Partners
	We have identified the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights as participating securities and use the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners, which is based on the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted net income per unit applicable to limited partners are the same as we have no potentially dilutive securities outstanding.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting partners’ equity that are excluded from net income, such as foreign currency translation adjustments and mark-to-market adjustments on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items. This process includes identification of the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness will be assessed. To qualify for hedge accounting, at inception of the hedge we assess whether the derivative instruments that are used in our hedging transactions are expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or the fair value of the hedged items. Throughout the designated hedge period and at least quarterly, we assess whether the derivative instruments are highly effective and continue to qualify for hedge accounting. To assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship both prospectively and retrospectively, we use regression analysis to calculate the correlation of the changes in the fair values of the derivative instrument and related hedged item.
	We record commodity derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We recognize mark-to-market adjustments for derivative instruments designated and qualifying as fair value hedges (Fair Value Hedges) and the related change in the fair value of the associated hedged physical inventory or firm commitment within “Cost of product sales.” For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges (Cash Flow Hedges), we record the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” (AOCI) until the underlying hedged forecasted transactions occur and are recognized in income. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in “Cost of product sales.” Once a hedged transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion from AOCI to “Cost of product sales.” If it becomes probable that a hedged transaction will not occur, then the associated gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to “Cost of product sales” immediately. For derivative instruments that have associated underlying physical inventory but do not qualify for hedge accounting (Economic Hedges and Other Derivatives), we record the mark-to-market adjustments in “Cost of product sales.”
	We terminated all forward-starting interest rate swaps during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Prior to December 31, 2013, we were a party to forward-starting interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of hedging the interest rate risk associated with forecasted interest payments of probable debt issuances. Under the terms of these swap agreements, we paid a fixed rate and received a variable rate. We entered into the swaps in order to hedge the risk of changes in the interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the period from the effective date of the swap to the issuance of the forecasted debt. We accounted for the forward-starting interest rate swaps as Cash Flow Hedges, and we recognized the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheets. We recorded the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of AOCI, and any hedge ineffectiveness was recognized immediately in “Interest expense, net.” The amount accumulated in AOCI is amortized into “Interest expense, net” as the forecasted interest payments occur or if the interest payments are probable not to occur.
	We classify cash flows associated with our derivative instruments as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows, except for receipts or payments associated with terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements, which are included in cash flows from financing activities.
	We terminated all fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps during the year ended December 31, 2012. Prior to December 31, 2012, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements associated with a portion of our fixed-rate senior notes. Under the terms of these swap agreements, we received a fixed rate and paid a variable rate that varied with each agreement. We accounted for the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as Fair Value Hedges and recognized the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheets. The interest rate swap agreements qualified for the shortcut method of accounting. As a result, changes in the fair value of the swaps completely offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt.
	Although we no longer enter into commodity derivatives without underlying physical inventory, in 2012 we entered into derivative commodity instruments based on our analysis of market conditions in order to attempt to profit from market fluctuations. These derivative instruments were financial positions entered into without underlying physical inventory and are not considered hedges. We recorded these derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value with mark-to-market adjustments recorded in “Product sales.”
	See Note 18 for additional information regarding our derivative financial instruments.
Operating Leases	Operating Leases
	We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the impact of both scheduled rent increases and free or reduced rents (commonly referred to as “rent holidays”).
Unit-based Compensation	Unit-based Compensation
	NuStar GP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar GP Holdings, has adopted various long-term incentive plans that provide the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC with the right to grant employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC providing services to NuStar Energy the right to receive NS common units. NuStar GP, LLC accounts for awards of NS common unit options, restricted units and performance awards at fair value as a derivative, whereby a liability for the award is recorded at inception. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the award are included in the determination of net income. NuStar GP, LLC determines the fair value of NS unit options using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. NuStar GP, LLC determines the fair value of NS restricted units and performance awards using the market price of NS common units at each reporting date. However, performance awards are earned only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure. NuStar GP, LLC records compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense recognized equals the current fair value of the percentage of the award that has vested. NuStar GP, LLC records compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options are exercised, and compensation expense related to NS restricted units until the date of vesting.
	NuStar GP Holdings has adopted a long-term incentive plan that provides the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP Holdings with the right to grant employees, consultants and directors of NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including NuStar GP, LLC, rights to receive NSH common units. NuStar GP Holdings accounts for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to its directors or employees of NuStar GP, LLC at fair value. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date, and the fair value of the NSH restricted unit equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. NuStar GP Holdings recognizes compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options ratably over the vesting period based on the fair value of the units at the grant date.
	Under these long-term incentive plans, certain awards provide that the grantee’s award vests immediately upon retirement. Compensation expense is recognized immediately if these awards are granted to retirement-eligible employees, as defined in each award.  In addition, if, during a vesting period of a grant, the grantee will become retirement-eligible, then compensation expense associated with the grant is recognized from the grant date through the grantee’s retirement eligibility date.
	We reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for the expenses resulting from grants of NS and NSH awards under our long-term incentive plans to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC. We include such compensation expense in “General and administrative expenses” on the consolidated statements of income. We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for the expense resulting from NSH awards to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings.
Margin Deposits	Margin Deposits
	Margin deposits relate to our exchange-traded derivative contracts and generally vary based on changes in the value of the contracts. Margin deposits are included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary is located, except for our subsidiaries located in St. Eustatius in the Caribbean (formerly the Netherlands Antilles), whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries with local functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and income and expense items are translated to U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the period. These translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in “Other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of income.

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The purchase price and purchase price allocation was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	Cash paid for the TexStar Asset Acquisition	$	315,810
	Fair value of liabilities assumed	9,600
	Purchase price	$	325,410
	Accounts receivable	$	537
	Property, plant and equipment	125,614
	Goodwill	131,359
	Intangible assets	67,900
	Purchase price allocation	$	325,410

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F1

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset [Table Text Block]	The Asphalt Operations asset impairment loss consisted of the following:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-12
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	232,759
	Intangible assets, net	6,564
	Other long-term assets, net	4,902
	Asset impairment loss	$	244,225
Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held For Sale by Asset [Table Text Block]	The impairment loss consisted of the following:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	68,213
	Intangible assets, net (customer relationships)	6,856
	Goodwill	27,460
	Asset impairment loss	$	102,529
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the results from discontinued operations for the terminal dispositions and the San Antonio Refinery:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Revenues	$	4,265		$	7,758		$	571,071
	Loss before income tax expense	$	(3,791	)	$	(106,033	)	$	(63,165	)

ALLOWANCE_FOR_DOUBTFUL_ACCOUNT1

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balance as of beginning of year	$	1,224		$	808		$	2,147
	Increase in allowance	7,649			1,039			27
	Accounts charged against the allowance, net of recoveries	(1,065		)	(625		)	(1,367		)
	Foreign currency translation	—			2			1
	Balance as of end of year	$	7,808		$	1,224		$	808

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory Table [Text Block]	Inventories consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Crude oil	$	3,527	$	6,485
	Finished products	43,206		123,656
	Materials and supplies	8,980		8,006
	Total	$	55,713	$	138,147

OTHER_CURRENT_ASSETS_Tables

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Other current assets [Table Text Block]	Other current assets consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Prepaid expenses	$	16,140	$	16,487
	Restricted cash	—		9,316
	Derivative assets	16,362		4,948
	Margin deposits	—		3,285
	Product advances	2,392		3,076
	Other	1,050		3,166
	Other current assets	$	35,944	$	40,278

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following:
		Estimated Useful Lives			December 31,
					2014			2013
		(Years)			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Land		—		$	120,351		$	129,731
	Land and leasehold improvements	5	-	40	160,283			142,122
	Buildings	15	-	40	134,857			133,531
	Pipelines, storage and terminals	20	-	40	3,963,134			3,787,499
	Rights-of-way	20	-	40	160,008			155,833
	Construction in progress		—		276,763			152,121
	Total				4,815,396			4,500,837
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization				(1,354,664		)	(1,190,184		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net				$	3,460,732		$	3,310,653

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Cost		Accumulated			Cost		Accumulated
				Amortization					Amortization
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Customer relationships	$	126,566	$	(69,711	)	$	127,614	$	(58,230	)
	Other	2,359		(544		)	2,359		(494		)
	Total	$	128,925	$	(70,255	)	$	129,973	$	(58,724	)
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
		Amortization Expense
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	2015	$	9,709
	2016	$	6,840
	2017	$	6,840
	2018	$	6,840
	2019	$	6,840

GOODWILL_Tables

GOODWILL (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows:
		Pipeline		Storage			Fuels			Total
							Marketing
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balances as of January 1, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	302,744	$	617,157		$	53,255		$	973,156
	Accumulated impairment losses	—		—			(22,132		)	(22,132		)
	Net goodwill	302,744		617,157			31,123			951,024
	Activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	TexStar Asset Acquisition final purchase price allocation	3,463		—			—			3,463
	Other (a)	—		(5,145		)	—			(5,145		)
	Impairment losses	—		(331,913		)	—			(331,913		)
	Balances as of December 31, 2013 and 2014:
	Goodwill	306,207		612,012			53,255			971,474
	Accumulated impairment losses	—		(331,913		)	(22,132		)	(354,045		)
	Net goodwill	$	306,207	$	280,099		$	31,123		$	617,429
	(a)	Includes foreign currency translation adjustments.

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Tables

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Derivative liabilities	$	4,623	$	2,233
	Employee wages and benefit costs	32,349		16,698
	Unearned income	10,884		8,225
	TexStar Asset Acquisition contingent consideration	—		1,318
	Other	13,169		10,158
	Accrued liabilities	$	61,025	$	38,632

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
						December 31,
		Maturity				2014			2013
						(Thousands of Dollars)
	$1.5 billion revolving credit agreement		2019			$	601,496		$	503,036
	4.75% senior notes		2022			250,000			250,000
	6.75% senior notes		2021			300,000			300,000
	4.80% senior notes		2020			450,000			450,000
	7.65% senior notes		2018			350,000			350,000
	7.625% subordinated notes		2043			402,500			402,500
	Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds	2038	thru	2041		365,440			365,440
	Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts		N/A			30,016			34,577
	Total long-term debt					$	2,749,452		$	2,655,553
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The long-term debt repayments are due as follows (in thousands):
	2015 - 2017	$	—
	2018	350,000
	2019	601,496
	Thereafter	1,767,940
	Total repayments	2,719,436
	Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts	30,016
	Total long-term debt	$	2,749,452
Schedule of GoZone Bonds [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2014:
	Date Issued		Maturity Date		Amount			Amount of			Amount Received from		Amount Remaining in		Average Annual
					Outstanding			Letter of			Trustee		Trust		Interest Rate
								Credit
					(Thousands of Dollars)
	June 26, 2008		June 1, 2038		$	55,440		$	56,169		$	55,440	$	—	0.1	%
	July 15, 2010		July 1, 2040		100,000			101,315			100,000		—		0.1	%
	October 7, 2010		October 1, 2040		50,000			50,658			35,760		14,240		0.1	%
	December 29, 2010		December 1, 2040		85,000			86,118			27,689		57,311		0.1	%
	August 29, 2011		August 1, 2041		75,000			75,986			75,000		—		0.1	%
			Total		$	365,440		$	370,246		$	293,889	$	71,551

HEALTH_SAFETY_AND_ENVIRONMENTA1

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Schedule of Environmental Accrual Rollforward [Table Text Block]	The balance of and changes in the accruals for environmental matters were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balance as of the beginning of year	$	6,233		$	13,451
	Additions to accrual	3,292			3,623
	Payments	(2,878		)	(2,940		)
	San Antonio Refinery Sale	—			(7,910		)
	Foreign currency translation	(49		)	9
	Balance as of the end of year	$	6,598		$	6,233
Environmental Accruals By Balance Sheet Location [Table Text Block]	Accruals for environmental matters are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Accrued liabilities	$	3,518		$	3,299
	Other long-term liabilities	3,080			2,934
	Accruals for environmental matters	$	6,598		$	6,233

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Operating Leases and Purchase Obligations [Table Text Block]	Future minimum rental payments applicable to all noncancellable operating leases and purchase obligations as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Payments Due by Period
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		There-		Total
												after
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Operating leases	$	30,179	$	26,135	$	21,885	$	19,536	$	13,297	$	66,635	$	177,667
	Purchase obligations	6,294		3,880		694		216		—		—		11,084

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]	The following assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Assets:
	Other current assets:
	Product imbalances	$	117		$	—		$	—		$	117
	Commodity derivatives	11,009			5,353			—			16,362
	Total	$	11,126		$	5,353		$	—		$	16,479
	Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities:
	Product imbalances	$	(1,388	)	$	—		$	—		$	(1,388	)
	Commodity derivatives	—			(4,623		)	—			(4,623		)
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Guarantee liability	—			—			(580		)	(580		)
	Total	$	(1,388	)	$	(4,623	)	$	(580	)	$	(6,591	)
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Assets:
	Other current assets:
	Product imbalances	$	1,980		$	—		$	—		$	1,980
	Commodity derivatives	—			4,948			—			4,948
	Other long-term assets, net:
	Commodity derivatives	—			6,977			—			6,977
	Total	$	1,980		$	11,925		$	—		$	13,905
	Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities:
	Product imbalances	$	(2,190	)	$	—		$	—		$	(2,190	)
	Commodity derivatives	(1,433		)	(800		)	—			(2,233		)
	Contingent consideration	—			—			(1,318		)	(1,318		)
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives	—			(1,575		)	—			(1,575		)
	Guarantee liability	—			—			(1,880		)	(1,880		)
	Total	$	(3,623	)	$	(2,375	)	$	(3,198	)	$	(9,196	)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity in our Level 3 liabilities:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Beginning balance	$	3,198
	Amounts settled	(870		)
	Adjustment to guarantee liability	(1,300		)
	Changes in fair value recorded in earnings:
	Operating expenses	(448		)
	Ending balance	$	580
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Debt and Note Receivable [Text Block]	The estimated fair values and carrying amounts of the debt and note receivable were as follows:
		31-Dec-14						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Long-term debt	$	2,764,242		$	2,749,452		$	2,636,734		$	2,655,553
	Note receivable from Axeon	$	164,386		$	169,235		$	133,416		$	165,440

