NavSight (NSH) 10-Q 5 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DEI Document

DEI Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015
Document Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NuStar GP Holdings, LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,223,786
Trading Symbol	nsh
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Limited Liability Company, Units Outstanding		42,913,969

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 266	$ 2,840
Receivable from related parties	16,418	15,704
Income tax receivable	1,211	1,211
Other receivables	0	91
Deferred income tax assets, net	2,278	724
Other current assets	231	491
Total current assets	20,404	21,061
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	320,025	326,982
Long-term receivable from related party	30,550	33,537
Deferred income tax assets, net	1,752	3,570
Total assets	372,731	385,150
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	26,000	26,000
Accounts payable	404	620
Accrued compensation expense	13,893	9,944
Accrued liabilities	475	437
Taxes other than income tax	1,373	1,751
Total current liabilities	42,145	38,752
Long-term liabilities	$ 33,396	$ 35,562
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Members’ equity	$ 306,078	$ 316,611
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,888)	(5,775)
Total members’ equity	297,190	310,836
Total liabilities and members’ equity	$ 372,731	$ 385,150

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 18,194	$ 17,770	$ 62,284	$ 48,899
General and administrative expenses	(825)	(877)	(2,697)	(2,629)
Other (expense) income, net	(3)	354	536	567
Interest expense, net	(234)	(216)	(661)	(669)
Income before income tax (expense) benefit	17,132	17,031	59,462	46,168
Income tax (expense) benefit	(215)	608	(213)	885
Net income	16,917	17,639	59,249	47,053
Comprehensive income	$ 12,762	$ 16,669	$ 56,136	$ 45,153
Basic net income per unit	$ 0.39	$ 0.41	$ 1.38	$ 1.10
Diluted net income per unit	$ 0.39	$ 0.41	$ 1.38	$ 1.10
Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding	42,913,969	42,702,185	42,913,675	42,672,383
Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding	42,913,969	42,757,393	42,913,675	42,700,860

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 59,249	$ 47,053
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	(62,284)	(48,899)
Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	62,284	48,899
Gain on sale of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units in connection with unit-based compensation	(536)	(567)
Provision (benefit) for deferred income tax	264	(472)
Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 6)	3,130	10,457
Decrease in long-term receivable from related party	2,167	8,272
Decrease in long-term liabilities	(2,166)	(8,840)
Other, net	282	219
Net cash provided by operating activities	62,390	56,122
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	9,661	23,010
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	(6,417)	(18,019)
Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. units in connection with unit-based compensation	1,956	6,464
Net cash provided by investing activities	5,200	11,455
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings	0	26,000
Repayment of short-term debt	0	(26,000)
Distributions to unitholders	(70,179)	(69,747)
Proceeds from the exercise of unit options	0	4,127
Other, net	15	(154)
Net cash used in financing activities	(70,164)	(65,774)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,574)	1,803
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	2,840	1,603
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	$ 266	$ 3,406

