> Hmmmm....  Let's see,
>
> 1) Because this needs to be a non-zero-programming
> solution--it's in the
>    middle of an application on which I'm working.

Um... if it is in the middle of an application on which you are working...
why not fix the logic problem that allows master entries with no detail
records in the first place.

Fix the problem not treat the symptom? :>