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN1

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block]	The fair values of our derivative instruments included in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
				Asset Derivatives								Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Location		December 31,
				2014				2013				2014				2013
				(Thousands of Dollars)
	Derivatives Designated as
	Hedging Instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Other current assets		$	5,609			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Commodity contracts	Accrued liabilities		—				—				—				(130		)
	Total			5,609				—				—				(130		)
	Derivatives Not Designated
	as Hedging Instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Other current assets		38,704				16,168				(27,951		)		(11,220		)
	Commodity contracts	Other long-term assets, net		—				15,883				—				(8,906		)
	Commodity contracts	Accrued liabilities		13,081				4,523				(17,704		)		(6,626		)
	Commodity contracts	Other long-term liabilities		—				5,448				—				(7,023		)
	Total			51,785				42,022				(45,655		)		(33,775		)
	Total Derivatives			$	57,394			$	42,022			$	(45,655	)		$	(33,905	)
Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block]	The following are the net amounts presented on the consolidated balance sheets:
			December 31,
	Commodity Contracts		2014				2013
			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Net amounts of assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets		$	16,362			$	11,925
	Net amounts of liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets		$	(4,623	)		$	(3,808	)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block]	The earnings impact of our derivative activity was as follows:
	Derivatives Designated as Fair		Income Statement		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
	Value Hedging Instruments		Location		in Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)				on Hedged Item				(Ineffective Portion)
					(Thousands of Dollars)
	Year ended December 31, 2014:
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	21,951			$	(21,587	)		$	364
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	3,964			$	(6,327	)		$	(2,363	)
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps		Interest expense, net		$	17,345			$	(17,345	)		$	—
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		(10,505		)		12,139				1,634
	Total				$	6,840			$	(5,206	)		$	1,634
	Derivatives Designated as Cash		Amount of Gain				Income Statement		Amount of Gain				Amount of Gain (Loss)
	Flow Hedging Instruments		(Loss) Recognized				Location (a)		(Loss) Reclassified from				Recognized in Income on
			in OCI on Derivative						Accumulated OCI				Derivative
			(Effective Portion)						into Income				(Ineffective Portion)
									(Effective Portion)
			(Thousands of Dollars)						(Thousands of Dollars)
	Year ended December 31, 2014:
	Interest rate swaps		$	—			Interest expense, net		$	(10,663	)		$	—
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Interest rate swaps		$	7,213			Interest expense, net		$	(7,570	)		$	—
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(17,069	)		Interest expense, net		$	(1,749	)		$	—
	Commodity contracts		(77,200		)		Loss from discontinued operations		(51,483		)		4,010
	Total		$	(94,269	)				$	(53,232	)		$	4,010
	(a)	Amounts are included in specified location for both the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) and the gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion).
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments		Income Statement Location		Amount of Gain (Loss)
					Recognized in Income
					(Thousands of Dollars)
	Year ended December 31, 2014:
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	18,407
	Year ended December 31, 2013:
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		$	(5,323	)
	Commodity contracts		Loss from discontinued operations		(218		)
	Total				$	(5,541	)
	Year ended December 31, 2012:
	Commodity contracts		Revenues		$	(7,654	)
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product sales		20,138
	Commodity contracts		Loss from discontinued operations		6,176
	Total				$	18,660

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Revenues	$	929	$	14,897	$	1,990
	Operating expenses	$	125,736	$	122,677	$	133,654
	General and administrative expenses	$	66,910	$	58,602	$	62,490
	Interest income	$	1,055	$	6,113	$	1,219
	Revenues included in discontinued operations, net of tax	$	528	$	3,720	$	3,390
	Expenses included in discontinued operations, net of tax	$	1,680	$	6,051	$	14,328

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_AND_LON1

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	The number of awards granted under the above-described plans were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014					2013			2012
		Granted		Vesting			Granted		Vesting	Granted	Vesting
	2000 LTIP:
	Performance awards	28,841		(a)			38,786		(a)	33,445	(a)
	Restricted units (b)	208,714		1/5 per year			269,182		1/5 per year	231,855	1/5 per year
	Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC)	7,009		1/3 per year			8,904		1/3 per year	8,170	1/3 per year
	UIP:
	Restricted units (c)	—		—			—		—	15,382	1/5 per year
	2006 LTIP:
	Restricted units	16,895		1/5 per year			18,620		1/5 per year	25,640	1/5 per year
	Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings) (d)	8,911		1/3 per year			13,183		1/3 per year	10,601	1/3 per year
	(a)	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.
	(b)	The 2000 LTIP restricted unit grants include 2,844 and 3,882 restricted unit awards granted to certain international employees for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that vest 1/3 per year, as defined in the award agreements.
	(c)	The UIP restricted unit grants include 3,392 restricted unit awards granted to certain international employees for the year ended December 31, 2012, that vest 1/3 per year, as defined in the award agreements.
	(d)	We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for compensation expense relating to these awards.
Schedule of Compensation Expense for Long Term Incentive Plans and Benefit Plans [Table Text Block]	Our share of compensation expense related to the benefit plans and long-term incentive plans sponsored by NuStar GP, LLC described above is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Benefit plans	$	11,385		$	27,741		$	32,003
	Long-term incentive plans	$	10,934		$	7,369		$	5,831

OTHER_INCOME_EXPENSE_Tables

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income (Expense)	Other income (expense) consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Foreign exchange gains (losses)	$	2,057	$	7,707		$	(1,429	)
	Gain (loss) from sale or disposition of assets	642		(524		)	(1,522		)
	Loss on deconsolidation of Axeon	—		—			(23,800		)
	Other, net	1,800		158			2,062
	Other income (expense), net	$	4,499	$	7,341		$	(24,689	)

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Tables

PARTNERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partners' Capital Notes [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The balance of and changes in the components included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” were as follows:
		Foreign				Cash Flow Hedges			Total
		Currency
		Translation
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	(3,925	)		$	(23,482	)	$	(27,407	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9,579				(94,269		)	(84,690		)
	Net loss reclassified into interest expense, net	—				1,749			1,749
	Net loss reclassified into loss from discontinued operations	—				51,483			51,483
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	9,579				(41,037		)	(31,458		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	5,654				(64,519		)	(58,865		)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(19,312		)		7,213			(12,099		)
	Net loss reclassified into interest expense, net	—				7,570			7,570
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	(19,312		)		14,783			(4,529		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	(13,658		)		(49,736		)	(63,394		)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(15,181		)		—			(15,181		)
	Net loss reclassified into interest expense, net	—				10,663			10,663
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	(15,181		)		10,663			(4,518		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(28,839	)		$	(39,073	)	$	(67,912	)
Schedule of Calculation of Net Income Applicable to General Partner [Text Block]	The following table details the calculation of net income applicable to the general partner:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$	210,773			$	(273,770	)	$	(226,616	)
	Less general partner incentive distribution	43,220				43,220			41,242
	Net income (loss) after general partner incentive distribution	167,553				(316,990		)	(267,858		)
	General partner interest	2		%		2		%	2		%
	General partner allocation of net income (loss) after general partner	3,352				(6,338		)	(5,356		)
	incentive distribution
	General partner incentive distribution	43,220				43,220			41,242
	Net income applicable to general partner	$	46,572			$	36,882		$	35,886
Schedule of Distribution Waterfall [Table Text Block]	Our general partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount we distribute with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:
			Percentage of Distribution
	Quarterly Distribution Amount per Unit		Unitholders		General Partner
	Up to $0.60		98%		2%
	Above $0.60 up to $0.66		90%		10%
	Above $0.66		75%		25%
Schedule of Distributions To General and Limited Partners [Text Block]	The following table reflects the allocation of total cash distributions to our general and limited partners applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	General partner interest	$	7,844			$	7,844		$	7,486
	General partner incentive distribution	43,220				43,220			41,242
	Total general partner distribution	51,064				51,064			48,728
	Limited partners’ distribution	341,140				341,140			325,526
	Total cash distributions	$	392,204			$	392,204		$	374,254
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$	4.38			$	4.38		$	4.38
Distributions Made To Limited And General Partners By Distribution [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information related to our quarterly cash distributions:
	Quarter Ended		Cash Distributions Per Unit				Total Cash Distributions (Thousands of Dollars)			Record Date		Payment Date
	December 31, 2014 (a)		$	1.095			$	98,051		February 9, 2015		February 13, 2015
	30-Sep-14		$	1.095			$	98,051		November 10, 2014		November 14, 2014
	30-Jun-14		$	1.095			$	98,051		August 6, 2014		August 11, 2014
	31-Mar-14		$	1.095			$	98,051		May 7, 2014		May 12, 2014
	(a)	The distribution was announced on January 30, 2015.

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_UNIT_Table

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER UNIT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Income Per Unit [Text Block]	The following table details the calculation of earnings per unit:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$	210,773		$	(273,770	)	$	(226,616	)
	Less general partner distribution (including incentive distribution rights)	51,064			51,064			48,728
	Less limited partner distribution	341,140			341,140			325,526
	Distributions greater than earnings	$	(181,431	)	$	(665,974	)	$	(600,870	)
	General partner earnings:
	Distributions	$	51,064		$	51,064		$	48,728
	Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (2%)	(3,630		)	(13,318		)	(12,019		)
	Total	$	47,434		$	37,746		$	36,709
	Limited partner earnings:
	Distributions	$	341,140		$	341,140		$	325,526
	Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (98%)	(177,801		)	(652,656		)	(588,851		)
	Total	$	163,339		$	(311,516	)	$	(263,325	)
	Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding	77,886,078			77,886,078			72,957,417
	Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners	$	2.1		$	(4.00	)	$	(3.61	)

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]	Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Decrease (increase) in current assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	72,298		$	107,209		$	160,435
	Receivable from related parties	50,918			58,692			(113,018		)
	Inventories	82,075			31,975			112,589
	Income tax receivable	(24		)	414			2,921
	Other current assets	3,809			25,725			(26,050		)
	Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	(153,671		)	(96,330		)	(43,451		)
	Payable to related party	837			6,922			(5,339		)
	Accrued interest payable	303			9,370			(6,092		)
	Accrued liabilities	22,980			(32,452		)	11,259
	Taxes other than income tax	4,341			(87		)	(2,444		)
	Income tax payable	(1,448		)	1,338			(563		)
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities	$	82,418		$	112,776		$	90,247
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Text Block]	Cash flows related to interest and income taxes were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized	$	129,377		$	113,805		$	110,679
	Cash paid for income taxes, net of tax refunds received	$	6,699		$	11,386		$	21,032

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Components of income tax expense related to certain of our continuing operations conducted through separate taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Current:
	U.S.	$	(182	)	$	3,098		$	4,416
	Foreign	7,516			9,273			16,480
	Total current	7,334			12,371			20,896
	Deferred:
	U.S.	1,889			1,687			7,494
	Foreign	1,578			(1,305		)	(3,940		)
	Total deferred	3,467			382			3,554
	Total income tax expense	$	10,801		$	12,753		$	24,450
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating losses	$	35,698		$	28,945
	Environmental and legal reserves	664			433
	Allowance for bad debt	1,261			—
	Other	1,827			1,772
	Total deferred income tax assets	39,450			31,150
	Less: Valuation allowance	(14,532		)	(12,237		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	24,918			18,913
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	(47,797		)	(40,494		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	(22,879	)	$	(21,581	)
	Reported on the consolidated balance sheets as:
	Deferred income tax asset	$	4,429		$	5,769
	Deferred income tax liability	(27,308		)	(27,350		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	(22,879	)	$	(21,581	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block]	Results of operations for the reportable segments were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Revenues:
	Pipeline:
	Third parties	$	477,030		$	411,529		$	340,455
	Storage:
	Third parties	537,142			518,253			517,699
	Intersegment	26,435			32,044			59,168
	Related party	929			6,252			1,199
	Total storage	564,506			556,549			578,066
	Fuels marketing:
	Third parties	2,060,017			2,519,053			5,085,592
	Related party	—			8,645			791
	Total fuels marketing	2,060,017			2,527,698			5,086,383
	Consolidation and intersegment eliminations	(26,435		)	(32,044		)	(59,168		)
	Total revenues	$	3,075,118		$	3,463,732		$	5,945,736
	Depreciation and amortization expense:
	Pipeline	$	77,691		$	68,871		$	52,878
	Storage	103,848			99,868			88,217
	Fuels marketing	16			27			11,253
	Total segment depreciation and amortization expense	181,555			168,766			152,348
	Other depreciation and amortization expense	10,153			10,155			7,441
	Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	191,708		$	178,921		$	159,789
	Operating income (loss):
	Pipeline	$	245,233		$	208,293		$	158,590
	Storage	183,104			(127,484		)	198,842
	Fuels marketing	24,805			(126		)	(296,785		)
	Consolidation and intersegment eliminations	(32		)	1,437			7,939
	Total segment operating income	453,110			82,120			68,586
	Less general and administrative expenses	96,056			91,086			104,756
	Less other depreciation and amortization expense	10,153			10,155			7,441
	Other asset impairment loss	—			—			3,295
	Gain on legal settlement	—			—			(28,738		)
	Total operating income (loss)	$	346,901		$	(19,121	)	$	(18,168	)
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	Revenues by geographic area are shown in the table below.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	United States	$	2,276,609		$	2,340,694		$	4,230,607
	Netherlands	705,207			1,027,260			1,438,297
	Other	93,302			95,778			276,832
	Consolidated revenues	$	3,075,118		$	3,463,732		$	5,945,736
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Total amounts of property, plant and equipment, net by geographic area were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	United States	$	2,809,462		$	2,635,792
	Netherlands	451,564			467,660
	Other	199,706			207,201
	Consolidated long-lived assets	$	3,460,732		$	3,310,653
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information Assets By Segment [Text Block]	Total assets by reportable segment were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Pipeline	$	1,962,821		$	1,797,698
	Storage	2,241,573			2,275,183
	Fuels marketing	227,642			445,882
	Total segment assets	4,432,036			4,518,763
	Other partnership assets	486,760			513,423
	Total consolidated assets	$	4,918,796		$	5,032,186
Schedule of Capital Expenditures, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Capital expenditures, including acquisitions and investments in other noncurrent assets, by reportable segment were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Pipeline	$	244,713		$	165,096		$	493,028
	Storage	108,457			170,637			161,672
	Fuels marketing	—			69			20,333
	Other partnership assets	3,795			7,518			53,982
	Total capital expenditures	$	356,965		$	343,320		$	729,015

