NavSight (NSH) 10-Q 12 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DEI_Document

DEI Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NuStar GP Holdings, LLC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001223786	'
Trading Symbol	'nsh	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	42,628,563

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,213	$2,597
Receivable from related parties	20,484	7,870
Income tax receivable	1,565	2,450
Other receivables	0	147
Deferred income tax assets, net	0	928
Other current assets	167	248
Total current assets	23,429	14,240
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	430,749	464,981
Long-term receivable from related party	29,637	18,071
Deferred income tax assets, net	20,850	20,424
Total assets	504,665	517,716
Liabilities and Members' Equity	'	'
Short-term debt	26,000	20,000
Accounts payable	479	1,002
Accrued compensation expense	17,026	14,968
Accrued liabilities	405	429
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	49	0
Taxes other than income tax	470	1,399
Total current liabilities	44,429	37,798
Long-term liabilities	78,225	67,096
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'
Members' equity	411,281	444,844
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-29,270	-32,022
Total members' equity	382,011	412,822
Total liabilities and members' equity	$504,665	$517,716

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Equity in earnings (loss) of NuStar Energy L.P.	$13,462	$9,185	$39,023	($11,471)
General and administrative expenses	-941	-654	-2,359	-2,306
Other income (expense), net	-9	10,702	90	10,808
Interest expense, net	-191	-158	-534	-442
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit	12,321	19,075	36,220	-3,411
Income tax (expense) benefit	-286	90	-551	414
Net income (loss)	12,035	19,165	35,669	-2,997
Comprehensive income (loss)	$14,501	$19,225	$38,421	($9,442)
Basic net income (loss) per unit	$0.29	$0.45	$0.84	($0.07)
Diluted net income (loss) per unit	$0.29	$0.45	$0.84	($0.07)
Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding	42,624,518	42,575,563	42,616,256	42,575,183
Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding	42,624,518	42,575,563	42,616,256	42,575,183

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Parenthetical (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Diluted net income (loss) per unit	$0.29	$0.45	$0.84	($0.07)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$35,669	($2,997)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Equity in loss (earnings) of NuStar Energy L.P.	-39,023	11,471
Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	39,023	0
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.'s issuance of limited partner units	0	10,689
(Gain) loss on sale of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units in connection with unit-based compensation	-90	-119
Provision (benefit) for deferred income tax	551	-2,364
Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 6)	-8,100	-2,240
(Increase) decrease in long-term receivable from related party	-11,503	-1,502
Increase in long-term liabilities	11,129	13,591
Other, net	141	121
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	27,797	5,272
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	33,120	68,473
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	0	-14,961
Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. units in connection with unit-based compensation	1,380	2,795
Net cash provided by investing activities	34,500	56,307
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings	26,000	21,000
Repayment of short-term debt	-20,000	-16,500
Distributions to unitholders	-69,681	-65,141
Other, net	0	368
Net cash used in financing activities	-63,681	-60,273
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,384	1,306
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	2,597	1,354
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	$1,213	$2,660

ORGANIZATION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Organization
	NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH) is a publicly held Delaware limited liability company. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar GP Holdings,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole.
	We have no operations or sources of income or cash flows other than our investment in NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy) (NYSE: NS). As of September 30, 2013, we owned approximately 15.0% of NuStar Energy, consisting of the following:
	•	the 2% general partner interest;
	•	100% of the incentive distribution rights (IDR) issued by NuStar Energy, which entitle us to receive increasing percentages of the cash distributed by NuStar Energy, currently at the maximum percentage of 23%; and
	•	10,292,783 common units of NuStar Energy representing a 13.0% limited partner interest.
	NuStar Energy is a publicly held Delaware limited partnership engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and fuels marketing. NuStar Energy has terminal and storage facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, including St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Turkey.
	Basis of Presentation
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NuStar GP Holdings and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We account for our ownership interest in NuStar Energy using the equity method. Therefore, our financial results reflect a portion of NuStar Energy’s net income based on our ownership interest in NuStar Energy. We have no separate operating activities apart from those conducted by NuStar Energy and therefore generate no revenues from operations.
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise indicated. Financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 included in these Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	New Accounting Pronouncement
	Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board further amended the disclosure requirements for the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance requires that entities present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Accordingly, we adopted the amended guidance January 1, 2013, and it did not have a material impact on our disclosures.

