NavSight (NSH) 10-K 23 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

DEI Document

DEI Document - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Limited Liability Company, Units Outstanding		42,951,749
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 866

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 207	$ 34
Receivable from related party	0	14,799
Income tax receivable	303	1,212
Other receivables	0	69
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	292	344
Total current assets	802	16,458
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	268,742	306,694
Long-term receivable from related party	0	32,080
Deferred income tax assets, net	5,086	5,258
Total assets	274,630	360,490
Liabilities and Members’ Equity
Short-term debt	30,000	26,000
Payable to related party	317	0
Accounts payable	1	636
Accrued compensation expense	0	8,990
Accrued liabilities	460	340
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	0	2,660
Taxes other than income tax	64	1,935
Total current liabilities	30,842	40,561
Long-term liabilities	0	32,859
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Members’ equity (42,951,749 and 42,930,549 units outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	257,662	295,734
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,874)	(8,664)
Total members’ equity	243,788	287,070
Total liabilities and members’ equity	$ 274,630	$ 360,490
Common Unit, Outstanding	42,951,749	42,930,549

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 56,096	$ 79,673	$ 65,380
General and administrative expenses
Third parties	(2,258)	(3,338)	(3,396)
Related party	(788)	0	0
Total general and administrative expenses	(3,046)	(3,338)	(3,396)
Other income (expense), net	3,021	(2,333)	(1,458)
Interest expense, net	(1,069)	(893)	(885)
Income before income tax benefit (expense)	55,002	73,109	59,641
Income tax benefit (expense)	66	(901)	1,786
Net income	55,068	72,208	61,427
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Share of NuStar Energy L.P.’s other comprehensive loss	(685)	(3,107)	(665)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments	(4,525)	218	(14,051)
Total other comprehensive loss	(5,210)	(2,889)	(14,716)
Comprehensive income	$ 49,858	$ 69,319	$ 46,711
Basic net income per unit	$ 1.28	$ 1.68	$ 1.44
Diluted net income per unit	$ 1.28	$ 1.68	$ 1.44
Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding	42,932,320	42,914,297	42,719,217
Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding	42,932,320	42,914,297	42,742,202

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 55,068	$ 72,208	$ 61,427
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	(56,096)	(79,673)	(65,380)
Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	56,096	79,673	65,380
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.’s issuance of common limited partner units	(2,408)	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of NuStar Energy L.P. common limited partner units in connection with unit-based compensation	(613)	2,333	1,458
Unit-based compensation expense	661	239	129
Amortization of deferred debt costs	169	155	161
(Benefit) expense for deferred income tax	(75)	952	(621)
Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 9)	(3,336)	296	(2,270)
(Increase) decrease in long-term receivable from related party	(898)	363	(1,527)
Increase (decrease) in long-term liabilities	1,183	(647)	36
Net cash provided by operating activities	49,751	75,899	58,793
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	39,809	16,357	30,632
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	(842)	(7,444)	(19,340)
Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. common units in connection with unit-based compensation	1,319	5,935	17,059
Net cash provided by investing activities	40,286	14,848	28,351
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings	4,000	0	26,000
Repayment of short-term debt	0	0	(26,000)
Distributions to unitholders	(93,590)	(93,567)	(93,098)
Proceeds from the exercise of unit options	0	0	7,206
Other, net	(274)	14	(15)
Net cash used in financing activities	(89,864)	(93,553)	(85,907)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	173	(2,806)	1,237
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	34	2,840	1,603
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	$ 207	$ 34	$ 2,840

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMB

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS’ EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Units	Members’ Equity	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 349,986		$ 341,045	$ 8,941
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2013		42,656,281
Net income	61,427		61,427	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,716)		0	(14,716)
Distributions to unitholders	(93,098)		(93,098)	0
Unit-based compensation	7,251		7,251	0
Other	(14)		(14)	0
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2014		42,913,277
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	310,836		316,611	(5,775)
Net income	72,208		72,208	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,889)		0	(2,889)
Distributions to unitholders	(93,567)		(93,567)	0
Unit-based compensation	468		468	0
Other	14		14	0
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2015		42,930,549
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	287,070		295,734	(8,664)
Net income	55,068		55,068	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,210)		0	(5,210)
Distributions to unitholders	(93,590)		(93,590)	0
Unit-based compensation	450		450	0
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2016		42,951,749
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 243,788		$ 257,662	$ (13,874)

ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION	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,” “NSH,” “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. Our unitholders have no liability under our limited liability company agreement, or for any of our debts, obligations or liabilities, in their capacity as unitholders. We have no operations or sources of income or cash flows other than our investment in NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy or NS) (NYSE: NS). As of December 31, 2016 , we have an approximate 15% ownership in NuStar Energy, consisting of the following: • the 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 • 10,214,626 common units of NuStar Energy. 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. Employee Transfer from NuStar GP, LLC . On March 1, 2016, NuStar GP, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, transferred and assigned to NuStar Services Company LLC (NuStar Services Co), a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar Energy, all of NuStar GP, LLC’s employees and related benefit plans, programs, contracts and policies (the Employee Transfer). As a result of the Employee Transfer, NuStar Energy pays employee costs directly and sponsors the long-term incentive plan and other employee benefit plans. Please refer to Note 5 for a discussion of this transfer and our related party agreements and Notes 14 and 15 for a discussion of the employee benefit plans and long-term incentive plan obligations transferred.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Consolidation The accompanying 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. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews their estimates based on currently available information. Management may revise estimates due to changes in facts and circumstances. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired. Investment in NuStar Energy We account for our investment in NuStar Energy using the equity method. As the general partner, we exercise significant influence over NuStar Energy. We evaluate our investment in NuStar Energy for impairment when there is evidence that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our investment or that the investee is unable to sustain an earnings capacity that justifies the carrying amount. If a decline in the value of our investment is determined to be other than temporary, then we would record an impairment loss in the current period based on the difference between the estimated current fair value of the investment and our carrying amount. We believe that the carrying amount of our investment in NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2016 is recoverable. Accounting for Issuances of Units by NuStar Energy We account for issuances of common units by NuStar Energy as if we had sold a proportionate share of our investment, such that we record any gain or loss in earnings. Income Taxes We are a limited liability company taxed as a partnership and generally are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Accordingly, our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from income or loss reported for financial reporting purposes, is generally included in the federal and state income tax returns of our unitholders. For transfers of publicly held units subsequent to our initial public offering, we have made an election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to adjust the common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our underlying assets to reflect the purchase price of the units. This results in an allocation of taxable income and expenses to the purchaser of the common units, including depreciation deductions and gains and losses on sales of assets, based upon the new unitholder’s purchase price for the common units. On August 14, 2006, NuStar GP, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, elected to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes under Treasury Regulation §301.7701-3(a). We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred taxes using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Income tax expense includes federal and state income and withholding taxes currently payable and deferred federal and state income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities when such differences exist. We, or certain of our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, tax years subject to examination are 2012 through 2015, according to standard statutes of limitations . We recognize a tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Unit-Based Compensation We account for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to employees of NuStar GP, LLC and our directors based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date, and the fair value of the NSH restricted units equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. Compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options is recognized ratably over the vesting period based on the initial fair value determination, and is included in “General and administrative expenses” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior to the Employee Transfer, we accounted for awards of NS unit options, performance units and restricted units to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC and its affiliates at fair value, whereby a liability for the award was initially recorded and subsequent changes in the fair value were included in the determination of net income. The fair value of NS unit options was determined using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. The fair value of NS restricted units and performance units equaled the market price of NS common units at each reporting date. However, NS performance units were earned only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure. We recorded compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense equaled the portion of the award’s current fair value that had vested. We recorded compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options were exercised, and we recorded compensation expense for NS restricted units and performance units until the date of vesting. The liability for awards of NS unit options, performance units and restricted units were included in “Accrued compensation expense” on our consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2015. Prior to the Employee Transfer, NuStar Energy reimbursed us for the expenses resulting from NS awards and NSH awards to employees providing services to NuStar Energy. Following the Employee Transfer, NuStar Energy retains the expenses resulting from NS awards and we retain the expenses resulting from NSH awards. Distribution Equivalent Rights (DERs) paid with respect to outstanding, unvested NS units were expensed, whereas DERs with respect to outstanding, unvested NSH restricted units reduce equity, similar to cash distributions to unitholders. Forfeitures of our unit-based awards are recognized as an adjustment to compensation expense when they occur. Under these long-term incentive plans, certain awards provide that the grantee’s award vests immediately upon retirement. Compensation expense is recognized immediately if these awards are granted to retirement-eligible employees, as defined in each award. In addition, if, during a vesting period of a grant, the grantee will become retirement-eligible, then compensation expense associated with the grant is recognized from the grant date through the grantee’s retirement eligibility date. Reclassifications Certain previously reported amounts in the 2015 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to 2016 presentation.