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESE

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 , we owned approximately 15.0% of NuStar Energy, consisting of the following: • the 2% general partner interest; • 100% of the incentive distribution rights 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 • 10,336,364 common units of NuStar Energy representing a 13.0% limited partner interest. NuStar Energy is a publicly held Delaware limited partnership engaged in the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, the terminalling and storage of petroleum products and the marketing of petroleum products. NuStar Energy has terminal and storage facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, including St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. 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 the Quarterly Report on 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, and all disclosures are adequate. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless disclosed otherwise. Financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 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, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 . The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 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, 2014 . New Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance for the presentation of debt issuance costs. Under the amended guidance, debt issuance costs will be presented on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. In August 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance that would allow debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit agreements to continue to be presented as an asset on the balance sheet. The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and retrospective application is required. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt these provisions January 1, 2016, and we do not expect the amended guidance to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. In February 2015, the 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, using one of two retrospective transition methods. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt these provisions January 1, 2016, and we do not expect the guidance to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year. The standard is now effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, using one of two retrospective transition methods. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date. 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.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY On January 2, 2015, NuStar Energy acquired full ownership of a refined products terminal in Linden, NJ (the Linden Acquisition). Prior to the acquisition, the terminal operated as a joint venture between NuStar Energy and Linden Holding Corp, with each party owning 50% . On February 26, 2014, NuStar Energy sold its remaining 50% ownership interest in NuStar Asphalt LLC (the 2014 Asphalt Sale) to Lindsay Goldberg LLC (Lindsay Goldberg), a private investment firm. Effective February 27, 2014, NuStar Asphalt LLC changed its name to Axeon Specialty Products LLC (Axeon). Lindsay Goldberg now owns 100% of Axeon. Summary Financial Information Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: September 30, December 31, (Thousands of Dollars) Balance Sheet Information: Current assets $ 338,357 $ 389,147 Property, plant and equipment, net 3,656,273 3,460,732 Goodwill 704,404 617,429 Other non-current assets 436,097 451,488 Total assets $ 5,135,131 $ 4,918,796 Current liabilities $ 255,373 $ 365,192 Long-term debt 3,109,359 2,749,452 Other non-current liabilities 116,499 87,942 Total liabilities 3,481,231 3,202,586 NuStar Energy partners’ equity 1,653,900 1,716,210 Total liabilities and partners’ equity $ 5,135,131 $ 4,918,796 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Statement of Comprehensive Income Information: Revenues $ 493,566 $ 794,422 $ 1,619,121 $ 2,393,380 Operating income $ 100,994 $ 95,098 $ 292,680 $ 265,555 Income from continuing operations $ 65,016 $ 59,117 $ 246,466 $ 159,300 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 2,831 774 (2,316 ) Net income $ 65,016 $ 61,948 $ 247,240 $ 156,984 Other Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity as follows: September 30, December 31, (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity $ 1,653,900 $ 1,716,210 NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy 15.0 % 14.9 % NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity 248,085 255,715 Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other 71,940 71,267 Investment in NuStar Energy $ 320,025 $ 326,982

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS We had a receivable from related parties of $16.4 million and $15.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, mainly representing 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 $30.6 million and $33.5 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, representing long-term employee benefits. The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation $ 49,864 $ 49,793 $ 150,598 $ 144,146 Other expenses $ 184 $ 197 $ 402 $ 377 NuStar Energy GP Services Agreement. NuStar Energy and NuStar GP, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, 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, 2016, renewing automatically every two years unless terminated by either party upon six months’ prior written notice. For each of the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totaled $0.4 million , and $1.3 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Axeon On February 26, 2014, NuStar Energy completed the 2014 Asphalt Sale to Lindsay Goldberg. 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.

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERG

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) General partner interest $ 1,961 $ 1,961 $ 5,883 $ 5,883 General partner incentive distribution 10,805 10,805 32,415 32,415 Total general partner distribution 12,766 12,766 38,298 38,298 Limited partner distribution 11,318 11,380 33,846 33,814 Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings 24,084 24,146 72,144 72,112 Public unitholders’ distributions 73,967 73,905 222,009 222,041 Total cash distributions $ 98,051 $ 98,051 $ 294,153 $ 294,153 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 Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) September 30, 2015 (a) $ 1.095 $ 98,051 November 9, 2015 November 13, 2015 June 30, 2015 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 August 7, 2015 August 13, 2015 March 31, 2015 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 May 8, 2015 May 14, 2015 December 31, 2014 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 February 9, 2015 February 13, 2015 (a) The distribution was announced on October 30, 2015 .

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 and are reported in “Accrued compensation expense” on the consolidated balance sheets: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (Thousands of Dollars) September 30, 2015: NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards $ 8,972 $ — $ — $ 8,972 December 31, 2014: NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards $ 5,369 $ — $ — $ 5,369 Fair Value of Financial Instruments We recognize cash equivalents, receivables, payables and short-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets at their carrying amounts. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts. The fair value of our short-term debt would fall in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Decrease (increase) in current assets: Receivable from related parties $ (501 ) $ 1,338 Income tax receivable — (403 ) Other receivables 91 (386 ) Other current assets 147 (27 ) Increase (decrease) in current liabilities: Accounts payable (216 ) (303 ) Accrued compensation expense 3,949 10,690 Accrued liabilities 38 (136 ) Taxes other than income tax (378 ) (316 ) Changes in current assets and current liabilities $ 3,130 $ 10,457 Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Cash paid for interest $ 548 $ 503 Cash refunded for income tax $ (50 ) $ (7 )