INVESTMENT_IN_NUSTAR_ENERGY

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	'
	INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY
	Summary Financial Information
	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below (in thousands of dollars):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
	Balance Sheet Information:
	Current assets	$	460,309		$	939,443
	Property, plant and equipment, net	3,361,850			3,238,460
	Goodwill	950,963			951,024
	Other non-current assets	469,538			484,162
	Total assets	$	5,242,660		$	5,613,089
	Current liabilities	$	356,703		$	845,971
	Long-term debt, less current portion	2,439,696			2,124,582
	Other non-current liabilities	65,282			57,541
	Total liabilities	2,861,681			3,028,094
	NuStar Energy partners’ equity	2,370,574			2,572,384
	Noncontrolling interest	10,405			12,611
	Total liabilities and partners’ equity	$	5,242,660		$	5,613,089
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information:
	Revenues	$	780,010		$	1,593,756		$	2,683,916	$	4,970,909
	Operating income (loss)	$	65,874		$	59,352		$	199,379	$	(86,537	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	33,236		$	13,965		$	81,540	$	(192,549	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(9,623		)	9,069		(23,665		)
	Net income (loss)	$	33,236		$	4,342		$	90,609	$	(216,214	)
	Other
	Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$	2,370,574		$	2,572,384
	NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15		%	15		%
	NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	355,586			385,858
	Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities,	75,163			79,123
	including equity method goodwill, and other
	Investment in NuStar Energy	$	430,749		$	464,981

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	We had a receivable from related parties of $20.5 million and $7.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, mainly relating to payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation for our employees providing services to NuStar Energy and NuStar Energy’s joint ventures. We also had a long-term receivable from related party of $29.6 million and $18.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, related to amounts payable for retiree medical benefits and other post-employment benefits. The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans	$	42,736	$	56,067	$	141,933	$	166,385
	and unit-based compensation
	Other expenses	$	167	$	165	$	344	$	351
	GP Services Agreement
	NuStar Energy and NuStar GP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar GP Holdings, 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 will terminate on December 31, 2014, renewing automatically every two years unless terminated by either party upon six months’ prior written notice. The aggregate amounts of Holdco Administrative Services Expense that we incurred were $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1.0 million for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Asphalt JV Services Agreement
	On September 28, 2012, NuStar Energy sold a 50% ownership interest (the Asphalt Sale) in NuStar Asphalt LLC (Asphalt JV), previously a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar Energy. NuStar GP, LLC entered into a services agreement with Asphalt JV, effective September 28, 2012 (the Asphalt JV Services Agreement). The Asphalt JV Services Agreement provides that NuStar GP, LLC furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Asphalt JV. Asphalt JV compensates us for these services through an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to our employees for the most recently completed contract year. The Asphalt JV Services Agreement will terminate on December 31, 2017 and will automatically renew for successive two-year terms. Asphalt JV may terminate the Asphalt JV Services Agreement at any time, with 180 days prior written notice or reduce the level of service with 45 days prior written notice. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Asphalt JV provided written notice to reduce the level of services that we provide to Asphalt JV which is currently at 63% of the original service level. The aggregate amounts of the Asphalt JV Services Agreement charged were $1.6 million and $6.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