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	December 31, 2014
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	923		$	6		$	—		$	86,983		$	—		$	87,912
	Receivables, net	—			47,038			18,347			143,093			—			208,478
	Inventories	—			1,998			3,768			49,989			(42		)	55,713
	Other current assets	—			10,403			418			25,239			(116		)	35,944
	Assets held for sale	—			—			—			1,100			—			1,100
	Intercompany receivable	—			1,438,675			—			—			(1,438,675		)	—
	Total current assets	923			1,498,120			22,533			306,404			(1,438,833		)	389,147
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			1,820,126			559,808			1,080,798			—			3,460,732
	Intangible assets, net	—			55,801			—			2,869			—			58,670
	Goodwill	—			149,453			170,652			297,324			—			617,429
	Investment in wholly owned	2,289,673			37,179			910,394			913,343			(4,150,589		)	—
	subsidiaries
	Investment in joint venture	—			—			—			74,223			—			74,223
	Deferred income tax asset	—			—			—			4,429			—			4,429
	Other long-term assets, net	673			279,058			26,329			8,106			—			314,166
	Total assets	$	2,291,269		$	3,839,737		$	1,689,716		$	2,687,496		$	(5,589,422	)	$	4,918,796
	Liabilities and Partners’ Equity
	Payables	$	—		$	60,687		$	8,211		$	108,286		$	—		$	177,184
	Short-term debt	—			77,000			—			—			—			77,000
	Accrued interest payable	—			33,340			—			5			—			33,345
	Accrued liabilities	862			32,178			6,965			21,020			—			61,025
	Taxes other than income tax	125			7,896			3,099			3,001			—			14,121
	Income tax payable	—			—			4			2,629			(116		)	2,517
	Intercompany payable	506,160			—			751,023			181,492			(1,438,675		)	—
	Total current liabilities	507,147			211,101			769,302			316,433			(1,438,791		)	365,192
	Long-term debt	—			2,749,452			—			—			—			2,749,452
	Long-term payable to related party	—			28,094			—			5,443			—			33,537
	Deferred income tax liability	—			528			22			26,758			—			27,308
	Other long-term liabilities	—			13,681			6,963			6,453			—			27,097
	Total partners’ equity	1,784,122			836,881			913,429			2,332,409			(4,150,631		)	1,716,210
	Total liabilities and	$	2,291,269		$	3,839,737		$	1,689,716		$	2,687,496		$	(5,589,422	)	$	4,918,796
	partners’ equity
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	December 31, 2013
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	904		$	22,307		$	—		$	77,532		$	—		$	100,743
	Receivables, net	—			87,899			13,281			231,220			(6		)	332,394
	Inventories	—			2,083			2,879			133,195			(10		)	138,147
	Other current assets	—			18,109			2,334			19,835			—			40,278
	Assets held for sale	—			—			—			21,987			—			21,987
	Intercompany receivable	—			1,521,552			—			—			(1,521,552		)	—
	Total current assets	904			1,651,950			18,494			483,769			(1,521,568		)	633,549
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			1,556,893			573,694			1,180,066			—			3,310,653
	Intangible assets, net	—			16,993			—			54,256			—			71,249
	Goodwill	—			149,453			170,652			297,324			—			617,429
	Investment in wholly owned	2,469,331			177,961			860,787			918,339			(4,426,418		)	—
	subsidiaries
	Investment in joint ventures	—			—			—			68,735			—			68,735
	Deferred income tax asset	—			—			—			5,769			—			5,769
	Note receivable from related	—			165,440			—			—			—			165,440
	party, net
	Other long-term assets, net	611			118,254			26,331			14,166			—			159,362
	Total assets	$	2,470,846		$	3,836,944		$	1,649,958		$	3,022,424		$	(5,947,986	)	$	5,032,186
	Liabilities and Partners’ Equity
	Payables	$	123		$	84,533		$	7,517		$	214,909		$	(6	)	$	307,076
Accrued interest payable	—			33,066			—			47			—			33,113
Accrued liabilities	585			18,850			6,133			13,064			—			38,632
Taxes other than income tax	125			6,272			2,873			475			—			9,745
Income tax payable	—			618			6			3,382			—			4,006
Intercompany payable	504,483			—			714,847			302,222			(1,521,552		)	—
Total current liabilities	505,316			143,339			731,376			534,099			(1,521,558		)	392,572
Long-term debt	—			2,655,553			—			—			—			2,655,553
Long-term payable to related party	—			35,696			—			5,443			—			41,139
Deferred income tax liability	—			—			—			27,350			—			27,350
Other long-term liabilities	—			4,961			306			6,511			—			11,778
Total partners’ equity	1,965,530			997,395			918,276			2,449,021			(4,426,428		)	1,903,794
Total liabilities and	$	2,470,846		$	3,836,944		$	1,649,958		$	3,022,424		$	(5,947,986	)	$	5,032,186
partners’ equity
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	510,833		$	229,211		$	2,344,750		$	(9,676	)	$	3,075,118
	Costs and expenses	1,753			287,614			149,955			2,298,540			(9,645		)	2,728,217
	Operating (loss) income	(1,753		)	223,219			79,256			46,210			(31		)	346,901
	Equity in earnings (loss)	212,527			(12,798		)	62,946			142,238			(404,913		)	—
	of subsidiaries
	Equity in (loss) earnings of	—			(8,278		)	—			13,074			—			4,796
	joint ventures
	Interest (expense) income, net	—			(132,274		)	89			959			—			(131,226		)
	Other income (expense), net	—			511			(37		)	4,025			—			4,499
	Income from continuing	210,774			70,380			142,254			206,506			(404,944		)	224,970
	operations before income
	tax expense
	Income tax expense	1			5			23			10,772			—			10,801
	Income from continuing	210,773			70,375			142,231			195,734			(404,944		)	214,169
	operations
	Loss from discontinued	—			(169		)	—			(3,622		)	—			(3,791		)
	operations, net of tax
	Net income	210,773			70,206			142,231			192,112			(404,944		)	210,378
	Less net loss attributable to	—			—			—			(395		)	—			(395		)
	noncontrolling interest
	Net income attributable to	$	210,773		$	70,206		$	142,231		$	192,507		$	(404,944	)	$	210,773
	NuStar Energy L.P.
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	415,128		$	218,591		$	2,864,160		$	(34,147	)	$	3,463,732
	Costs and expenses	1,908			242,743			147,117			3,125,253			(34,168		)	3,482,853
	Operating (loss) income	(1,908		)	172,385			71,474			(261,093		)	21			(19,121		)
	Equity in (loss) earnings	(271,862		)	16,531			(347,808		)	(281,327		)	884,466			—
	of subsidiaries
	Equity in (loss) earnings of	—			(49,599		)	—			9,629			—			(39,970		)
	joint ventures
	Interest (expense) income, net	—			(116,624		)	(4,851		)	469			—			(121,006		)
	Other (expense) income, net	—			(115		)	(127		)	7,583			—			7,341
	(Loss) income from continuing	(273,770		)	22,578			(281,312		)	(524,739		)	884,487			(172,756		)
	operations before income
	tax expense
	Income tax expense	—			579			8			12,166			—			12,753
	(Loss) income from continuing	(273,770		)	21,999			(281,320		)	(536,905		)	884,487			(185,509		)
	operations
	Loss from discontinued	—			(12,317		)	—			(86,845		)	—			(99,162		)
	operations, net of tax
	Net (loss) income	(273,770		)	9,682			(281,320		)	(623,750		)	884,487			(284,671		)
	Less net loss attributable to	—			—			—			(10,901		)	—			(10,901		)
	noncontrolling interest
	Net (loss) income attributable to	$	(273,770	)	$	9,682		$	(281,320	)	$	(612,849	)	$	884,487		$	(273,770	)
	NuStar Energy L.P.
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	362,451		$	210,712		$	5,397,626		$	(25,053	)	$	5,945,736
	Costs and expenses	1,699			216,159			151,185			5,620,326			(25,465		)	5,963,904
	Operating (loss) income	(1,699		)	146,292			59,527			(222,700		)	412			(18,168		)
	Equity in (loss) earnings	(224,917		)	(361,830		)	65,505			112,818			408,424			—
	of subsidiaries
Equity in (loss) earnings of	—			(16,117		)	—			6,739			—			(9,378		)
joint ventures
Interest expense, net	—			(76,311		)	(12,546		)	(459		)	—			(89,316		)
Other (expense) income, net	—			(26,596		)	1,679			228			—			(24,689		)
(Loss) income from continuing	(226,616		)	(334,562		)	114,165			(103,374		)	408,836			(141,551		)
operations before income
tax expense
Income tax expense	—			255			1,329			22,866			—			24,450
(Loss) income from continuing	(226,616		)	(334,817		)	112,836			(126,240		)	408,836			(166,001		)
operations
Loss from discontinued	—			(2,085		)	—			(58,765		)	(386		)	(61,236		)
operations, net of tax
Net (loss) income	(226,616		)	(336,902		)	112,836			(185,005		)	408,450			(227,237		)
Less net loss attributable to	—			—			—			(621		)	—			(621		)
noncontrolling interest
Net (loss) income attributable to	$	(226,616	)	$	(336,902	)	$	112,836		$	(184,384	)	$	408,450		$	(226,616	)
NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Net income	$	210,773		$	70,206		$	142,231		$	192,112		$	(404,944	)	$	210,378
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign currency translation	—			3,723			—			(19,337		)	—			(15,614		)
	adjustment
	Net loss reclassified into	—			10,663			—			—			—			10,663
	income on cash flow hedges
	Total other comprehensive income	—			14,386			—			(19,337		)	—			(4,951		)
	(loss)
	Comprehensive income	210,773			84,592			142,231			172,775			(404,944		)	205,427
	Less comprehensive loss	—			—			—			(828		)	—			(828		)
	attributable to noncontrolling interest
	Comprehensive income	$	210,773		$	84,592		$	142,231		$	173,603		$	(404,944	)	$	206,255
	attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Net (loss) income	$	(273,770	)	$	9,682		$	(281,320	)	$	(623,750	)	$	884,487		$	(284,671	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign currency translation	—			(3,090		)	—			(16,274		)	—			(19,364		)
	adjustment
	Net unrealized gain on cash	—			7,213			—			—			—			7,213
	flow hedges
	Net loss reclassified into	—			7,570			—			—			—			7,570
	income on cash flow hedges
	Total other comprehensive	—			11,693			—			(16,274		)	—			(4,581		)
	income (loss)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	(273,770		)	21,375			(281,320		)	(640,024		)	884,487			(289,252		)
	Less comprehensive loss	—			—			—			(10,953		)	—			(10,953		)
	attributable to noncontrolling interest
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(273,770	)	$	21,375		$	(281,320	)	$	(629,071	)	$	884,487		$	(278,299	)
	attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Net (loss) income	$	(226,616	)	$	(336,902	)	$	112,836		$	(185,005	)	$	408,450		$	(227,237	)
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Foreign currency translation	—			—			—			10,677			—			10,677
	adjustment
	Net unrealized loss on cash	—			(17,069		)	—			(77,200		)	—			(94,269		)
	flow hedges
	Net loss reclassified into	—			1,749			—			51,483			—			53,232
	income on cash flow hedges
	Total other comprehensive loss	—			(15,320		)	—			(15,040		)	—			(30,360		)
	Comprehensive (loss) income	(226,616		)	(352,222		)	112,836			(200,045		)	408,450			(257,597		)
	Less comprehensive income	—			—			—			477			—			477
	attributable to noncontrolling interest
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(226,616	)	$	(352,222	)	$	112,836		$	(200,522	)	$	408,450		$	(258,074	)
	attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by operating	$	390,543		$	221,422		$	111,931		$	333,936		$	(539,309	)	$	518,523
	activities
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(273,785		)	(14,625		)	(68,555		)	—			(356,965		)
	Change in accounts payable	—			8,741			789			(4,627		)	—			4,903
	related to capital expenditures
	Proceeds from sale or disposition	—			651			22			25,339			—			26,012
	of assets
	Increase in note receivable from	—			(13,328		)	—			—			—			(13,328		)
	related party
	Investment in subsidiaries	(23		)	—			13,340			—			(13,317		)	—
	Other, net	23			(45		)	—			(831		)	—			(853		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(277,766		)	(474		)	(48,674		)	(13,317		)	(340,231		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Debt borrowings	—			1,318,619			—			—			—			1,318,619
	Debt repayments	—			(1,121,670		)	—			—			—			(1,121,670		)
	Distributions to unitholders and	(392,204		)	(245,127		)	(147,077		)	(147,105		)	539,309			(392,204		)
	general partner
	Contributions from	—			—			—			(13,340		)	13,340			—
	(distributions to) affiliates
	Net intercompany borrowings	1,680			83,387			35,620			(120,687		)	—			—
	(repayments)
	Other, net	—			(1,166		)	—			8,259			(23		)	7,070
	Net cash (used in) provided by	(390,524		)	34,043			(111,457		)	(272,873		)	552,626			(188,185		)
	financing activities
	Effect of foreign exchange rate	—			—			—			(2,938		)	—			(2,938		)
	changes on cash
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and	19			(22,301		)	—			9,451			—			(12,831		)
	cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents as of the	904			22,307			—			77,532			—			100,743
	beginning of the period
	Cash and cash equivalents as of the	$	923		$	6		$	—		$	86,983		$	—		$	87,912
	end of the period
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Thousands of Dollars)
		NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
	Net cash provided by operating	$	390,002		$	210,742		$	84,490		$	192,228		$	(392,243	)	$	485,219
	activities
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(224,798		)	(19,049		)	(99,473		)	—			(343,320		)
	Change in accounts payable	—			(9,700		)	824			3,492			—			(5,384		)
	related to capital expenditures
	Proceeds from sale or disposition	—			118,806			35			165			—			119,006
	of assets
	Increase in note receivable from	—			(80,961		)	—			—			—			(80,961		)
	related party
	Investment in subsidiaries	(302		)	527			—			3			(228		)	—
	Other, net	302			(604		)	—			—			—			(302		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(196,730		)	(18,190		)	(95,813		)	(228		)	(310,961		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Debt borrowings	—			1,738,451			—			—			—			1,738,451
	Debt repayments	—			(1,866,282		)	(250,000		)	(34,461		)	—			(2,150,743		)
	Proceeds from note offerings,	—			686,863			—			—			—			686,863
	net of issuance costs
	Distributions to unitholders and	(392,204		)	(392,204		)	—			(39		)	392,243			(392,204		)
	general partner
	Payments for termination of	—			(33,697		)	—			—			—			(33,697		)
interest rate swaps
Contributions from	—			302			—			(530		)	228			—
(distributions to) affiliates
Net intercompany (repayments)	(3,880		)	(128,277		)	183,700			(51,543		)	—			—
borrowings
Other, net	(47		)	2,027			—			—			—			1,980
Net cash (used in) provided by	(396,131		)	7,183			(66,300		)	(86,573		)	392,471			(149,350		)
financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate	—			—			—			(7,767		)	—			(7,767		)
changes on cash
Net (decrease) increase in cash and	(6,129		)	21,195			—			2,075			—			17,141
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	7,033			1,112			—			75,457			—			83,602
beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	$	904		$	22,307		$	—		$	77,532		$	—		$	100,743
end of the period
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar			NuStar			NuPOP			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Energy			Logistics						Subsidiaries
Net cash provided by operating	$	363,639		$	86,333		$	81,700		$	149,369		$	(381,838	)	$	299,203
activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(292,873		)	(16,114		)	(101,608		)	—			(410,595		)
Acquisitions	—			(201,610		)	—			(114,200		)	—			(315,810		)
Investment in other long-term assets	—			—			—			(2,610		)	—			(2,610		)
Proceeds from sale or disposition	—			441,442			4,537			32,947			—			478,926
of assets
Increase in note receivable from	—			(95,711		)	—			—			—			(95,711		)
related party
Investment in subsidiaries	(337,123		)	(114,200		)	—			(34		)	451,357			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(337,123		)	(262,952		)	(11,577		)	(185,505		)	451,357			(345,800		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	—			2,621,025			—			—			—			2,621,025
Debt repayments	—			(2,470,355		)	(250,000		)	—			—			(2,720,355		)
Proceeds from note offering,	—			247,398			—			—			—			247,398
net of issuance costs
Proceeds from issuance of common	336,415			—			—			—			—			336,415
units, net of issuance costs
Contributions from general partner	7,121			—			—			—			—			7,121
Distributions to unitholders and	(365,279		)	(365,279		)	—			(16,567		)	381,846			(365,279		)
general partner
Payments for termination of	—			(5,678		)	—			—			—			(5,678		)
interest rate swaps
Contributions from	—			337,123			—			114,234			(451,357		)	—
(distributions to) affiliates
Net intercompany borrowings	2,254			(177,851		)	179,877			(4,272		)	(8		)	—
(repayments)
Other, net	(133		)	(9,845		)	—			—			—			(9,978		)
Net cash (used in) provided by	(19,622		)	176,538			(70,123		)	93,395			(69,519		)	110,669
financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate	—			1,179			—			854			—			2,033
changes on cash
Net increase in cash and	6,894			1,098			—			58,113			—			66,105
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	139			14			—			17,344			—			17,497
beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents as of the	$	7,033		$	1,112		$	—		$	75,457		$	—		$	83,602
end of the period