CREDIT FACILITY

CREDIT FACILITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
CREDIT FACILITY	CREDIT FACILITY Our revolving credit facility dated June 28, 2013, as most recently amended on June 17, 2015, will mature on June 27, 2016 and has a borrowing capacity of up to $50.0 million , of which up to $10.0 million may be available for letters of credit. Our obligations under our revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), a wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk pledged 1,792,918 NuStar Energy units that it owns to secure its guarantee. As of September 30, 2015 , we had outstanding borrowings of $26.0 million and availability of $24.0 million for borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Interest on the revolving credit facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate or a LIBOR-based rate . As of September 30, 2015 , the weighted-average interest rate was 2.3% . The revolving credit facility contains customary restrictive covenants, such as limitations on indebtedness, liens, dispositions of material property, mergers, asset transfers and certain investing activities. In addition, the revolving credit facility requires NuStar Energy to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00. However, if NuStar Energy consummates one or more acquisitions 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. As of September 30, 2015, NuStar Energy’s consolidated debt coverage ratio was 4.4 x. We are also required to receive cash distributions of at least $16.0 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 revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2015 .

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015
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, 2014 $ 310,836 Net income 59,249 Distributions to unitholders (70,179 ) Other comprehensive loss (3,113 ) Unit-based compensation 382 Other 15 Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 297,190 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table presents balances of and changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component: Share of NuStar Energy’s Other Comprehensive Loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments Total (Thousands of Dollars) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ (10,082 ) $ 4,307 $ (5,775 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustments (2,293 ) — (2,293 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (820 ) (820 ) Other comprehensive loss (2,293 ) (820 ) (3,113 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ (12,375 ) $ 3,487 $ (8,888 ) (a) These amounts are components of net periodic pension cost (income), and NuStar Energy reimburses us for these employee costs. See Note 11 for further details. 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) Cash distributions per unit $ 0.545 $ 0.545 $ 1.635 $ 1.635 Total cash distributions $ 23,388 $ 23,351 $ 70,164 $ 69,849 The following table summarizes information related to our quarterly cash distributions: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) September 30, 2015 (a) $ 0.545 $ 23,388 November 9, 2015 November 17, 2015 June 30, 2015 $ 0.545 $ 23,388 August 7, 2015 August 17, 2015 March 31, 2015 $ 0.545 $ 23,388 May 8, 2015 May 18, 2015 December 31, 2014 $ 0.545 $ 23,403 February 9, 2015 February 17, 2015 (a) The distribution was announced on October 30, 2015 .

NET INCOME PER UNIT

NET INCOME PER UNIT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
NET INCOME PER UNIT	NET INCOME PER UNIT We treat restricted units granted under our long-term incentive plan as participating securities in computing net income per unit pursuant to the two-class method. The computation of diluted net income per unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes the dilutive effect of outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units. There were no outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Unit amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per unit were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,913,969 42,702,185 42,913,675 42,672,383 Diluted units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,913,969 42,702,185 42,913,675 42,672,383 Effect of dilutive securities — 55,208 — 28,477 Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding 42,913,969 42,757,393 42,913,675 42,700,860

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS In August 2015, we contributed $8.0 million to the pension plan. The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our defined benefit plans were as follows: Pension Plans (a) Other Postretirement Benefit Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) For the three months ended September 30: Service cost $ 1,919 $ 2,012 $ 118 $ 94 Interest cost 1,097 1,056 111 93 Expected return on assets (1,254 ) (1,144 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (516 ) (516 ) (285 ) (286 ) Amortization of net loss 461 197 67 29 Other (b) — 175 — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 1,707 $ 1,780 $ 11 $ (70 ) For the nine months ended September 30: Service cost $ 5,757 $ 6,036 $ 354 $ 282 Interest cost 3,291 3,169 334 279 Expected return on assets (3,762 ) (3,432 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (1,547 ) (1,548 ) (857 ) (858 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 1,383 (18 ) 201 85 Other (b) — (39 ) — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 5,122 $ 4,168 $ 32 $ (212 ) (a) Includes amounts related to the pension plan and the excess pension plan. (b) In 2014, other relates to a settlement credit associated with the supplemental executive retirement plan in the second quarter and a settlement charge associated with the excess pension plan in the third quarter.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Ta