DISTRIBUTIONS_FROM_NUSTAR_ENER

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY [Abstract]	'
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	'
	DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY
	The following table reflects the allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	General partner interest	$	1,961		$	1,961		$	5,883		$	5,525
	General partner incentive distribution	10,805			10,805			32,415			30,437
	Total general partner distribution	12,766			12,766			38,298			35,962
	Limited partner distribution	11,268			11,374			33,820			33,808
	Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	24,034			24,140			72,118			69,770
	Public unitholders’ distributions	74,017			73,911			222,035			206,433
	Total cash distributions	$	98,051		$	98,051		$	294,153		$	276,203
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$	1.095		$	1.095		$	3.285		$	3.285
	The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions:
	Quarter Ended		Cash Distributions Per Unit			Total Cash Distributions (Thousands of Dollars)			Record Date	Payment Date
	September 30, 2013 (a)		$	1.095		$	98,051		November 11, 2013	November 14, 2013
	30-Jun-13		$	1.095		$	98,051		August 5, 2013	August 9, 2013
	31-Mar-13		$	1.095		$	98,051		May 6, 2013	May 10, 2013
	31-Dec-12		$	1.095		$	98,051		February 11, 2013	February 14, 2013
	(a)	The distribution was announced on October 31, 2013.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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.
	The following liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Accrued compensation expense:
	NuStar Energy restricted units	$	12,132		$	—	$	—	$	12,132
	NuStar Energy unit options	—			2		—		2
	Total	$	12,132		$	2	$	—	$	12,134
		December 31, 2012
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Accrued compensation expense:
	NuStar Energy restricted units	$	10,376		$	—	$	—	$	10,376
	NuStar Energy unit options	—			70		—		70
	Total	$	10,376		$	70	$	—	$	10,446
	The fair value of our accrued compensation expense for NuStar Energy restricted units is determined using the NuStar Energy unit price at the reporting date. The fair value of our accrued compensation expense for NuStar Energy unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the reporting date based on the following weighted-average assumptions:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Expected life in years	5.9		6.5
	Expected volatility	24.1	%	22.4	%
	Expected distribution yield	10.9	%	10.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.1	%	0.2	%
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We recognize cash equivalents, receivables, payables and debt in our consolidated balance sheets at their carrying amount. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts. The fair value of our debt would fall in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	'
	STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Decrease (increase) in current assets:
	Receivable from related parties	$	(9,654	)	$	(6,586	)
	Income tax receivable	885			2,619
	Other receivables	147			299
	Other current assets	(60		)	(98		)
	Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	(523		)	319
	Accrued compensation expense	2,058			1,741
	Accrued liabilities	(24		)	(23		)
	Income tax payable	—			249
	Taxes other than income tax	(929		)	(760		)
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities	$	(8,100	)	$	(2,240	)
	Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Cash paid for interest	$	384		$	316
	Cash refunded for income tax	$	(885	)	$	(918	)

CREDIT_FACILITY

CREDIT FACILITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
CREDIT FACILITY	'
	CREDIT FACILITY
	Our 364-day revolving credit agreement dated June 28, 2013 matures on June 27, 2014 and has a borrowing capacity of up to $40.0 million, of which, up to $10.0 million may be available for letters of credit (the 2013 Credit Facility). Our obligations under the 2013 Credit Facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), our wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk pledged 1,792,918 NuStar Energy units that it owns to secure its guarantee.
	As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding borrowings of $26.0 million and availability of $14.0 million for borrowings under the 2013 Credit Facility. Interest on the 2013 Credit Facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate plus 1.00% or a LIBOR-based rate plus 2.00%. As of September 30, 2013, the weighted-average interest rate was 2.8%.
	The terms of the 2013 Credit Facility require NuStar Energy to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period, which consists of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio not to exceed 5.0-to-1.0. If NuStar Energy consummates an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $50.0 million, the maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.5-to-1.0 for two rolling periods. As of September 30, 2013, NuStar Energy’s consolidated debt coverage ratio was 4.3x. We are also required to receive cash distributions of at least $12.5 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy each fiscal quarter. Our management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants of the 2013 Credit Facility as of September 30, 2013.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Contingencies
	We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings and have not recorded any accruals for loss contingencies. NuStar Energy is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business, which it believes are not material to its financial position or results of operations. However, 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 NuStar Energy’s results of operations and ability to pay distributions, which would impact our results of operations and ability to pay distributions.