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	2014:00:00
	Revenues	$	849,213		$	749,745		$	794,422		$	681,738		$	3,075,118
	Operating income	$	81,103		$	89,354		$	95,098		$	81,346		$	346,901
	Income from continuing operations	$	42,996		$	57,187		$	59,117		$	54,869		$	214,169
	(Loss) income from discontinued	(3,359		)	(1,788		)	2,831			(1,475		)	(3,791		)
	operations, net of tax
	Net income	$	39,637		$	55,399		$	61,948		$	53,394		$	210,378
	Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited
	partners:
	Continuing operations	$	0.4		$	0.58		$	0.61		$	0.55		$	2.14
	Discontinued operations	(0.04		)	(0.02		)	0.03			(0.01		)	(0.04		)
	Total	$	0.36		$	0.56		$	0.64		$	0.54		$	2.1
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited	$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	4.38
	partners
	2013:00:00
	Revenues	$	998,186		$	902,014		$	778,145		$	785,387		$	3,463,732
	Operating income (loss)	$	63,358		$	76,972		$	68,751		$	(228,202	)	$	(19,121	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	19,599		$	34,712		$	35,682		$	(275,502	)	$	(185,509	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued	4,805			(1,743		)	(2,446		)	(99,778		)	(99,162		)
	operations, net of tax
	Net income (loss)	$	24,404		$	32,969		$	33,236		$	(375,280	)	$	(284,671	)
	Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited
	partners:
	Continuing operations	$	0.1		$	0.3		$	0.31		$	(3.60	)	$	(2.89	)
	Discontinued operations	0.07			(0.02		)	(0.03		)	(1.13		)	(1.11		)
	Total	$	0.17		$	0.28		$	0.28		$	(4.73	)	$	(4.00	)
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited	$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	1.095		$	4.38
	partners

ORGANIZATION_AND_OPERATIONS_Se

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS Segment Information, Narrative (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2012
Organization and Operations [Abstract]
Total ownership interest held by general partner	14.90%
Segment Information
Number of business segments		3
Pipeline Segment | Refined Product Pipelines [Member]
Segment Information
Pipeline length, in miles	5,463	5,463
Storage capacity, in barrels	6,300,000	6,300,000
Pipeline Segment | Ammonia Pipeline [Member]
Segment Information
Pipeline length, in miles	2,000	2,000
Pipeline Segment | Crude Oil Pipelines [Member]
Segment Information
Pipeline length, in miles	1,180	1,180
Storage capacity, in barrels	3,500,000	3,500,000
Storage Segment
Segment Information
Storage capacity, in barrels	80,900,000	80,900,000
Sale of Asphalt Operations [Member]
Segment Information
Percent Voting Interest Sold			50.00%

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Intangible Assets, Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	47 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Note Receivable, Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 25, 2014	Feb. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Axeon [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Maximum Amount Available, Credit Facility to Related Party	$250
Axeon [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Entity Sold		50.00%

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES General, Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$0
Tax years subject to examination	For U.S. federal and state purposes, as well as for our major non-U.S. jurisdictions, tax years subject to examination are 2010 through 2013, according to standard statute of limitations.
Asset retirement obligation	$0.80	$0.60
Environmental remediation costs, time period used, in years	20 years
Limited Partners Ownership Interest	98.00%
General Partner Ownership Interest	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%

ACQUISITIONS_TexStar_Narrative

ACQUISITIONS TexStar, Narrative (Details) (TexStar Asset Acquisition, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
TexStar Asset Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Effective date of acquisition	13-Dec-12
Purchase price of acquired entity	$325,410
Acquired pipeline miles	140 miles
Acquired number of terminals	five
Acquired storage capacity (in barrels)	600,000

ACQUISITIONS_TexStar_Table_Det

ACQUISITIONS TexStar, Table (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$951,024	$617,429	$617,429
TexStar Asset Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for the TexStar Asset Acquisition	315,810
Fair value of liabilities assumed	9,600
Purchase price	325,410
Accounts receivable	537
Property, plant and equipment	125,614
Goodwill	131,359
Intangible assets	67,900
Purchase price allocation	$325,410

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F2

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Narrative 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Feb. 26, 2014	Feb. 25, 2014	Feb. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Loss on deconsolidation of Axeon	$0	$0	($23,800,000)
Goodwill impairment loss	0	304,453,000	22,132,000
Asset impairment loss	0	0	249,646,000
Sale of Asphalt Operations [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Percent Voting Interest Sold					50.00%
Sale price of Class A equity interests				175,000,000
Fair value of Class B equity interests				52,000,000
Proceeds from sale of inventory				263,800,000
Loss on deconsolidation of Axeon			-23,800,000
Asset impairment loss			244,225,000
Axeon [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Entity Sold						50.00%
Ownership Percentage Of Acquiring Entity						100.00%
Axeon [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Maximum Amount Available, Credit Facility to Related Party							250,000,000
Axeon [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Term Loan Receivable	190,000,000
Maximum Amount Guarantees	150,000,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Axeon [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Term Loan Receivable Face Amount Step Down 1	175,000,000
Term Loan Receivable Face Amount Step Down 2									150,000,000
Reduction in Credit Support								25,000,000
Financial Guarantee [Member] | Axeon [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Amount of guarantees provided	25,300,000	79,700,000
Number of Guarantees with Unlimited Exposure	2
Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] | Axeon [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Amount of guarantees provided	$50,100,000

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F3

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss	$0	$0	$249,646
Sale of Asphalt Operations [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss			244,225
Property, plant and equipment, net | Sale of Asphalt Operations [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss			232,759
Intangible assets, net | Sale of Asphalt Operations [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss			6,564
Other long-term assets, net | Sale of Asphalt Operations [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss			$4,902

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F4

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss	$0	$0	$249,646
Terminals Held for Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss		102,529
Property, plant and equipment, net | Terminals Held for Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss		68,213
Intangible assets, net (customer relationships) | Terminals Held for Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss		6,856
Goodwill | Terminals Held for Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment loss		$27,460

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F5

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Narrative 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2012
					bbl	bbl
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$1,100,000	$21,987,000
Asset impairment loss	0	0	249,646,000
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	26,012,000	119,006,000	478,926,000
Terminals Held for Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Interest expense allocated to discontinued operations	800,000	1,400,000	800,000
Asset impairment loss		102,529,000
Turkey Ownership Interest [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Entity Sold				75.00%
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets				13,400,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	3,700,000
Three Terminal Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets					13,700,000
Sold Number of Terminals					3
Sold Storage Capacity (in barrels)					1,800,000
Five Terminal Sale [Member]
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets						30,800,000
Sold Number of Terminals						5
Sold Storage Capacity (in barrels)						1,800,000
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Level 3
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$1,100,000	$22,000,000

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F6

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Narrative 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	$26,012,000	$119,006,000	$478,926,000
(Loss) gain from sale or disposition of assets	642,000	-524,000	-1,522,000
San Antonio Refinery Sale
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date				1-Jan-13
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets				117,000,000
Interest expense allocated to discontinued operations			3,900,000
(Loss) gain from sale or disposition of assets		$9,300,000

DISPOSITIONS_AND_ASSETS_HELD_F7

DISPOSITIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Table 3 (Details) (San Antonio Refinery Sale and Terminals Held for Sale, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
San Antonio Refinery Sale and Terminals Held for Sale
Dispositions and Discontinued operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$4,265	$7,758	$571,071
Income (loss) before income tax expense	($3,791)	($106,033)	($63,165)