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance that clarifies how entities should present certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows, including but not limited to debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and amendments should be applied retrospectively. We will adopt these provisions January 1, 2018, and we do not expect the guidance to have a material impact on our statements of cash flows or disclosures. Unit-Based Payments In March 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance that simplifies certain aspects of accounting for unit-based payments to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The new requirements should be applied prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method depending on the area affected by the amended guidance. We adopted this amended guidance effective January 1, 2016, and none of the provisions had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and amendments should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We will adopt these provisions January 1, 2018, and we do not expect the guidance to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. Deferred Taxes In November 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance that requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, using either a prospective or retrospective transition method, and early adoption is permitted. We adopted these provisions on a prospective basis on January 1, 2017, and it did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the 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. Accordingly, we adopted the amended guidance on January 1, 2016, and it did not impact our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. Consolidation 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. Accordingly, we adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016, and it did not impact our financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY NuStar Energy’s Equity Issuances Preferred Unit Offering . In the fourth quarter of 2016, NuStar Energy issued 9,060,000 of its 8.50% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units (the Preferred Units) representing limited partner interests at a price of $25.00 per unit. NuStar Energy used the net proceeds of $218.4 million from this issuance for general partnership purposes, including the funding of capital expenditures and to repay outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit agreement. The Preferred Units rank senior to all of NuStar Energy’s other classes of equity securities, including our general partner and common limited partner interests, with respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation. Distributions on the Preferred Units are payable out of any legally available funds, accrue and are cumulative from the date of original issuance of the Preferred Units and are payable quarterly. The holders of the Preferred Units are entitled to receive quarterly distributions at an initial distribution rate of 8.50% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per unit (equal to $2.125 per unit per annum). On and after December 15, 2021, distributions on the Preferred Units accumulate at a percentage of the $25.00 liquidation preference equal to an annual floating rate of the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.766% . Common Unit Offering . In 2016, NuStar Energy issued 595,050 common units representing limited partner interests at an average price of $47.39 per unit. NuStar Energy received net proceeds of $28.3 million , which includes our contribution of $0.6 million in order to maintain our 2.0% general partner interest (as defined in NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement). This issuance resulted in a gain of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, which is included in “Other income (expense), net” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income, and represents the increase in the value of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s capital. Other Issuances of Common Units . In 2016, we recorded a gain of $0.3 million as a result of NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units in association with its unit-based compensation awards. The gain is included in “Other income (expense), net” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income, and represents the increase in the value of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s capital. NuStar Energy’s Acquisitions and Dispositions Martin Terminal Acquisition. On December 21, 2016, NuStar Energy acquired crude oil and refined product storage assets in Corpus Christi, TX for $95.7 million , including $2.1 million of capital expenditure reimbursements, from Martin Operating Partnership L.P. (the Martin Terminal Acquisition). The assets acquired include 900,000 barrels of crude oil storage capacity, 250,000 barrels of refined product storage capacity and exclusive use of the Port of Corpus Christi’s new crude oil dock. Linden Acquisition . On January 2, 2015, NuStar Energy acquired full ownership of a refined products terminal in Linden, NJ for $142.5 million (the Linden Acquisition). Prior to the Linden Acquisition, the terminal operated as a joint venture between NuStar Energy and Linden Holding Corp, with each party owning 50% . 2014 Asphalt Sale . On February 26, 2014, NuStar Energy sold its remaining 50% ownership interest in NuStar Asphalt LLC (the 2014 Asphalt Sale) to Lindsay Goldberg LLC, a private investment firm. Effective February 27, 2014, NuStar Asphalt LLC changed its name to Axeon Specialty Products LLC (Axeon). Summary Financial Information Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Balance Sheet Information: Current assets $ 377,183 $ 333,851 Property, plant and equipment, net 3,722,283 3,683,571 Goodwill 696,637 696,637 Other non-current assets 234,442 411,466 Total assets $ 5,030,545 $ 5,125,525 Current liabilities $ 289,396 $ 332,213 Long-term debt 3,014,364 3,055,612 Other non-current liabilities 115,168 127,856 Total liabilities 3,418,928 3,515,681 NuStar Energy partners’ equity 1,611,617 1,609,844 Total liabilities and partners’ equity $ 5,030,545 $ 5,125,525 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Statement of Income Information: Revenues $ 1,756,682 $ 2,084,040 $ 3,075,118 Operating income $ 359,109 $ 390,704 $ 346,901 Income from continuing operations $ 150,003 $ 305,946 $ 214,169 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 774 (3,791 ) Net income $ 150,003 $ 306,720 $ 210,378 Other Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Percentage Data) NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity $ 1,611,617 $ 1,609,844 Less NuStar Energy’s preferred limited partners’ equity 218,400 — NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity, excluding preferred limited partners’ equity 1,393,217 1,609,844 NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy 14.7 % 14.9 % NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity 204,803 239,867 Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other 63,939 66,827 Investment in NuStar Energy $ 268,742 $ 306,694 We do not own any NuStar Energy preferred limited partner units. Accordingly, we subtract NuStar Energy’s preferred limited partners’ equity from its total equity and apply our ownership percentage of NuStar Energy’s remaining equity when reconciling to our investment in NuStar Energy above. Valero Energy Corporation (Valero Energy) acquired us in connection with its December 31, 2001 acquisition of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation (2001 Acquisition). The step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, reflected in the table above relates to purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the 2001 Acquisition. The amount represents the unamortized excess of the fair value over carrying amount applicable to Valero Energy’s proportionate 73.6% interest in NuStar Energy’s identifiable assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2001, of which $81.8 million is being amortized as a reduction to equity in earnings of NuStar Energy over approximately 28 years. This amount also includes the portion of goodwill resulting from the 2001 Acquisition that was attributed to our investment in NuStar Energy. Since 26.4% of the equity interest in NuStar Energy was owned by public unitholders as of the date of the 2001 Acquisition, a significant portion of the total ownership interest in NuStar Energy was deemed to be held by the public according to GAAP, thereby preventing the adjustment of the reported financial statements of NuStar Energy. The following table summarizes our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy: General partner interest $ 2,091 $ 5,270 $ 3,352 General partner incentive distribution rights 43,407 43,220 43,220 General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy 45,498 48,490 46,572 Common limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy 13,482 34,067 21,692 Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities (2,884 ) (2,884 ) (2,884 ) Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy $ 56,096 $ 79,673 $ 65,380