MEMBERS_EQUITY

MEMBERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Members' Equity [Abstract]	'
MEMBERS' EQUITY	'
	MEMBERS’ EQUITY
	The following table presents changes to our members’ equity (in thousands of dollars):
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	412,822
	Net income	35,669
	Distributions to unitholders	(69,681		)
	Other comprehensive income	2,752
	Unit-based compensation	449
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	382,011
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Share of NuStar Energy’s Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income				Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments				Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Beginning Balance	$	(8,743	)		$	(23,279	)		$	(32,022	)
	Share of NuStar Energy’s other comprehensive income adjustment	178				—				178
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive	—				2,574				2,574
	(loss) income
	Other comprehensive income	178				2,574				2,752
	Ending Balance	$	(8,565	)		$	(20,705	)		$	(29,270	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component were as follows:
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Components		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Affected Line Item in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Amortization of items related to Pension
	and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:
	Prior service credit		$	(60	)		$	(180	)		General and administrative expenses
	Net actuarial loss		570				1,710				General and administrative expenses
	Settlement charge		1,044				1,044				General and administrative expenses
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	1,554			$	2,574
	(a)	We recognized the net loss reclassified into income as general and administrative expenses. NuStar Energy reimburses us for these employee costs.
	Cash Distributions
	The following table summarizes our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned:
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	Cash distributions per unit	$	0.545			$	0.545			$	1.635			$	1.565
	Total cash distributions	$	23,231			$	23,204			$	69,689			$	66,637
	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
	September 30, 2013 (a)		$	0.545			$	23,231			November 11, 2013		November 19, 2013
	30-Jun-13		$	0.545			$	23,236			August 5, 2013		August 14, 2013
	31-Mar-13		$	0.545			$	23,222			May 6, 2013		May 15, 2013
	31-Dec-12		$	0.545			$	23,223			February 11, 2013		February 19, 2013
	(a)	The distribution was announced on October 31, 2013.

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_UNIT

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT	'
	NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT
	We treat restricted units granted under our long-term incentive plan as participating securities in computing net income (loss) per unit pursuant to the two-class method. The computation of diluted net income (loss) per unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 excludes the outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units, as the exercise price exceeded the average market price and their effect would have been anti-dilutive. The weighted-average outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units totaled 289,100 and 300,766 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and totaled 293,715 and 301,107 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The components of net periodic benefit cost related to our defined benefit plans were as follows:
		Pension Plans (a)						Other Postretirement
								Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	For the three months ended September 30:
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	4,080		$	3,904		$	293		$	315
	Interest cost	1,259			1,003			235			244
	Expected return on assets	(1,134		)	(979		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service credit	(10		)	(4		)	(50		)	—
	Amortization of net loss	518			348			52			35
	Net periodic benefit cost before other charges	$	4,713		$	4,272		$	530		$	594
	Other charges (b)	1,044			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,757		$	4,272		$	530		$	594
	For the nine months ended September 30:
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	12,240		$	11,712		$	879		$	945
	Interest cost	3,777			3,009			705			732
	Expected return on assets	(3,402		)	(2,937		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service credit	(30		)	(12		)	(150		)	—
	Amortization of net loss	1,554			1,044			156			105
	Net periodic benefit cost before other charges	$	14,139		$	12,816		$	1,590		$	1,782
	Other charges (b)	1,224			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	15,363		$	12,816		$	1,590		$	1,782
	(a)	Includes amounts related to the pension plan, the excess pension plan and the supplemental executive retirement plan.
	(b)	Other charges include settlement charges for retirees under the excess pension plan in the third quarter of 2013 and a disposition charge related to NuStar Energy’s sale of its fuels refinery in San Antonio, Texas and related assets on January 1, 2013.

INVESTMENT_IN_NUSTAR_ENERGY_Ta

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
NuStar Energy's Balance Sheet Information	'
	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below (in thousands of dollars):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Unaudited)
	Balance Sheet Information:
	Current assets	$	460,309		$	939,443
	Property, plant and equipment, net	3,361,850			3,238,460
	Goodwill	950,963			951,024
	Other non-current assets	469,538			484,162
	Total assets	$	5,242,660		$	5,613,089
	Current liabilities	$	356,703		$	845,971
	Long-term debt, less current portion	2,439,696			2,124,582
	Other non-current liabilities	65,282			57,541
	Total liabilities	2,861,681			3,028,094
	NuStar Energy partners’ equity	2,370,574			2,572,384
	Noncontrolling interest	10,405			12,611
	Total liabilities and partners’ equity	$	5,242,660		$	5,613,089
NuStar Energy's Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income Information	'
	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information:
	Revenues	$	780,010		$	1,593,756		$	2,683,916	$	4,970,909
	Operating income (loss)	$	65,874		$	59,352		$	199,379	$	(86,537	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	33,236		$	13,965		$	81,540	$	(192,549	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(9,623		)	9,069		(23,665		)
	Net income (loss)	$	33,236		$	4,342		$	90,609	$	(216,214	)
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energybs total partnersb equity to our investment in NuStar Energy	'
	Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$	2,370,574		$	2,572,384
	NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15		%	15		%
	NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	355,586			385,858
	Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities,	75,163			79,123
	including equity method goodwill, and other
	Investment in NuStar Energy	$	430,749		$	464,981