ALLOWANCE_FOR_DOUBTFUL_ACCOUNT2

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS Table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning of year	$1,224	$808	$2,147
Increase in allowance	7,649	1,039	27
Accounts charged against the allowance, net of recoveries	-1,065	-625	-1,367
Foreign currency translation	0	2	1
Balance as of end of year	$7,808	$1,224	$808

INVENTORIES_Table_Details

INVENTORIES Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Crude oil	$3,527	$6,485
Finished products	43,206	123,656
Materials and supplies	8,980	8,006
Total	$55,713	$138,147

OTHER_CURRENT_ASSETS_Table_Det

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$16,140	$16,487
Restricted cash	0	9,316
Derivative assets	16,362	4,948
Margin deposits	0	3,285
Product advances	2,392	3,076
Other	1,050	3,166
Other current assets	$35,944	$40,278

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T1

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	4,815,396	$4,500,837
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,354,664	-1,190,184
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,460,732	3,310,653
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	120,351	129,731
Land and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	160,283	142,122
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	134,857	133,531
Pipelines, storage and terminals
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	3,963,134	3,787,499
Rights-of-way
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	160,008	155,833
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total	276,763	$152,121
Minimum [Member] | Land and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Minimum [Member] | Pipelines, storage and terminals
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Minimum [Member] | Rights-of-way
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Land and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Pipelines, storage and terminals
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Rights-of-way
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capitalized interest costs	$5.70	$4.50	$7.70
Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment	$177.30	$168.80	$157.80

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Table_1_Deta

INTANGIBLE ASSETS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$128,925	$129,973
Accumulated Amortization	-70,255	-58,724
Customer relationships
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	126,566	127,614
Accumulated Amortization	-69,711	-58,230
Other
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	2,359	2,359
Accumulated Amortization	($544)	($494)

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Table_2_Deta

INTANGIBLE ASSETS Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Expense	$12,600,000	$13,800,000	$7,800,000
Estimated Future Amortization Expense:
2015	9,709,000
2016	6,840,000
2017	6,840,000
2018	6,840,000
2019	$6,840,000

GOODWILL_Table_Details

GOODWILL Table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$971,474	$971,474	$973,156
Accumulated impairment losses	-354,045	-354,045	-22,132
Net goodwill	617,429	617,429	951,024
TexStar Asset Acquisition final purchase price allocation	3,463
Other (a)	-5,145
Impairment losses	331,913
Pipeline Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	306,207	306,207	302,744
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Net goodwill	306,207	306,207	302,744
TexStar Asset Acquisition final purchase price allocation	3,463
Other (a)	0
Impairment losses	0
Storage Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	612,012	612,012	617,157
Accumulated impairment losses	-331,913	-331,913	0
Net goodwill	280,099	280,099	617,157
TexStar Asset Acquisition final purchase price allocation	0
Other (a)	-5,145
Impairment losses	331,913
Fuels Marketing Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	53,255	53,255	53,255
Accumulated impairment losses	-22,132	-22,132	-22,132
Net goodwill	31,123	31,123	31,123
TexStar Asset Acquisition final purchase price allocation	0
Other (a)	0
Impairment losses	$0

GOODWILL_Narrative_Details

GOODWILL Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$0	$304,453,000	$22,132,000
Statia Terminals [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Fair Value		0
Goodwill, impairment loss		$304,500,000

INVESTMENT_IN_JOINT_VENTURES_G

INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES General, Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 26, 2014
Axeon [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Equity method investment, ownership percentage by joint venture partner	50.00%
ST Lindent JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Equity method investment, ownership percentage by joint venture partner	50.00%
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	$42,300,000		$42,600,000
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity, amortization period, in years	25 years
Axeon [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Entity Sold				50.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | ST Linden Acquisition [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Purchase price		$142,500,000

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Table_Deta

ACCRUED LIABILITIES Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	$4,623	$2,233
Employee wages and benefit costs	32,349	16,698
Unearned income	10,884	8,225
TexStar Asset Acquisition contingent consideration	0	1,318
Other	13,169	10,158
Accrued liabilities	$61,025	$38,632

DEBT_Table_1_Details

DEBT Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts	$30,016	$34,577
Total long-term debt	2,749,452	2,655,553
Long-term debt	2,749,452	2,655,553
$1.5 billion revolving credit agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	29-Oct-19
Total long-term debt	601,496	503,036
4.75% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Feb-22
Total long-term debt	250,000	250,000
6.75 % senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Feb-21	1-Feb-21
Total long-term debt	300,000	300,000
4.80% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Sep-20
Total long-term debt	450,000	450,000
7.65% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Mar-18
Total long-term debt	350,000	350,000
7.625% subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Jan-43
Total long-term debt	402,500	402,500
Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date range, start	1-Jun-38
Maturity date range, end	1-Aug-41
Total long-term debt	$365,440	$365,440

DEBT_Table_2_Details

DEBT Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	350,000
2019	601,496
Thereafter	1,767,940
Total repayments	2,719,436
Net fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts	30,016	34,577
Total long-term debt	$2,749,452	$2,655,553

DEBT_Narrative_Details

DEBT Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payments	$135,000,000	$118,300,000	$118,400,000
Amount outstanding	2,749,452,000	2,655,553,000
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs	0	686,863,000	247,398,000
Repayments of Debt	1,121,670,000	2,150,743,000	2,720,355,000
Short-term debt	77,000,000	0
$1.5 billion revolving credit agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	1,500,000,000
Term	5 years
Maturity Date	29-Oct-19
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	250,000,000
Maximum available for British Pound Borrowings	250,000,000
Interest rate at period end	2.00%
Interest rate during period	2.20%
Covenant terms	NuPOP will be released from its guarantee of the Revolving Credit Agreement when it no longer guarantees indebtedness of NuStar Energy or its subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $200.0 million. 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. The Revolving Credit Agreement permits unlimited investments in joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries, provided that no default exists and we would be in compliance with the consolidated debt coverage ratio, but limits the amount of cash distributions for such joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries included in the calculation of the consolidated debt coverage ratio to 20% of consolidated EBITDA.
Debt coverage ratio	4
Current remaining borrowing capacity	842,300,000
Letters of credit issued	56,200,000
Maximum letters of credit allowed	750,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Available for Euro Borrowings	25,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Letters of Credit Available for British Borrowings	25,000,000
Amount outstanding	601,496,000	503,036,000
Deferred debt issuance costs	4,800,000
4.75% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	1-Feb-22
Amount outstanding	250,000,000	250,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.75%
6.75 % senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	1-Feb-21	1-Feb-21
Date Issued		19-Aug-13
Amount outstanding	300,000,000	300,000,000
Stated interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs		296,000,000
4.80% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	1-Sep-20
Amount outstanding	450,000,000	450,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.80%
7.65% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	15-Mar-18
Amount outstanding	350,000,000	350,000,000
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%
Logistics Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.05%
Repayments of Debt		229,900,000
NuPOP Notes due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.88%
Repayments of Debt		250,000,000
7.625% subordinated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	15-Jan-43
Amount outstanding	402,500,000	402,500,000
Stated interest rate	7.63%
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	370,246,000
Amount outstanding	365,440,000	365,440,000
Amount Received From Trustee	11,900,000	43,100,000
UK Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		21,000,000
Short-term lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	80,000,000
Interest rate during period	1.80%
Short-term debt	$77,000,000

DEBT_Table_3_Details

DEBT Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding	$2,749,452	$2,655,553
Go Zone Bonds Due June 2038
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date Issued	26-Jun-08
Maturity Date	1-Jun-38
Amount outstanding	55,440
Amount of Letter of Credit	56,169
Amount Received From Trustee	55,440
Amount Remaining in Trust	0
Average Annual Interest Rate	0.10%
Go Zone Bonds Due July 2040
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date Issued	15-Jul-10
Maturity Date	1-Jul-40
Amount outstanding	100,000
Amount of Letter of Credit	101,315
Amount Received From Trustee	100,000
Amount Remaining in Trust	0
Average Annual Interest Rate	0.10%
Go Zone Bonds Due October 2040
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date Issued	7-Oct-10
Maturity Date	1-Oct-40
Amount outstanding	50,000
Amount of Letter of Credit	50,658
Amount Received From Trustee	35,760
Amount Remaining in Trust	14,240
Average Annual Interest Rate	0.10%
Go Zone Bonds Due December 2040
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date Issued	29-Dec-10
Maturity Date	1-Dec-40
Amount outstanding	85,000
Amount of Letter of Credit	86,118
Amount Received From Trustee	27,689
Amount Remaining in Trust	57,311
Average Annual Interest Rate	0.10%
Go Zone Bonds Due August 2041
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date Issued	29-Aug-11
Maturity Date	1-Aug-41
Amount outstanding	75,000
Amount of Letter of Credit	75,986
Amount Received From Trustee	75,000
Amount Remaining in Trust	0
Average Annual Interest Rate	0.10%
Total Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding	365,440	365,440
Amount of Letter of Credit	370,246
Amount Received From Trustee	293,889
Amount Remaining in Trust	$71,551

HEALTH_SAFETY_AND_ENVIRONMENTA2

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Environmental Accruals Rollforward [Line Items]
Balance as of the beginning of year	$6,233	$13,451
Additions to accrual	3,292	3,623
Payments	-2,878	-2,940
Foreign currency translation	-49	9
Balance as of the end of year	6,598	6,233
San Antonio Refinery Sale
Environmental Accruals Rollforward [Line Items]
San Antonio Refinery Sale	$0	($7,910)

HEALTH_SAFETY_AND_ENVIRONMENTA3

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	$3,518	$3,299
Other long-term liabilities	3,080	2,934
Accruals for environmental matters	$6,598	$6,233	$13,451

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Narrative: Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	$2.10

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Table: Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases
2015	$30,179
2016	26,135
2017	21,885
2018	19,536
2019	13,297
Thereafter	66,635
Total	177,667
Purchase Obligations
2015	6,294
2016	3,880
2017	694
2018	216
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$11,084

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Narrative: Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Major Operating Leases
Rent expense for operating leases	$46.10	$52.90	$73.90
St Eustatius Tugs and Barges [Member]
Major Operating Leases
Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements for Operating Leases	a ten-year lease for tugs and barges utilized at our St. Eustatius facility for bunker fuel sales, with two five-year renewal options
Land Leases [Member]
Major Operating Leases
Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements for Operating Leases	land leases at various terminal facilities

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Table_

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities [Abstract]
Contingent consideration	$0	($1,318)
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Assets
Total (assets)	16,479	13,905
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total (liabilities)	-6,591	-9,196
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Level 1
Assets
Total (assets)	11,126	1,980
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total (liabilities)	-1,388	-3,623
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Level 2
Assets
Total (assets)	5,353	11,925
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total (liabilities)	-4,623	-2,375
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Level 3
Assets
Total (assets)	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total (liabilities)	-580	-3,198
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other current assets
Assets
Product imbalances - asset	117	1,980
Commodity derivatives - asset	16,362	4,948
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other current assets | Fair Value Level 1
Assets
Product imbalances - asset	117	1,980
Commodity derivatives - asset	11,009	0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other current assets | Fair Value Level 2
Assets
Product imbalances - asset	0	0
Commodity derivatives - asset	5,353	4,948
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other current assets | Fair Value Level 3
Assets
Product imbalances - asset	0	0
Commodity derivatives - asset	0	0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term assets, net
Assets
Commodity derivatives - asset		6,977
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term assets, net | Fair Value Level 1
Assets
Commodity derivatives - asset		0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term assets, net | Fair Value Level 2
Assets
Commodity derivatives - asset		6,977
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term assets, net | Fair Value Level 3
Assets
Commodity derivatives - asset		0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Accrued liabilities
Liabilities [Abstract]
Product imbalances - liability	-1,388	-2,190
Commodity derivatives - liability	-4,623	-2,233
Contingent consideration		-1,318
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Accrued liabilities | Fair Value Level 1
Liabilities [Abstract]
Product imbalances - liability	-1,388	-2,190
Commodity derivatives - liability	0	-1,433
Contingent consideration		0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Accrued liabilities | Fair Value Level 2
Liabilities [Abstract]
Product imbalances - liability	0	0
Commodity derivatives - liability	-4,623	-800
Contingent consideration		0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Accrued liabilities | Fair Value Level 3
Liabilities [Abstract]
Product imbalances - liability	0	0
Commodity derivatives - liability	0	0
Contingent consideration		-1,318
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term liabilities
Liabilities [Abstract]
Commodity derivatives - liability		-1,575
Guarantee liability	-580	-1,880
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term liabilities | Fair Value Level 1
Liabilities [Abstract]
Commodity derivatives - liability		0
Guarantee liability	0	0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term liabilities | Fair Value Level 2
Liabilities [Abstract]
Commodity derivatives - liability		-1,575
Guarantee liability	0	0
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Other long-term liabilities | Fair Value Level 3
Liabilities [Abstract]
Commodity derivatives - liability		0
Guarantee liability	($580)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Table_1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$3,198
Ending balance	580	3,198
Contingent consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Amounts settled	-870
Guarantees [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to guarantee liability	-1,300
Operating expenses | Contingent consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Operating expenses	($448)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Table_2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Debt and Note Receivable from Counterparty [Line Items]
Fair value, debt	$2,764,242	$2,636,734
Carrying amount, debt	2,749,452	2,655,553
Carrying amount, note receivable from related party	0	165,440
Axeon [Member]
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Debt and Note Receivable from Counterparty [Line Items]
Fair value, note receivable	164,386	133,416
Carrying amount, note receivable from Axeon	$169,235