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
NuStar Energy's Balance Sheet Information	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: September 30, December 31, (Thousands of Dollars) Balance Sheet Information: Current assets $ 338,357 $ 389,147 Property, plant and equipment, net 3,656,273 3,460,732 Goodwill 704,404 617,429 Other non-current assets 436,097 451,488 Total assets $ 5,135,131 $ 4,918,796 Current liabilities $ 255,373 $ 365,192 Long-term debt 3,109,359 2,749,452 Other non-current liabilities 116,499 87,942 Total liabilities 3,481,231 3,202,586 NuStar Energy partners’ equity 1,653,900 1,716,210 Total liabilities and partners’ equity $ 5,135,131 $ 4,918,796
NuStar Energy's Statement of Comprehensive Income Information	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Statement of Comprehensive Income Information: Revenues $ 493,566 $ 794,422 $ 1,619,121 $ 2,393,380 Operating income $ 100,994 $ 95,098 $ 292,680 $ 265,555 Income from continuing operations $ 65,016 $ 59,117 $ 246,466 $ 159,300 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 2,831 774 (2,316 ) Net income $ 65,016 $ 61,948 $ 247,240 $ 156,984
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ 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, (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity $ 1,653,900 $ 1,716,210 NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy 15.0 % 14.9 % NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity 248,085 255,715 Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other 71,940 71,267 Investment in NuStar Energy $ 320,025 $ 326,982

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation $ 49,864 $ 49,793 $ 150,598 $ 144,146 Other expenses $ 184 $ 197 $ 402 $ 377

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE18

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables) - NuStar Energy [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Distributions To General and Limited Partners	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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) General partner interest $ 1,961 $ 1,961 $ 5,883 $ 5,883 General partner incentive distribution 10,805 10,805 32,415 32,415 Total general partner distribution 12,766 12,766 38,298 38,298 Limited partner distribution 11,318 11,380 33,846 33,814 Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings 24,084 24,146 72,144 72,112 Public unitholders’ distributions 73,967 73,905 222,009 222,041 Total cash distributions $ 98,051 $ 98,051 $ 294,153 $ 294,153 Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners $ 1.095 $ 1.095 $ 3.285 $ 3.285
Distributions Made to Limited and General Partners, by Distribution	The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) September 30, 2015 (a) $ 1.095 $ 98,051 November 9, 2015 November 13, 2015 June 30, 2015 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 August 7, 2015 August 13, 2015 March 31, 2015 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 May 8, 2015 May 14, 2015 December 31, 2014 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 February 9, 2015 February 13, 2015 (a) The distribution was announced on October 30, 2015 .

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 and are reported in “Accrued compensation expense” on the consolidated balance sheets: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (Thousands of Dollars) September 30, 2015: NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards $ 8,972 $ — $ — $ 8,972 December 31, 2014: NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards $ 5,369 $ — $ — $ 5,369

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Decrease (increase) in current assets: Receivable from related parties $ (501 ) $ 1,338 Income tax receivable — (403 ) Other receivables 91 (386 ) Other current assets 147 (27 ) Increase (decrease) in current liabilities: Accounts payable (216 ) (303 ) Accrued compensation expense 3,949 10,690 Accrued liabilities 38 (136 ) Taxes other than income tax (378 ) (316 ) Changes in current assets and current liabilities $ 3,130 $ 10,457
Cash flows related to interest and income tax	Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Cash paid for interest $ 548 $ 503 Cash refunded for income tax $ (50 ) $ (7 )

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Members' Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Members’ Equity	The following table presents changes to our members’ equity (in thousands of dollars): Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 310,836 Net income 59,249 Distributions to unitholders (70,179 ) Other comprehensive loss (3,113 ) Unit-based compensation 382 Other 15 Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 297,190
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents balances of and changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component: Share of NuStar Energy’s Other Comprehensive Loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments Total (Thousands of Dollars) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ (10,082 ) $ 4,307 $ (5,775 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustments (2,293 ) — (2,293 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (820 ) (820 ) Other comprehensive loss (2,293 ) (820 ) (3,113 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ (12,375 ) $ 3,487 $ (8,888 ) (a) These amounts are components of net periodic pension cost (income), and NuStar Energy reimburses us for these employee costs. See Note 11 for further details.
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) Cash distributions per unit $ 0.545 $ 0.545 $ 1.635 $ 1.635 Total cash distributions $ 23,388 $ 23,351 $ 70,164 $ 69,849
Distributions Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, by Distribution	The following table summarizes information related to our quarterly cash distributions: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) September 30, 2015 (a) $ 0.545 $ 23,388 November 9, 2015 November 17, 2015 June 30, 2015 $ 0.545 $ 23,388 August 7, 2015 August 17, 2015 March 31, 2015 $ 0.545 $ 23,388 May 8, 2015 May 18, 2015 December 31, 2014 $ 0.545 $ 23,403 February 9, 2015 February 17, 2015 (a) The distribution was announced on October 30, 2015 .