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans	$	42,736	$	56,067	$	141,933	$	166,385
	and unit-based compensation
	Other expenses	$	167	$	165	$	344	$	351

DISTRIBUTIONS_FROM_NUSTAR_ENER1

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Distributions To General and Limited Partners [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table reflects the allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	General partner interest	$	1,961		$	1,961		$	5,883		$	5,525
	General partner incentive distribution	10,805			10,805			32,415			30,437
	Total general partner distribution	12,766			12,766			38,298			35,962
	Limited partner distribution	11,268			11,374			33,820			33,808
	Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	24,034			24,140			72,118			69,770
	Public unitholders’ distributions	74,017			73,911			222,035			206,433
	Total cash distributions	$	98,051		$	98,051		$	294,153		$	276,203
	Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$	1.095		$	1.095		$	3.285		$	3.285
Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions:
	Quarter Ended		Cash Distributions Per Unit			Total Cash Distributions (Thousands of Dollars)			Record Date	Payment Date
	September 30, 2013 (a)		$	1.095		$	98,051		November 11, 2013	November 14, 2013
	30-Jun-13		$	1.095		$	98,051		August 5, 2013	August 9, 2013
	31-Mar-13		$	1.095		$	98,051		May 6, 2013	May 10, 2013
	31-Dec-12		$	1.095		$	98,051		February 11, 2013	February 14, 2013
	(a)	The distribution was announced on October 31, 2013.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Accrued compensation expense:
	NuStar Energy restricted units	$	12,132		$	—	$	—	$	12,132
	NuStar Energy unit options	—			2		—		2
	Total	$	12,132		$	2	$	—	$	12,134
		December 31, 2012
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Accrued compensation expense:
	NuStar Energy restricted units	$	10,376		$	—	$	—	$	10,376
	NuStar Energy unit options	—			70		—		70
	Total	$	10,376		$	70	$	—	$	10,446
Weighted-average assumptions used in Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model	'
	The fair value of our accrued compensation expense for NuStar Energy unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the reporting date based on the following weighted-average assumptions:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Expected life in years	5.9		6.5
	Expected volatility	24.1	%	22.4	%
	Expected distribution yield	10.9	%	10.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.1	%	0.2	%

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'
Changes in current assets and liabilities	'
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Decrease (increase) in current assets:
	Receivable from related parties	$	(9,654	)	$	(6,586	)
	Income tax receivable	885			2,619
	Other receivables	147			299
	Other current assets	(60		)	(98		)
	Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	(523		)	319
	Accrued compensation expense	2,058			1,741
	Accrued liabilities	(24		)	(23		)
	Income tax payable	—			249
	Taxes other than income tax	(929		)	(760		)
	Changes in current assets and current liabilities	$	(8,100	)	$	(2,240	)
Cash flows related to interest and income tax	'
	Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Cash paid for interest	$	384		$	316
	Cash refunded for income tax	$	(885	)	$	(918	)