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Narrat

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Narrative 1 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, liability	$0	$1,318,000
Assets held for sale	1,100,000	21,987,000
Equity Method Investments	74,223,000	68,735,000
Axeon [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Equity method losses in excess of investment	21,300,000
Equity Method Investments		0
Axeon [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Carrying amount, note receivable from Axeon	169,235,000
Term Loan Receivable	190,000,000
Axeon [Member] | Financial Guarantee [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Amount of guarantees provided	25,300,000	79,700,000
Number of Guarantees with Unlimited Exposure	2
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Level 3 | Axeon [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	600,000	-1,880,000
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Level 3
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	1,100,000	22,000,000
TexStar Asset Acquisition
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, liability			$0

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN2

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
				bbl	bbl
Derivative [Line Items]
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps	$0	($33,697,000)	($5,678,000)
Margin deposits	0	3,285,000		0	3,285,000
Gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months, forward-starting interest rate swaps	-9,800,000			-9,800,000
Interest rate swaps | Fair Value Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
New and terminated interest rate swaps, notional amount			200,000,000
Terminated interest rate swaps, notional amount			270,000,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate		4.75%	4.80%
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps			19,700,000
Notional amount of interest rate swaps	0	0		0	0
Interest rate swaps | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Terminated interest rate swaps, notional amount	275,000,000		225,000,000
Terminated interest rate swaps, hedged debt instruments	6.05% senior notes due March 15, 2013 and 5.875% senior notes due June 1, 2013
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps	-33,700,000		25,400,000
Notional amount of interest rate swaps	0	0		0	0
Discontinued forward-starting interest rate swaps, Gain (Loss)	-2,000,000
Commodity contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of commodity contracts, in barrels				4,700,000	15,200,000
Commodity contracts | Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net			$21,700,000
4.75% senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%			4.75%
4.80% senior notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.80%			4.80%

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN3

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	$57,394	$42,022
Liability Derivatives	-45,655	-33,905
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	5,609	0
Liability Derivatives	0	-130
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	5,609	0
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity contracts | Accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	0	-130
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	51,785	42,022
Liability Derivatives	-45,655	-33,775
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	38,704	16,168
Liability Derivatives	-27,951	-11,220
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity contracts | Accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	13,081	4,523
Liability Derivatives	-17,704	-6,626
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity contracts | Other long-term assets, net
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	0	15,883
Liability Derivatives	0	-8,906
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity contracts | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Asset Derivatives	0	5,448
Liability Derivatives	$0	($7,023)

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN4

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Table 2 (Details) (Commodity contracts, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commodity contracts
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net amounts of assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets	$16,362	$11,925
Net amounts of liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets	($4,623)	($3,808)

DERIVATIVES_AND_RISK_MANAGEMEN5

DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative			$6,840
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on hedged item			-5,206
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)			1,634
Fair Value Hedges | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative			17,345
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on hedged item			-17,345
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)			0
Fair Value Hedges | Commodity contracts | Cost of product sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative	21,951	3,964	-10,505
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on hedged item	-21,587	-6,327	12,139
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	364	-2,363	1,634
Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)			4,010
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)			-94,269
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			-53,232
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	0	0	0
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)	-10,663	-7,570	-1,749
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate swaps | Other comprehensive income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	0	7,213	-17,069
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity contracts | Loss from discontinued operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)			4,010
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)			-51,483
Cash Flow Hedges | Commodity contracts | Other comprehensive income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)			-77,200
Nondesignated Derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		-5,541	18,660
Nondesignated Derivatives | Commodity contracts | Cost of product sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative	18,407	-5,323	20,138
Nondesignated Derivatives | Commodity contracts | Loss from discontinued operations
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		-218	6,176
Nondesignated Derivatives | Commodity contracts | Revenues
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative			($7,654)

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab1

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenues	$929	$14,897	$1,990
Operating expenses	125,736	122,677	133,654
General and administrative expenses	66,910	58,602	62,490
Interest income	1,055	6,113	1,219
Revenues included in discontinued operations, net of tax	528	3,720	3,390
Expenses included in discontinued operations, net of tax	$1,680	$6,051	$14,328

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payable to related party	$15,128,000		$8,325,000
Long-term payable to related party	33,537,000		41,139,000
Receivable from related parties	164,000		51,084,000
NuStar GP LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payable to related party	15,100,000		8,300,000
Long-term payable to related party	33,500,000		41,100,000
Axeon [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivable from related parties			50,700,000
Axeon [Member] | Terminal Service Agreements [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of agreements	4
Aggregate Storage Capacity	800,000
Annual Service Charge	1,500,000
Axeon [Member] | Terminal Service Agreements 2 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate Storage Capacity	600,000
Annual Service Charge	$6,300,000
NuStar GP LLC and Axeon [Member] | Services Agreement Between General Partner and Other Related Parties [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Administrative Fees, Description	which provided that NuStar GP, LLC would furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Axeon for an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment
Administrative Agreement Maturity Date	30-Jun-14
NuStar GP LLC and Axeon [Member] | Employee Services Agreement Between General Partner and Other Related Parties [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Administrative Fees, Description		which provided that certain of NuStar GP, LLC employees provide employee-services to Axeon (the Axeon Employee Services Agreement). In exchange, Axeon reimbursed NuStar GP, LLC for the compensation expense of those employees.
Administrative Agreement Maturity Date		31-Dec-12

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_AND_LON2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Benefit Plan Costs, International Employees	$2.70	$2.50	$2.60
GP Pension Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pension Plan, Description	The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that provides eligible employees with retirement income as calculated under a cash balance formula. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are based on age, service and interest credits, and employees become fully vested in their benefits upon attaining three years of vesting service. Prior to January 1, 2014, eligible employees were covered under either a cash balance formula or a final average pay formula (FAP). Effective January 1, 2014, the Pension Plan was amended to freeze the FAP benefits as of December 31, 2013, and going forward, all eligible employees are covered under the cash balance formula discussed above.
GP Thrift Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Thrift Plan, Description	The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified defined contribution plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to substantially all NuStar GP, LLC employees upon their date of hire. Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC makes matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation.
The 2000 LTIP [Member]
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	1,441,988
The 2006 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit-based compensation, number of units authorized	2,000,000
Unit-based compensation, number of units available to be awarded	1,527,164

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_AND_LON3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS Table 1 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
The 2000 LTIP [Member] | Performance Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	28,841	38,786	33,445
Vesting	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met
The 2000 LTIP [Member] | Restricted Units, GP Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	208,714	269,182	231,855
Vesting	1/5 per year	1/5 per year	1/5 per year
The 2000 LTIP [Member] | Restricted Units, Non-employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	7,009	8,904	8,170
Vesting	1/3 per year	1/3 per year	1/3 per year
The 2000 LTIP [Member] | Restricted Units Certain International Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	2,844	3,882
Vesting	1/3 per year	1/3 per year
The UIP [Member] | Restricted Units, GP Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	0	0	15,382
Vesting	0	0	1/5 per year
The UIP [Member] | Restricted Units Certain International Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted			3,392
Vesting			1/3 per year
The 2006 LTIP [Member] | Restricted Units, GP Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	16,895	18,620	25,640
Vesting	1/5 per year	1/5 per year	1/5 per year
The 2006 LTIP [Member] | Restricted Units, Non-employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted units, granted	8,911	13,183	10,601
Vesting	1/3 per year	1/3 per year	1/3 per year

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_AND_LON4

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS Table 2 (Details) (NuStar GP LLC [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
NuStar GP LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Expense, Long-term Incentive Plans	$10,934	$7,369	$5,831
Related Party Expense, Benefit Plans	$11,385	$27,741	$32,003

OTHER_INCOME_EXPENSE_Table_Det

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Table (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	$2,057	$7,707	($1,429)
Gain (loss) from sale or disposition of assets	642	-524	-1,522
Loss on deconsolidation of Axeon	0	0	-23,800
Other, net	1,800	158	2,062
Other income (expense), net	$4,499	$7,341	($24,689)

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Narrative_1_De

PARTNERS' EQUITY Narrative 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Issuances of Common Units [Line Items]
Sale Price Per Unit			$48.94
Net proceeds			$343,860
General partner interest	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Limited Partner [Member]
Issuances of Common Units [Line Items]
Number of common units issued			7,130,000
Net proceeds			336,739
General Partner [Member]
Issuances of Common Units [Line Items]
Net proceeds			$7,121

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Table_1_Detail

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($63,394)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,951	-4,581	-30,360
Ending Balance	-67,912	-63,394
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-13,658	5,654	-3,925
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-15,181	-19,312	9,579
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-15,181	-19,312	9,579
Ending Balance	-28,839	-13,658	5,654
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-49,736	-64,519	-23,482
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	7,213	-94,269
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,663	14,783	-41,037
Ending Balance	-39,073	-49,736	-64,519
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-63,394	-58,865	-27,407
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-15,181	-12,099	-84,690
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,518	-4,529	-31,458
Ending Balance	-67,912	-63,394	-58,865
Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-433	-52	1,098
Interest expense, net | Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Interest expense, net | Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	10,663	7,570	1,749
Interest expense, net | Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	10,663	7,570	1,749
Discontinued Operations | Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income			0
Discontinued Operations | Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income			51,483
Discontinued Operations | Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income			$51,483

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Table_2_Detail

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Income Allocation [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.	$210,773	($273,770)	($226,616)
Less general partner incentive distribution	43,220	43,220	41,242
Net income (loss) after general partner incentive distribution	167,553	-316,990	-267,858
General partner interest	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
General partner allocation of net income (loss) after general partner incentive distribution	3,352	-6,338	-5,356
General partner incentive distribution	43,220	43,220	41,242
Net income applicable to general partner	$46,572	$36,882	$35,886

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Narrative_2_De

PARTNERS' EQUITY Narrative 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items]
Percent of Available Cash Distributed	100.00%
Number of Days Within Which Distribution Is Paid	45
Minimum Per Unit Quarterly Distribution to Limited Partners	$0.60
Minimum Per Unit Quarterly Distribution to Limited Partners, Annualized	$2.40
Quarterly Distributions Level 1 [Member]
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items]
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to Limited Partners	98.00%
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to the General Partner	2.00%

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Table_3_Detail

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Distributions Level 1 [Member]
Distribution Allocation [Line Items]
Quarterly Distribution Amount Per Unit	Up to $0.60
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to Unitholders	98.00%
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to the General Partner	2.00%
Quarterly Distributions Level 2 [Member]
Distribution Allocation [Line Items]
Quarterly Distribution Amount Per Unit	Above $0.60 up to $0.66
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to Unitholders	90.00%
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to the General Partner	10.00%
Quarterly Distributions Level 3 [Member]
Distribution Allocation [Line Items]
Quarterly Distribution Amount Per Unit	Above $0.66
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to Unitholders	75.00%
Percentage of Distribution Allocated to the General Partner	25.00%

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Table_4_Detail

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 4 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items]
General partner interest									$7,844	$7,844	$7,486
General partner incentive distribution									43,220	43,220	41,242
Total general partner distribution									51,064	51,064	48,728
Limited partners' distribution									341,140	341,140	325,526
Total cash distributions	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051					$392,204	$392,204	$374,254
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$4.38	$4.38	$4.38

PARTNERS_EQUITY_Table_5_Detail

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 5 (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 30, 2015

Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

$1.09

$1.09

$1.09

$1.09

$1.09

$1.09

$1.09

$1.09

$4.38

$4.38

$4.38

Total cash distributions (distribution earned)

$98,051

$98,051

$98,051

$98,051

$392,204

$392,204

$374,254

Distribution date of record (distribution earned)

9-Feb-15

10-Nov-14

6-Aug-14

7-May-14

Distribution payment date

13-Feb-15

14-Nov-14

11-Aug-14

12-May-14

Subsequent Event [Member]

Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items]

Distribution announcement date (distribution earned)

30-Jan-15

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_UNIT_Table1

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									$210,773	($273,770)	($226,616)
Less general partner distribution (including IDR)									51,064	51,064	48,728
Less limited partner distribution									341,140	341,140	325,526
Distributions greater than earnings									-181,431	-665,974	-600,870
General partner earnings:
Distributions									51,064	51,064	48,728
Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (2%)									-3,630	-13,318	-12,019
Total									47,434	37,746	36,709
Limited partner earnings:
Distributions									341,140	341,140	325,526
Allocation of distributions greater than earnings (98%)									-177,801	-652,656	-588,851
Total									$163,339	($311,516)	($263,325)
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding (units)									77,886,078	77,886,078	72,957,417
Net income per unit applicable to limited partners (dollars per unit)	$0.54	$0.64	$0.56	$0.36	($4.73)	$0.28	$0.28	$0.17	$2.10	($4)	($3.61)

NET_LOSS_INCOME_PER_UNIT_Paren

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER UNIT Parentheticals (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
General Partner Ownership Interest	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Limited partner allocation percentage	98.00%