NET INCOME PER UNIT (Tables)

NET INCOME PER UNIT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Unit [Abstract]
Unit amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per unit	Unit amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per unit were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Basic units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,913,969 42,702,185 42,913,675 42,672,383 Diluted units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,913,969 42,702,185 42,913,675 42,672,383 Effect of dilutive securities — 55,208 — 28,477 Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding 42,913,969 42,757,393 42,913,675 42,700,860

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]
The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our defined benefit plans	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our defined benefit plans were as follows: Pension Plans (a) Other Postretirement Benefit Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) For the three months ended September 30: Service cost $ 1,919 $ 2,012 $ 118 $ 94 Interest cost 1,097 1,056 111 93 Expected return on assets (1,254 ) (1,144 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (516 ) (516 ) (285 ) (286 ) Amortization of net loss 461 197 67 29 Other (b) — 175 — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 1,707 $ 1,780 $ 11 $ (70 ) For the nine months ended September 30: Service cost $ 5,757 $ 6,036 $ 354 $ 282 Interest cost 3,291 3,169 334 279 Expected return on assets (3,762 ) (3,432 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (1,547 ) (1,548 ) (857 ) (858 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 1,383 (18 ) 201 85 Other (b) — (39 ) — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 5,122 $ 4,168 $ 32 $ (212 ) (a) Includes amounts related to the pension plan and the excess pension plan. (b) In 2014, other relates to a settlement credit associated with the supplemental executive retirement plan in the second quarter and a settlement charge associated with the excess pension plan in the third quarter.

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRE24

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015shares
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percent ownership in NuStar Energy	15.00%
General partner interest percentage	2.00%
Percent of incentive distribution rights issued by NuStar Energy	100.00%
Maximum percentage of cash distributed by NuStar Energy	23.00%
Common units of NuStar Energy	10,336,364
Percent of limited partner interest	13.00%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Nar

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member]	Jan. 02, 2015	Feb. 26, 2014
Axeon [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment percent voting interest sold		50.00%
Ownership percentage by acquiring entity		100.00%
Linden Acquisition [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment acquisition, ownership interest before transaction	50.00%
Equity method investment acquisition, ownership interest after transaction	100.00%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Tab

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 338,357	$ 389,147
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,656,273	3,460,732
Goodwill	704,404	617,429
Other non-current assets	436,097	451,488
Total assets	5,135,131	4,918,796
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities	255,373	365,192
Long-term debt	3,109,359	2,749,452
Other non-current liabilities	116,499	87,942
Total liabilities	3,481,231	3,202,586
NuStar Energy partners' equity	1,653,900	1,716,210
Total liabilities and partners’ equity	$ 5,135,131	$ 4,918,796

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T27

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income Information:
Revenues	$ 493,566	$ 794,422	$ 1,619,121	$ 2,393,380
Operating income	100,994	95,098	292,680	265,555
Income from continuing operations	65,016	59,117	246,466	159,300
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	2,831	774	(2,316)
Net income	$ 65,016	$ 61,948	$ 247,240	$ 156,984

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T28

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 248,085	$ 255,715
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	71,940	71,267
Investment in NuStar Energy	320,025	326,982
NuStar Energy [Member]
Reconcilliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 1,653,900	$ 1,716,210
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%	14.90%

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narr

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Receivable from related parties	$ 16,418	$ 15,704
Long-term receivable from related party	$ 30,550	$ 33,537

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Tabl

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation	$ 49,864	$ 49,793	$ 150,598	$ 144,146
Other expenses	$ 184	$ 197	$ 402	$ 377

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na31

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 2 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreement, 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
Administrative services expense	$ 0.4	$ 0.4	$ 1.3	$ 1.3