MEMBERS_EQUITY_Tables

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Members' Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Membersb Equity	'
	The following table presents changes to our members’ equity (in thousands of dollars):
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	412,822
	Net income	35,669
	Distributions to unitholders	(69,681		)
	Other comprehensive income	2,752
	Unit-based compensation	449
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	382,011
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Share of NuStar Energy’s Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income				Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments				Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	Beginning Balance	$	(8,743	)		$	(23,279	)		$	(32,022	)
	Share of NuStar Energy’s other comprehensive income adjustment	178				—				178
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive	—				2,574				2,574
	(loss) income
	Other comprehensive income	178				2,574				2,752
	Ending Balance	$	(8,565	)		$	(20,705	)		$	(29,270	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component were as follows:
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Components		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013				Affected Line Item in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Amortization of items related to Pension
	and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:
	Prior service credit		$	(60	)		$	(180	)		General and administrative expenses
	Net actuarial loss		570				1,710				General and administrative expenses
	Settlement charge		1,044				1,044				General and administrative expenses
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	1,554			$	2,574
	(a)	We recognized the net loss reclassified into income as general and administrative expenses. NuStar Energy reimburses us for these employee costs.
Our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned	'
	The following table summarizes our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned:
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
		(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)
	Cash distributions per unit	$	0.545			$	0.545			$	1.635			$	1.565
	Total cash distributions	$	23,231			$	23,204			$	69,689			$	66,637
Distributions Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, 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
	September 30, 2013 (a)		$	0.545			$	23,231			November 11, 2013		November 19, 2013
	30-Jun-13		$	0.545			$	23,236			August 5, 2013		August 14, 2013
	31-Mar-13		$	0.545			$	23,222			May 6, 2013		May 15, 2013
	31-Dec-12		$	0.545			$	23,223			February 11, 2013		February 19, 2013
	(a)	The distribution was announced on October 31, 2013.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]	'
The components of net periodic benefit cost related to our defined benefit plans	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost related to our defined benefit plans were as follows:
		Pension Plans (a)						Other Postretirement
								Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Thousands of Dollars)
	For the three months ended September 30:
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	4,080		$	3,904		$	293		$	315
	Interest cost	1,259			1,003			235			244
	Expected return on assets	(1,134		)	(979		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service credit	(10		)	(4		)	(50		)	—
	Amortization of net loss	518			348			52			35
	Net periodic benefit cost before other charges	$	4,713		$	4,272		$	530		$	594
	Other charges (b)	1,044			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,757		$	4,272		$	530		$	594
	For the nine months ended September 30:
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	12,240		$	11,712		$	879		$	945
	Interest cost	3,777			3,009			705			732
	Expected return on assets	(3,402		)	(2,937		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service credit	(30		)	(12		)	(150		)	—
	Amortization of net loss	1,554			1,044			156			105
	Net periodic benefit cost before other charges	$	14,139		$	12,816		$	1,590		$	1,782
	Other charges (b)	1,224			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	15,363		$	12,816		$	1,590		$	1,782
	(a)	Includes amounts related to the pension plan, the excess pension plan and the supplemental executive retirement plan.
	(b)	Other charges include settlement charges for retirees under the excess pension plan in the third quarter of 2013 and a disposition charge related to NuStar Energy’s sale of its fuels refinery in San Antonio, Texas and related assets on January 1, 2013.

ORGANIZATION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES1

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Percent ownership in NuStar Energy	15.00%	15.00%
General partner interest percentage	2.00%	'
Percent of incentive distribution rights (IDR) issued by NuStar Energy	100.00%	'
Maximum percentage of cash distributed by NuStar Energy	23.00%	'
Common units of NuStar Energy	10,292,783	'
Percent of limited partner interest	13.00%	'

INVESTMENT_IN_NUSTAR_ENERGY_Ta1

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
NuStar Energy [Member]	'	'
Balance Sheet Information:	'	'
Current assets	$460,309	$939,443
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,361,850	3,238,460
Goodwill	950,963	951,024
Other non-current assets	469,538	484,162
Total assets	5,242,660	5,613,089
Current liabilities	356,703	845,971
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,439,696	2,124,582
Other non-current liabilities	65,282	57,541
Total liabilities	2,861,681	3,028,094
NuStar Energy partners' equity	2,370,574	2,572,384
Noncontrolling interest	10,405	12,611
Total liabilities and partnersb equity	$5,242,660	$5,613,089

INVESTMENT_IN_NUSTAR_ENERGY_Ta2

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
NuStar Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'
Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$780,010	$1,593,756	$2,683,916	$4,970,909
Operating income (loss)	65,874	59,352	199,379	-86,537
Income (loss) from continuing operations	33,236	13,965	81,540	-192,549
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-9,623	9,069	-23,665
Net income (loss)	$33,236	$4,342	$90,609	($216,214)

INVESTMENT_IN_NUSTAR_ENERGY_Ta3

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energybs total partnersb equity to our investment in NuStar Energy	'	'
NuStar GP Holdingsb ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%	15.00%
NuStar GP Holdingsb share of NuStar Energybs partnersb equity	$355,586	$385,858
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energybs assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	75,163	79,123
Investment in NuStar Energy	430,749	464,981
NuStar Energy [Member]	'	'
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energybs total partnersb equity to our investment in NuStar Energy	'	'
NuStar Energybs partnersb equity	$2,370,574	$2,572,384