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Table1

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Decrease (increase) in current assets:
Accounts receivable	$72,298	$107,209	$160,435
Receivable from related parties	50,918	58,692	-113,018
Inventories	82,075	31,975	112,589
Income tax receivable	-24	414	2,921
Other current assets	3,809	25,725	-26,050
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
Accounts payable	-153,671	-96,330	-43,451
Payable to related party	837	6,922	-5,339
Accrued interest payable	303	9,370	-6,092
Accrued liabilities	22,980	-32,452	11,259
Taxes other than income tax	4,341	-87	-2,444
Income tax payable	-1,448	1,338	-563
Changes in current assets and current liabilities	($82,418)	($112,776)	($90,247)

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Table2

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized	$129,377	$113,805	$110,679
Cash paid for income taxes, net of tax refunds received	$6,699	$11,386	$21,032

INCOME_TAXES_Table_1_Details

INCOME TAXES Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
U.S.	($182)	$3,098	$4,416
Foreign	7,516	9,273	16,480
Total current	7,334	12,371	20,896
Deferred:
U.S.	1,889	1,687	7,494
Foreign	1,578	-1,305	-3,940
Total deferred	3,467	382	3,554
Total income tax expense	$10,801	$12,753	$24,450

INCOME_TAXES_Table_2_Details

INCOME TAXES Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating losses	$35,698	$28,945
Environmental and legal reserves	664	433
Allowance for bad debt	1,261	0
Other	1,827	1,772
Total deferred income tax assets	39,450	31,150
Less: Valuation allowance	-14,532	-12,237
Net deferred income tax assets	24,918	18,913
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	-47,797	-40,494
Net deferred income tax liability	-22,879	-21,581
Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as:
Deferred income tax asset	4,429	5,769
Deferred income tax liability	-27,308	-27,350
Net deferred income tax liability	($22,879)	($21,581)

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_1_Detai

INCOME TAXES Narrative 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate reconciliation percent	35.00%
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$14,532,000	$12,237,000
Foreign [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	14,000,000
Change in valuation allowance	2,300,000
Foreign [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	1-Jan-18
Foreign [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	31-Dec-19
U.S. [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	90,000,000
Valuation allowance	$14,532,000	$12,237,000
U.S. [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	1-Jan-19
U.S. [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	31-Dec-24

INCOME_TAXES_Narrative_2_Detai

INCOME TAXES Narrative 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Gain on legal settlement	$0	$0	$28,738,000
Income tax expense	10,801,000	12,753,000	24,450,000
Grace Energy Corporation Matter [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Gain on legal settlement			28,700,000
Income tax expense			10,100,000
Canada 1 [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, liability (refund) adjustment from settlement with taxing authority			1,000,000
Income tax examination, penalties and interest expense			2,200,000
Income tax examination, years settled	We settled Canadian income tax audits for the years 2006 through 2009
Canada 1 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2006
Canada 1 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2011
Canada 2 [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, liability (refund) adjustment from settlement with taxing authority			1,300,000
Income tax examination, penalties and interest expense			$700,000
Canada 2 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2003
Canada 2 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax examination, year under examination	2009
St. Eustatius [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income tax holiday, description	On February 22, 2006, we entered into a Tax and Maritime Agreement with the governments of St. Eustatius and the Netherlands Antilles (the 2005 Tax Agreement). The 2005 Tax Agreement was effective beginning January 1, 2005 and expired on December 31, 2014. Under the terms of the 2005 Tax Agreement, we agreed to make a one-time payment of 5.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $2.8 million) in full and final settlement of all of our liabilities, taxes, fees, levies, charges, or otherwise (including settlement of audits) due or potentially due to St. Eustatius. The 2005 Tax Agreement provides for annual minimum profit tax of 1.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $0.6 million), beginning as of January 1, 2005. To the extent the minimum annual profit tax exceeds 2% of taxable profit (as defined in the 2005 Tax Agreement), we can carry forward that excess to offset future tax liabilities. If the minimum annual profit tax is less than 2% of taxable profit, we agreed to pay that difference.
Other information pertaining to income taxes	Effective January 1, 2011, the Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist, and St. Eustatius became part of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Tax Ministry (the Ministry) contends that as of January 2011, we are subject to real estate tax rather than profit tax as expressed in our 2005 Tax Agreement.  In 2013, the Ministry issued a property tax assessment for years 2011 through 2012. We objected to and appealed the assessment.  The Ministry later issued property tax assessments for the years 2013 and 2014, to which we have or will file similar objections. In 2013, we filed a lawsuit in the Netherlands civil court seeking to enforce the terms of our existing 2005 Tax Agreement.  In 2014, the Netherlands civil court determined that it did not have jurisdiction and deferred to the jurisdiction of the tax court. We have appealed this decision. In the tax court proceeding, a hearing was held in late 2014, and we expect a ruling in 2015. We believe it is likely that we will prevail.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Table_1_De

SEGMENT INFORMATION Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Revenues	$681,738	$794,422	$749,745	$849,213	$785,387	$778,145	$902,014	$998,186	$3,075,118	$3,463,732	$5,945,736
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization									191,708	178,921	159,789
Operating income (loss):
Less general and administrative expenses									96,056	91,086	104,756
Depreciation and amortization									191,708	178,921	159,789
Gain on legal settlement									0	0	28,738
Total operating income (loss)	81,346	95,098	89,354	81,103	-228,202	68,751	76,972	63,358	346,901	-19,121	-18,168
Pipeline Segment | Third Party Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									477,030	411,529	340,455
Storage Segment
Revenues:
Revenues									564,506	556,549	578,066
Storage Segment | Third Party Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									537,142	518,253	517,699
Storage Segment | Intersegment revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									26,435	32,044	59,168
Storage Segment | Related Party Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									929	6,252	1,199
Fuels Marketing Segment
Revenues:
Revenues									2,060,017	2,527,698	5,086,383
Fuels Marketing Segment | Third Party Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									2,060,017	2,519,053	5,085,592
Fuels Marketing Segment | Related Party Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									0	8,645	791
Operating Segments [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization									181,555	168,766	152,348
Operating income (loss):
Depreciation and amortization									181,555	168,766	152,348
Total operating income (loss)									453,110	82,120	68,586
Operating Segments [Member] | Pipeline Segment
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization									77,691	68,871	52,878
Operating income (loss):
Depreciation and amortization									77,691	68,871	52,878
Total operating income (loss)									245,233	208,293	158,590
Operating Segments [Member] | Storage Segment
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization									103,848	99,868	88,217
Operating income (loss):
Depreciation and amortization									103,848	99,868	88,217
Total operating income (loss)									183,104	-127,484	198,842
Operating Segments [Member] | Fuels Marketing Segment
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization									16	27	11,253
Operating income (loss):
Depreciation and amortization									16	27	11,253
Total operating income (loss)									24,805	-126	-296,785
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues									-26,435	-32,044	-59,168
Operating income (loss):
Total operating income (loss)									-32	1,437	7,939
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization									10,153	10,155	7,441
Operating income (loss):
Less general and administrative expenses									96,056	91,086	104,756
Depreciation and amortization									10,153	10,155	7,441
Other asset impairment loss									0	0	3,295
Gain on legal settlement									$0	$0	($28,738)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Table_2_De

SEGMENT INFORMATION Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues By Geographic Areas
Revenues	$681,738	$794,422	$749,745	$849,213	$785,387	$778,145	$902,014	$998,186	$3,075,118	$3,463,732	$5,945,736
United States
Revenues By Geographic Areas
Revenues									2,276,609	2,340,694	4,230,607
Netherlands
Revenues By Geographic Areas
Revenues									705,207	1,027,260	1,438,297
Other
Revenues By Geographic Areas
Revenues									$93,302	$95,778	$276,832

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Narrative_

SEGMENT INFORMATION Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percent of Total Revenues	9.00%	15.00%	11.00%
Revenues	$282.90	$534.20	$668.10

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Table_3_De

SEGMENT INFORMATION Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Areas
Long-lived assets	$3,460,732	$3,310,653
United States
Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Areas
Long-lived assets	2,809,462	2,635,792
Netherlands
Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Areas
Long-lived assets	451,564	467,660
Other
Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Areas
Long-lived assets	$199,706	$207,201

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Table_4_De

SEGMENT INFORMATION Table 4 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Information
Total consolidated assets	$4,918,796	$5,032,186
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Information
Total consolidated assets	4,432,036	4,518,763
Operating Segments [Member] | Pipeline Segment
Segment Information
Total consolidated assets	1,962,821	1,797,698
Operating Segments [Member] | Storage Segment
Segment Information
Total consolidated assets	2,241,573	2,275,183
Operating Segments [Member] | Fuels Marketing Segment
Segment Information
Total consolidated assets	227,642	445,882
Operating Segments [Member] | Other partnership assets
Segment Information
Total consolidated assets	$486,760	$513,423

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Table_5_De

SEGMENT INFORMATION Table 5 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Information
Capital expenditures	$356,965	$343,320	$729,015
Pipeline Segment
Segment Information
Capital expenditures	244,713	165,096	493,028
Storage Segment
Segment Information
Capital expenditures	108,457	170,637	161,672
Fuels Marketing Segment
Segment Information
Capital expenditures	0	69	20,333
Other partnership assets
Segment Information
Capital expenditures	$3,795	$7,518	$53,982