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE32

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
The allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners
General partner interest	$ 1,961				$ 1,961	$ 5,883	$ 5,883
General partner incentive distribution	10,805				10,805	32,415	32,415
Total general partner distribution	12,766				12,766	38,298	38,298
Limited partner distribution	11,318				11,380	33,846	33,814
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings	24,084				24,146	72,144	72,112
Public unitholders’ distributions	73,967				73,905	222,009	222,041
Total cash distributions	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 294,153	$ 294,153
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 3.285	$ 3.285

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE33

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners (distribution earned)		$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 3.285	$ 3.285
NuStar Energy's total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 294,153	$ 294,153
NuStar Energy's distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Nov. 9, 2015	Aug. 7, 2015	May 8, 2015	Feb. 9, 2015
NuStar Energy's distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Nov. 13, 2015	Aug. 13, 2015	May 14, 2015	Feb. 13, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Oct. 30, 2015

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 8,972	$ 5,369
Level 1 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	8,972	5,369
Level 2 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Accrued compensation expense:
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 0	$ 0

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Decrease (increase) in current assets:
Receivable from related parties	$ (501)	$ 1,338
Income tax receivable	0	(403)
Other receivables	91	(386)
Other current assets	147	(27)
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
Accounts payable	(216)	(303)
Accrued compensation expense	3,949	10,690
Accrued liabilities	38	(136)
Taxes other than income tax	(378)	(316)
Changes in current assets and liabilities	$ 3,130	$ 10,457

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Tabl36

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows related to interest and income tax
Cash paid for interest	$ 548	$ 503
Cash refunded for income tax	$ (50)	$ (7)

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Deta

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings	$ 26,000,000	$ 26,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Letters of credit capacity	$ 10,000,000
Collateral	Our obligations under our revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), a wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk pledged 1,792,918 NuStar Energy units that it owns to secure its guarantee.
Outstanding borrowings	$ 26,000,000
Borrowing availability	$ 24,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate	2.30%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | NuStar Energy Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Covenant terms	In addition, the revolving credit facility requires NuStar Energy to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00. However, if NuStar Energy consummates one or more acquisitions 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.
NuStar Energy's consolidated debt coverage ratio	4.4
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Cash Distributions Covenant [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Covenant terms	We are also required to receive cash distributions of at least $16.0 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy each fiscal quarter

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes in Members' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2014			$ 310,836
Net income	$ 16,917	$ 17,639	59,249	$ 47,053
Distributions to unitholders			(70,179)	$ (69,747)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(3,113)
Unit-based compensation			382
Other			15
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$ 297,190		$ 297,190

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	$ (5,775)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,113)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	(8,888)
Share of NuStar Energy's Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	(10,082)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2,293)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,293)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	(12,375)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	4,307
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	0
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)	(820)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(820)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	3,487
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of January 1, 2015	(5,775)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	(2,293)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)	(820)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,113)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$ (8,888)

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned
Cash distributions per unit	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 1.635	$ 1.635
Total cash distributions	$ 23,388	$ 23,388	$ 23,388	$ 23,403	$ 23,351	$ 70,164	$ 69,849

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 4 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Cash distributions per unit applicable to members (distribution earned)		$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 1.635	$ 1.635
Total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 23,388	$ 23,388	$ 23,388	$ 23,403	$ 23,351	$ 70,164	$ 69,849
Distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Nov. 9, 2015	Aug. 7, 2015	May 8, 2015	Feb. 9, 2015
Distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Nov. 17, 2015	Aug. 17, 2015	May 18, 2015	Feb. 17, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Oct. 30, 2015

NET INCOME PER UNIT Narrative (

NET INCOME PER UNIT Narrative (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units	0	0

NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Deta

NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding	42,913,969	42,702,185	42,913,675	42,672,383
Effect of dilutive securities	0	55,208	0	28,477
Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding	42,913,969	42,757,393	42,913,675	42,700,860

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrativ

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan employer contribution	$ 8

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table (D

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,919	$ 2,012	$ 5,757	$ 6,036
Interest cost	1,097	1,056	3,291	3,169
Expected return on assets	(1,254)	(1,144)	(3,762)	(3,432)
Amortization of prior service credit	(516)	(516)	(1,547)	(1,548)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	461	197	1,383	(18)
Other (b)	0	175	0	(39)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	1,707	1,780	5,122	4,168
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	118	94	354	282
Interest cost	111	93	334	279
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(285)	(286)	(857)	(858)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	67	29	201	85
Other (b)	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 11	$ (70)	$ 32	$ (212)