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 1 (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Receivable from related parties	$20,484	$7,870
Long-term receivable from related party	$29,637	$18,071

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab1

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation	$42,736	$56,067	$141,933	$166,385
Other expenses	$167	$165	$344	$351

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Nar1

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 2 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Asphalt JV [Member] | Asphalt JV Services Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Services Agreements, Description	'	'	'The Asphalt JV Services Agreement provides that NuStar GP, LLC furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Asphalt JV. Asphalt JV compensates us for these services through an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to our employees for the most recently completed contract year.	'
Services Agreements, Termination Date	'	'	31-Dec-17	'
Administrative services expense	$1.60	'	$6.30	'
Administrative Fees Reduction, Description	'	'	'Asphalt JV may terminate the Asphalt JV Services Agreement at any time, with 180 days prior written notice or reduce the level of service with 45 days prior written notice.	'
Percentage of Services Used Under Agreement with Related Party	63.00%	'	63.00%	'
NuStar Energy [Member] | GP Services Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Services Agreements, Description	'	'	'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	'
Services Agreements, Termination Date	'	'	31-Dec-14	'
Administrative services expense	$0.40	$0.20	$1	$1

DISTRIBUTIONS_FROM_NUSTAR_ENER2

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) (NuStar Energy [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
NuStar Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
The allocation of NuStar Energybs cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
General partner interest	$1,961	'	'	'	$1,961	$5,883	$5,525
General partner incentive distribution	10,805	'	'	'	10,805	32,415	30,437
Total general partner distribution	12,766	'	'	'	12,766	38,298	35,962
Limited partner distribution	11,268	'	'	'	11,374	33,820	33,808
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	24,034	'	'	'	24,140	72,118	69,770
Public unitholdersb distributions	74,017	'	'	'	73,911	222,035	206,433
Total cash distributions	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$294,153	$276,203
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$3.29	$3.29

DISTRIBUTIONS_FROM_NUSTAR_ENER3

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
NuStar Energy's Distibution announcement date (distribution earned)	31-Oct-13	'	'	'	'	'	'
NuStar Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
NuStar Energy's Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners (distribution earned)	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$1.09	$3.29	$3.29
NuStar Energy's Total cash distributions (distribution earned)	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$98,051	$294,153	$276,203
NuStar Energy's Distribution date of record (distribution earned)	11-Nov-13	5-Aug-13	6-May-13	11-Feb-13	'	'	'
NuStar Energy's Distribution payment date (distribution earned)	14-Nov-13	9-Aug-13	10-May-13	14-Feb-13	'	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Table_

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued compensation expense:	'	'
NuStar Energy restricted units	$12,132	$10,376
NuStar Energy unit options	2	70
Total	12,134	10,446
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Accrued compensation expense:	'	'
NuStar Energy restricted units	12,132	10,376
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	12,132	10,376
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Accrued compensation expense:	'	'
NuStar Energy restricted units	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	2	70
Total	2	70
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Accrued compensation expense:	'	'
NuStar Energy restricted units	0	0
NuStar Energy unit options	0	0
Total	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Table_1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 2 (Details) (NS unit options [Member])	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
NS unit options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected life in years	5.9	6.5
Expected volatility	24.10%	22.40%
Expected distribution yield	10.90%	10.30%
Risk-free interest rate	0.10%	0.20%

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Table1

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Decrease (increase) in current assets:	'	'
Receivable from related parties	($9,654)	($6,586)
Income tax receivable	885	2,619
Other receivables	147	299
Other current assets	-60	-98
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	-523	319
Accrued compensation expense	2,058	1,741
Accrued liabilities	-24	-23
Income tax payable	0	249
Taxes other than income tax	-929	-760
Changes in current assets and liabilities	($8,100)	($2,240)

STATEMENTS_OF_CASH_FLOWS_Table2

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows related to interest and income tax	'	'
Cash paid for interest	$384	$316
Cash (refunded) paid for income tax	($885)	($918)