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$87,912,000	$100,743,000	$83,602,000	$17,497,000
Receivables, net	208,478,000	332,394,000
Inventories	55,713,000	138,147,000
Other current assets	35,944,000	40,278,000
Assets held for sale	1,100,000	21,987,000
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Total current assets	389,147,000	633,549,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,460,732,000	3,310,653,000
Intangible assets, net	58,670,000	71,249,000
Goodwill	617,429,000	617,429,000	951,024,000
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in joint ventures	74,223,000	68,735,000
Deferred income tax asset	4,429,000	5,769,000
Note receivable from related party, net	0	165,440,000
Other long-term assets, net	314,166,000	159,362,000
Total assets	4,918,796,000	5,032,186,000
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Payables	177,184,000	307,076,000
Short-term debt	77,000,000	0
Accrued interest payable	33,345,000	33,113,000
Accrued liabilities	61,025,000	38,632,000
Taxes other than income tax	14,121,000	9,745,000
Income tax payable	2,517,000	4,006,000
Intercompany payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	365,192,000	392,572,000
Long-term debt	2,749,452,000	2,655,553,000
Long-term payable to related party	33,537,000	41,139,000
Deferred income tax liability	27,308,000	27,350,000
Other long-term liabilities	27,097,000	11,778,000
Total partners’ equity	1,716,210,000	1,903,794,000	2,584,995,000	2,864,335,000
Total liabilities and partners' equity	4,918,796,000	5,032,186,000
Eliminations
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	0	-6,000
Inventories	-42,000	-10,000
Other current assets	-116,000	0
Assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany receivable	-1,438,675,000	-1,521,552,000
Total current assets	-1,438,833,000	-1,521,568,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries	-4,150,589,000	-4,426,418,000
Investment in joint ventures	0	0
Deferred income tax asset	0	0
Note receivable from related party, net		0
Other long-term assets, net	0	0
Total assets	-5,589,422,000	-5,947,986,000
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Payables	0	-6,000
Short-term debt	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Taxes other than income tax	0	0
Income tax payable	-116,000	0
Intercompany payable	-1,438,675,000	-1,521,552,000
Total current liabilities	-1,438,791,000	-1,521,558,000
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term payable to related party	0	0
Deferred income tax liability	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total partners’ equity	-4,150,631,000	-4,426,428,000
Total liabilities and partners' equity	-5,589,422,000	-5,947,986,000
NuStar Energy
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	923,000	904,000	7,033,000	139,000
Receivables, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Total current assets	923,000	904,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries	2,289,673,000	2,469,331,000
Investment in joint ventures	0	0
Deferred income tax asset	0	0
Note receivable from related party, net		0
Other long-term assets, net	673,000	611,000
Total assets	2,291,269,000	2,470,846,000
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Payables	0	123,000
Short-term debt	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Accrued liabilities	862,000	585,000
Taxes other than income tax	125,000	125,000
Income tax payable	0	0
Intercompany payable	506,160,000	504,483,000
Total current liabilities	507,147,000	505,316,000
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term payable to related party	0	0
Deferred income tax liability	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total partners’ equity	1,784,122,000	1,965,530,000
Total liabilities and partners' equity	2,291,269,000	2,470,846,000
NuStar Logistics
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	6,000	22,307,000	1,112,000	14,000
Receivables, net	47,038,000	87,899,000
Inventories	1,998,000	2,083,000
Other current assets	10,403,000	18,109,000
Assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany receivable	1,438,675,000	1,521,552,000
Total current assets	1,498,120,000	1,651,950,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,820,126,000	1,556,893,000
Intangible assets, net	55,801,000	16,993,000
Goodwill	149,453,000	149,453,000
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries	37,179,000	177,961,000
Investment in joint ventures	0	0
Deferred income tax asset	0	0
Note receivable from related party, net		165,440,000
Other long-term assets, net	279,058,000	118,254,000
Total assets	3,839,737,000	3,836,944,000
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Payables	60,687,000	84,533,000
Short-term debt	77,000,000
Accrued interest payable	33,340,000	33,066,000
Accrued liabilities	32,178,000	18,850,000
Taxes other than income tax	7,896,000	6,272,000
Income tax payable	0	618,000
Intercompany payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	211,101,000	143,339,000
Long-term debt	2,749,452,000	2,655,553,000
Long-term payable to related party	28,094,000	35,696,000
Deferred income tax liability	528,000	0
Other long-term liabilities	13,681,000	4,961,000
Total partners’ equity	836,881,000	997,395,000
Total liabilities and partners' equity	3,839,737,000	3,836,944,000
NuPOP
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	18,347,000	13,281,000
Inventories	3,768,000	2,879,000
Other current assets	418,000	2,334,000
Assets held for sale	0	0
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Total current assets	22,533,000	18,494,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	559,808,000	573,694,000
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	170,652,000	170,652,000
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries	910,394,000	860,787,000
Investment in joint ventures	0	0
Deferred income tax asset	0	0
Note receivable from related party, net		0
Other long-term assets, net	26,329,000	26,331,000
Total assets	1,689,716,000	1,649,958,000
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Payables	8,211,000	7,517,000
Short-term debt	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Accrued liabilities	6,965,000	6,133,000
Taxes other than income tax	3,099,000	2,873,000
Income tax payable	4,000	6,000
Intercompany payable	751,023,000	714,847,000
Total current liabilities	769,302,000	731,376,000
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term payable to related party	0	0
Deferred income tax liability	22,000	0
Other long-term liabilities	6,963,000	306,000
Total partners’ equity	913,429,000	918,276,000
Total liabilities and partners' equity	1,689,716,000	1,649,958,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	86,983,000	77,532,000	75,457,000	17,344,000
Receivables, net	143,093,000	231,220,000
Inventories	49,989,000	133,195,000
Other current assets	25,239,000	19,835,000
Assets held for sale	1,100,000	21,987,000
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Total current assets	306,404,000	483,769,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,080,798,000	1,180,066,000
Intangible assets, net	2,869,000	54,256,000
Goodwill	297,324,000	297,324,000
Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries	913,343,000	918,339,000
Investment in joint ventures	74,223,000	68,735,000
Deferred income tax asset	4,429,000	5,769,000
Note receivable from related party, net		0
Other long-term assets, net	8,106,000	14,166,000
Total assets	2,687,496,000	3,022,424,000
Liabilities and Partners' Equity
Payables	108,286,000	214,909,000
Short-term debt	0
Accrued interest payable	5,000	47,000
Accrued liabilities	21,020,000	13,064,000
Taxes other than income tax	3,001,000	475,000
Income tax payable	2,629,000	3,382,000
Intercompany payable	181,492,000	302,222,000
Total current liabilities	316,433,000	534,099,000
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term payable to related party	5,443,000	5,443,000
Deferred income tax liability	26,758,000	27,350,000
Other long-term liabilities	6,453,000	6,511,000
Total partners’ equity	2,332,409,000	2,449,021,000
Total liabilities and partners' equity	$2,687,496,000	$3,022,424,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$681,738	$794,422	$749,745	$849,213	$785,387	$778,145	$902,014	$998,186	$3,075,118	$3,463,732	$5,945,736
Costs and expenses									2,728,217	3,482,853	5,963,904
Operating income (loss)	81,346	95,098	89,354	81,103	-228,202	68,751	76,972	63,358	346,901	-19,121	-18,168
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures									4,796	-39,970	-9,378
Interest (expense) income, net									-131,226	-121,006	-89,316
Other income (expense), net									4,499	7,341	-24,689
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense									224,970	-172,756	-141,551
Income tax expense									10,801	12,753	24,450
Income (loss) from continuing operations	54,869	59,117	57,187	42,996	-275,502	35,682	34,712	19,599	214,169	-185,509	-166,001
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-1,475	2,831	-1,788	-3,359	-99,778	-2,446	-1,743	4,805	-3,791	-99,162	-61,236
Net income (loss)	53,394	61,948	55,399	39,637	-375,280	33,236	32,969	24,404	210,378	-284,671	-227,237
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									-395	-10,901	-621
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									-9,676	-34,147	-25,053
Costs and expenses									-9,645	-34,168	-25,465
Operating income (loss)									-31	21	412
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									-404,913	884,466	408,424
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures									0	0	0
Interest (expense) income, net									0	0	0
Other income (expense), net									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense									-404,944	884,487	408,836
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations									-404,944	884,487	408,836
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	-386
Net income (loss)									-404,944	884,487	408,450
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									-404,944	884,487	408,450
NuStar Energy
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									0	0	0
Costs and expenses									1,753	1,908	1,699
Operating income (loss)									-1,753	-1,908	-1,699
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									212,527	-271,862	-224,917
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures									0	0	0
Interest (expense) income, net									0	0	0
Other income (expense), net									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense									210,774	-273,770	-226,616
Income tax expense									1	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
NuStar Logistics
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									510,833	415,128	362,451
Costs and expenses									287,614	242,743	216,159
Operating income (loss)									223,219	172,385	146,292
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									-12,798	16,531	-361,830
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures									-8,278	-49,599	-16,117
Interest (expense) income, net									-132,274	-116,624	-76,311
Other income (expense), net									511	-115	-26,596
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense									70,380	22,578	-334,562
Income tax expense									5	579	255
Income (loss) from continuing operations									70,375	21,999	-334,817
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									-169	-12,317	-2,085
Net income (loss)									70,206	9,682	-336,902
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									70,206	9,682	-336,902
NuPOP
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									229,211	218,591	210,712
Costs and expenses									149,955	147,117	151,185
Operating income (loss)									79,256	71,474	59,527
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									62,946	-347,808	65,505
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures									0	0	0
Interest (expense) income, net									89	-4,851	-12,546
Other income (expense), net									-37	-127	1,679
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense									142,254	-281,312	114,165
Income tax expense									23	8	1,329
Income (loss) from continuing operations									142,231	-281,320	112,836
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									142,231	-281,320	112,836
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									142,231	-281,320	112,836
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									2,344,750	2,864,160	5,397,626
Costs and expenses									2,298,540	3,125,253	5,620,326
Operating income (loss)									46,210	-261,093	-222,700
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									142,238	-281,327	112,818
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures									13,074	9,629	6,739
Interest (expense) income, net									959	469	-459
Other income (expense), net									4,025	7,583	228
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense									206,506	-524,739	-103,374
Income tax expense									10,772	12,166	22,866
Income (loss) from continuing operations									195,734	-536,905	-126,240
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									-3,622	-86,845	-58,765
Net income (loss)									192,112	-623,750	-185,005
Less net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									-395	-10,901	-621
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									$192,507	($612,849)	($184,384)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$53,394	$61,948	$55,399	$39,637	($375,280)	$33,236	$32,969	$24,404	$210,378	($284,671)	($227,237)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-15,614	-19,364	10,677
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges									0	7,213	-94,269
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									10,663	7,570	53,232
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									-4,951	-4,581	-30,360
Comprehensive (loss) income									205,427	-289,252	-257,597
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									-828	-10,953	477
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									206,255	-278,299	-258,074
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									-404,944	884,487	408,450
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0	0
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges										0	0
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income									-404,944	884,487	408,450
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									-404,944	884,487	408,450
NuStar Energy
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0	0
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges										0	0
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									210,773	-273,770	-226,616
NuStar Logistics
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									70,206	9,682	-336,902
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									3,723	-3,090	0
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges										7,213	-17,069
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									10,663	7,570	1,749
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									14,386	11,693	-15,320
Comprehensive (loss) income									84,592	21,375	-352,222
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									84,592	21,375	-352,222
NuPOP
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									142,231	-281,320	112,836
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0	0
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges										0	0
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									0	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income									142,231	-281,320	112,836
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									142,231	-281,320	112,836
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									192,112	-623,750	-185,005
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									-19,337	-16,274	10,677
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges										0	-77,200
Net loss (gain) reclassified into income on cash flow hedges									0	0	51,483
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									-19,337	-16,274	-15,040
Comprehensive (loss) income									172,775	-640,024	-200,045
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									-828	-10,953	477
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P.									$173,603	($629,071)	($200,522)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Table 4 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$518,523	$485,219	$299,203
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-356,965	-343,320	-410,595
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	4,903	-5,384	0
Acquisitions	0	0	-315,810
Investment in other long-term assets	0	0	-2,610
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	26,012	119,006	478,926
Increase in note receivable from related party	-13,328	-80,961	-95,711
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Other, net	-853	-302	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-340,231	-310,961	-345,800
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	1,318,619	1,738,451	2,621,025
Debt repayments	-1,121,670	-2,150,743	-2,720,355
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs	0	686,863	247,398
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs	0	0	336,415
Contributions from general partner	0	0	7,121
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	-392,204	-392,204	-365,279
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps	0	-33,697	-5,678
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates	0	0	0
Net intercompany borrowings (repayments)	0	0	0
Other, net	7,070	1,980	-9,978
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities	-188,185	-149,350	110,669
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-2,938	-7,767	2,033
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-12,831	17,141	66,105
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	100,743	83,602	17,497
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	87,912	100,743	83,602
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-539,309	-392,243	-381,838
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisitions			0
Investment in other long-term assets			0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	0	0	0
Increase in note receivable from related party	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-13,317	-228	451,357
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,317	-228	451,357
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	0	0	0
Debt repayments	0	0	0
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs			0
Contributions from general partner			0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	539,309	392,243	381,846
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps		0	0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates	13,340	228	-451,357
Net intercompany borrowings (repayments)	0	0	-8
Other, net	-23	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities	552,626	392,471	-69,519
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	0	0	0
NuStar Energy
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	390,543	390,002	363,639
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisitions			0
Investment in other long-term assets			0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	0	0	0
Increase in note receivable from related party	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-23	-302	-337,123
Other, net	23	302
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	-337,123
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	0	0	0
Debt repayments	0	0	0
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs			336,415
Contributions from general partner			7,121
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	-392,204	-392,204	-365,279
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps		0	0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates	0	0	0
Net intercompany borrowings (repayments)	1,680	-3,880	2,254
Other, net	0	-47	-133
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities	-390,524	-396,131	-19,622
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19	-6,129	6,894
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	904	7,033	139
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	923	904	7,033
NuStar Logistics
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	221,422	210,742	86,333
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-273,785	-224,798	-292,873
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	8,741	-9,700
Acquisitions			-201,610
Investment in other long-term assets			0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	651	118,806	441,442
Increase in note receivable from related party	-13,328	-80,961	-95,711
Investment in subsidiaries	0	527	-114,200
Other, net	-45	-604
Net cash used in investing activities	-277,766	-196,730	-262,952
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	1,318,619	1,738,451	2,621,025
Debt repayments	-1,121,670	-1,866,282	-2,470,355
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs		686,863	247,398
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs			0
Contributions from general partner			0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	-245,127	-392,204	-365,279
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps		-33,697	-5,678
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates	0	302	337,123
Net intercompany borrowings (repayments)	83,387	-128,277	-177,851
Other, net	-1,166	2,027	-9,845
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities	34,043	7,183	176,538
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	1,179
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-22,301	21,195	1,098
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	22,307	1,112	14
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	6	22,307	1,112
NuPOP
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	111,931	84,490	81,700
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-14,625	-19,049	-16,114
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	789	824
Acquisitions			0
Investment in other long-term assets			0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	22	35	4,537
Increase in note receivable from related party	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	13,340	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-474	-18,190	-11,577
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	0	0	0
Debt repayments	0	-250,000	-250,000
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs			0
Contributions from general partner			0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	-147,077	0	0
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps		0	0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates	0	0	0
Net intercompany borrowings (repayments)	35,620	183,700	179,877
Other, net	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities	-111,457	-66,300	-70,123
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	0	0	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	333,936	192,228	149,369
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-68,555	-99,473	-101,608
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures	-4,627	3,492
Acquisitions			-114,200
Investment in other long-term assets			-2,610
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	25,339	165	32,947
Increase in note receivable from related party	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	3	-34
Other, net	-831	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-48,674	-95,813	-185,505
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt borrowings	0	0	0
Debt repayments	0	-34,461	0
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs			0
Contributions from general partner			0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner	-147,105	-39	-16,567
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps		0	0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates	-13,340	-530	114,234
Net intercompany borrowings (repayments)	-120,687	-51,543	-4,272
Other, net	8,259	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities	-272,873	-86,573	93,395
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-2,938	-7,767	854
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	9,451	2,075	58,113
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	77,532	75,457	17,344
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	$86,983	$77,532	$75,457

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenues	$681,738	$794,422	$749,745	$849,213	$785,387	$778,145	$902,014	$998,186	$3,075,118	$3,463,732	$5,945,736
Operating income (loss)	81,346	95,098	89,354	81,103	-228,202	68,751	76,972	63,358	346,901	-19,121	-18,168
Income (loss) from continuing operations	54,869	59,117	57,187	42,996	-275,502	35,682	34,712	19,599	214,169	-185,509	-166,001
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-1,475	2,831	-1,788	-3,359	-99,778	-2,446	-1,743	4,805	-3,791	-99,162	-61,236
Net income (loss)	$53,394	$61,948	$55,399	$39,637	($375,280)	$33,236	$32,969	$24,404	$210,378	($284,671)	($227,237)
Net income (loss) per unit applicable to limited partners:
Continuing operations	$0.55	$0.61	$0.58	$0.40	($3.60)	$0.31	$0.30	$0.10	$2.14	($2.89)	($2.79)
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.03	($0.02)	($0.04)	($1.13)	($0.03)	($0.02)	$0.07	($0.04)	($1.11)	($0.82)
Total	$0.54	$0.64	$0.56	$0.36	($4.73)	$0.28	$0.28	$0.17	$2.10	($4)	($3.61)
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$4.38	$4.38	$4.38