CREDIT_FACILITY_Narrative_Deta

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			NuStar Energy Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio [Member]	Cash Distributions Covenant [Member]	2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Credit Facility, Name	'	'	'	'	'364-day revolving credit agreement
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	'	'	'	'	28-Jun-13
Credit Facility, Maturity Date	'	'	'	'	27-Jun-14
Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	$40,000,000
Credit Facility, Letters of Credit Capacity	'	'	'	'	10,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	'	'	'	'	'Our obligations under the 2013 Credit Facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), our wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk pledged 1,792,918 NuStar Energy units that it owns to secure its guarantee
Outstanding Borrowings Under the Credit Facility	26,000,000	20,000,000	'	'	'
Credit Facility, Borrowing Availability	$14,000,000	'	'	'	'
Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	'	'	'	'	'Interest on the 2013 Credit Facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate plus 1.00% or a LIBOR-based rate plus 2.00%
Credit Facility, Interest Rate	2.80%	'	'	'	'
Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	'	'	'The terms of the 2013 Credit Facility require NuStar Energy to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period, which consists of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio not to exceed 5.0-to-1.0. If NuStar Energy consummates an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $50.0 million, the maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.5-to-1.0 for two rolling periods.	'receive cash distributions of at least $12.5 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy each fiscal quarter	'
NuStar Energy's Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio	'4.3	'	'	'	'

MEMBERS_EQUITY_Table_1_Details

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in Members' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	'	'	$412,822	'
Net income (loss)	12,035	19,165	35,669	-2,997
Distributions to unitholders	'	'	-69,681	-65,141
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	2,752	'
Unit-based compensation	'	'	449	'
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$382,011	'	$382,011	'

MEMBERS_EQUITY_Table_2_Details

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	($32,022)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,752
Ending balance	-29,270
Share of NS Energy's OCI [Member]	'
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	-8,743
NuStar Energy other comprehensive loss adjustment	178
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	178
Ending balance	-8,565
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustment [Member]	'
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	-23,279
NuStar Energy other comprehensive loss adjustment	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,574
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,574
Ending balance	-20,705
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'
AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	-32,022
NuStar Energy other comprehensive loss adjustment	178
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	2,574
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,752
Ending balance	($29,270)

MEMBERS_EQUITY_Table_3_Details

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Prior service credit	($60)	($180)
Net actuarial loss	570	1,710
Settlement charge	1,044	1,044
Total reclassifications for the period	$1,554	$2,574

MEMBERS_EQUITY_Table_4_Details

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 4 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash distributions per unit	$0.55	$0.55	$0.55	$0.55	$0.55	$1.64	$1.56
Total cash distributions	$23,231	$23,236	$23,222	$23,223	$23,204	$69,689	$66,637

MEMBERS_EQUITY_Table_5_Details

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 5 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash distributions per unit applicable to members (distribution earned)	$0.55	$0.55	$0.55	$0.55	$0.55	$1.64	$1.56
Total cash distributions (distribution earned)	$23,231	$23,236	$23,222	$23,223	$23,204	$69,689	$66,637
Distribution date of record (distribution earned)	11-Nov-13	5-Aug-13	6-May-13	11-Feb-13	'	'	'
Distribution payment date (distribution earned)	19-Nov-13	14-Aug-13	15-May-13	19-Feb-13	'	'	'
Distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	31-Oct-13	'	'	'	'	'	'

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_UNIT_Table

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT Table (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic and diluted units outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding	42,624,518	42,575,563	42,616,256	42,575,183
Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding	42,624,518	42,575,563	42,616,256	42,575,183

NET_INCOME_LOSS_PER_UNIT_Narra

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units	289,100	300,766	293,715	301,107

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Table_D

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans (the pension plan, the excess pension plan and the SERP) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$4,080	$3,904	$12,240	$11,712
Interest cost	1,259	1,003	3,777	3,009
Expected return on assets	-1,134	-979	-3,402	-2,937
Amortization of prior service credit	-10	-4	-30	-12
Amortization of net loss	518	348	1,554	1,044
Net periodic benefit cost before other charges	4,713	4,272	14,139	12,816
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Changes	1,044	0	1,224	0
Net periodic benefit cost	5,757	4,272	15,363	12,816
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	293	315	879	945
Interest cost	235	244	705	732
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	-50	0	-150	0
Amortization of net loss	52	35	156	105
Net periodic benefit cost before other charges	530	594	1,590	1,782
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Changes	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$530	$594	$1,590	$1,782