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS NuStar Energy We manage NuStar Energy through our ownership of NuStar GP, LLC and Riverwalk Holdings, LLC, which own Riverwalk Logistics L.P., the general partner of NuStar Energy. Our officers are also officers of NuStar GP, LLC and are considered dual employees of ours and of NuStar Energy. The chairman of our board of directors, William E. Greehey, is also the chairman of the board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC. The board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC is responsible for overseeing NuStar GP, LLC’s role as the general partner of the general partner of NuStar Energy, and we, as the sole owner of NuStar GP, LLC, must also approve matters that have or would reasonably be expected to have a material effect on our interests as the sole owner of NuStar GP, LLC. GP Services Agreement. Prior to the Employee Transfer, NuStar GP, LLC managed the operations of NuStar Energy under a services agreement effective January 1, 2008 pursuant to which employees of NuStar GP, LLC performed services for NuStar Energy’s U.S. operations. Employees of NuStar GP, LLC provided services to both NuStar Energy and NuStar GP Holdings; therefore, NuStar Energy reimbursed NuStar GP, LLC for all employee costs incurred prior to the Employee Transfer, other than the expenses allocated specifically to NuStar GP Holdings (the Holdco Administrative Services Expense). For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totaled $0.2 million , $1.5 million and $1.7 million , respectively. The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions reimbursed by NuStar Energy: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation $ 32,053 $ 201,852 $ 197,745 Other expenses $ 121 $ 484 $ 482 In conjunction with the Employee Transfer, NuStar GP, LLC entered into an Amended and Restated Services Agreement with NuStar Services Co, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar Energy, effective March 1, 2016 (the Amended GP Services Agreement). The Amended GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar Services Co will furnish administrative services necessary to conduct our business. We will compensate NuStar Services Co for these services through an annual fee of $1.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to NuStar Services Co employees for the most recently completed fiscal year and for changes in level of service. The Amended GP Services Agreement will terminate on March 1, 2020 and will automatically renew for successive two-year terms, unless terminated by either party. We incurred administrative expenses related to the Amended GP Services Agreement of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 , which is reported in related party general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Assignment and Assumption Agreement . Also on March 1, 2016 and in connection with the Employee Transfer, NuStar Services Co and NuStar GP, LLC entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the Assignment Agreement). Under the Assignment Agreement, NuStar GP, LLC assigned all of its employee benefit plans, programs, contracts, policies, and various of its other agreements and contracts with certain employees, affiliates and third-party service providers (collectively, the Assigned Programs) to NuStar Services Co. In addition, NuStar Services Co agreed to assume the sponsorship of and all obligations relating to the ongoing maintenance and administration of each of the plans and agreements in the Assigned Programs. The following table summarizes the related party transactions and changes to amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Employee Transfer on March 1, 2016 (thousands of dollars): Decrease in related party receivable: Current $ 16,014 Long-term 32,656 Decrease in related party receivable $ 48,670 Decreases to our consolidated balance sheet: Current and long-term assets $ (506 ) Current liabilities 10,933 Other long-term liabilities 34,042 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 4,201 Decreases to our consolidated balance sheet $ 48,670 Balance Sheet Items . We had a payable to NuStar Energy of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2016, mainly comprised of service fees and expenses paid on behalf of NuStar GP Holdings. As of December 31, 2015, we had a receivable from NuStar Energy of $14.8 million , mainly comprised of payroll, employee benefit plan expenses and unit-based compensation prior to the Employee Transfer, and none as of December 31, 2016. We also had a long-term receivable from NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2015 of $32.1 million , representing long-term employee benefit obligations prior to the Employee Transfer, and none as of December 31, 2016. Non-Compete Agreement. On July 19, 2006, in connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a non-compete agreement with NuStar Energy (the Non-Compete Agreement). Under the Non-Compete Agreement, we will have a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of general partner and other equity interests in publicly traded partnerships under common ownership with the general partner interest. NuStar Energy has a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of assets that relate to the transportation, storage or terminalling of crude oil, feedstocks or refined petroleum products (including petrochemicals) in the United States and internationally. With respect to any other business opportunities, neither we nor NuStar Energy are prohibited from engaging in any business, even if we and NuStar Energy would have a conflict of interest with respect to such other business opportunity. The Non-Compete Agreement remains in effect for so long as we or any of our affiliates own 20% or more of NuStar GP, LLC or Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. Axeon As a result of the 2014 Asphalt Sale, we ceased reporting transactions between us and Axeon as related party transactions in our consolidated financial statements on February 26, 2014. Axeon Services Agreement. NuStar GP, LLC and Axeon were a party to a services agreement, which provided that NuStar GP, LLC furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Axeon for an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment (the Axeon Services Agreement). The Axeon Services Agreement terminated on June 30, 2014 . The aggregate amount charged under the Axeon Services Agreement was $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERG

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY [Abstract]
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement, as amended, determines the amount and priority of cash distributions that NuStar Energy’s unitholders and general partner may receive. We, as NuStar Energy’s general partner, are entitled to incentive distributions if the amount NuStar Energy distributes with respect to any quarter exceeds $0.60 per common unit, with the maximum percentage of 23% of the amount of any quarterly distribution in excess of $0.66 per common unit. We also receive a 2% distribution with respect to our general partner interest. The following table reflects the allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and common limited partners: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) General partner interest $ 7,877 $ 7,844 $ 7,844 General partner incentive distribution rights 43,407 43,220 43,220 Total general partner distribution 51,284 51,064 51,064 Common limited partner distribution 44,699 45,073 44,974 Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings 95,983 96,137 96,038 Public common limited partners’ distribution 297,899 296,067 296,166 Total cash distributions $ 393,882 $ 392,204 $ 392,204 Cash distributions per unit applicable to common limited partners $ 4.380 $ 4.380 $ 4.380 The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions to its general and common limited partners: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Common Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) December 31, 2016 (a) $ 1.095 $ 98,971 February 8, 2017 February 13, 2017 September 30, 2016 $ 1.095 $ 98,809 November 8, 2016 November 14, 2016 June 30, 2016 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 August 9, 2016 August 12, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 May 9, 2016 May 13, 2016 (a) The distribution was announced on January 27, 2017 .

ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AN

ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES [Abstract]
ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Accrued compensation expense and long-term liabilities consisted of the following prior to the Employee Transfer: December 31, 2015 Accrued Compensation Expense Long-term Liabilities (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units $ 3,794 $ — Pension liabilities (Note 14) 71 21,425 Other postretirement benefit plan liabilities (Note 14) 304 9,738 Other employee-related liabilities 4,821 1,696 Total $ 8,990 $ 32,859

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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. As of December 31, 2015, NuStar Energy restricted and performance unit liabilities of $3.8 million were measured at fair value on a recurring basis and categorized as a Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. As a result of the Employee Transfer, our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 no longer reflects these liabilities, which were reported in “Accrued compensation expense” on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. Please refer to Note 5 and Note 14 for a discussion of the employee-related obligations transferred. 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 measurement of our short-term debt would fall in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Decrease (increase) in current assets: Receivable from related party, net $ (993 ) $ 1,134 $ 105 Income tax receivable 909 (1 ) (13 ) Other receivables (32 ) 22 (14 ) Other current assets (117 ) (8 ) (407 ) Increase (decrease) in current liabilities: Accounts payable (222 ) 16 296 Accrued compensation expense (1,339 ) (954 ) (2,374 ) Accrued liabilities 120 (97 ) (99 ) Taxes other than income tax (1,662 ) 184 236 Changes in current assets and current liabilities $ (3,336 ) $ 296 $ (2,270 ) Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Cash paid for interest $ 890 $ 736 $ 684 Cash refunded for income tax, net $ (900 ) $ (50 ) $ (1,149 ) The above changes in current assets and current liabilities differ from changes between amounts reflected in our consolidated balance sheets due to the non-cash related party transactions associated with the Employee Transfer. Please refer to Note 5 for further details. Non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 mainly consisted of: • Adjustments to our investment in NuStar Energy and accumulated other comprehensive loss through recognition of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s accumulated other comprehensive loss; and • Prior to the Employee Transfer, pension funding adjustments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

CREDIT FACILITY

CREDIT FACILITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
CREDIT FACILITY	CREDIT FACILITY Our revolving credit facility dated June 28, 2013 currently has a borrowing capacity of up to $50.0 million , of which up to $10.0 million may be available for letters of credit. We amended this facility on June 16, 2016 to, among other things, extend its maturity to June 27, 2017 . Our obligations under our revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), our wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk has pledged a total of 2,107,918 NuStar Energy common units that it owns to secure its guarantee. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are used to fund capital contributions to NuStar Energy to maintain our 2% general partner interest when NuStar Energy issues additional common units and to meet other liquidity and capital resource requirements. As of December 31, 2016 , we had outstanding borrowings of $30.0 million and availability of $20.0 million for borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Interest on our revolving credit facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate or a LIBOR-based rate . The weighted-average interest rates related to borrowings under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 2.8% and 2.4% , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unamortized deferred debt costs associated with our revolving credit agreement totaled $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million , respectively, and are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. 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 (as defined in our revolving credit agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00. If NuStar Energy consummates an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $50.0 million, its maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.50-to-1.00 for two rolling periods. As of December 31, 2016, the maximum allowed amount was 5.50-to-1.00, as a result of the Martin Terminal Acquisition. We are also required to receive cash distributions each fiscal quarter of at least $16.0 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy. Our management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants of our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2016 .

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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. Commitments As of December 31, 2016 , we had no future minimum payments applicable to non-cancellable operating leases and purchase obligations.

NET INCOME PER UNIT

NET INCOME PER UNIT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [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. There were no outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Unit amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per unit were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,932,320 42,914,297 42,719,217 Diluted units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,932,320 42,914,297 42,719,217 Effect of dilutive securities — — 22,985 Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding 42,932,320 42,914,297 42,742,202

MEMBERS' EQUITY

MEMBERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Members' Equity [Abstract]
MEMBERS' EQUITY	MEMBERS’ EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table presents 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, 2014 $ (9,417 ) $ 18,358 $ 8,941 Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustments (665 ) (11,136 ) (11,801 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (2,915 ) (2,915 ) Other comprehensive loss (665 ) (14,051 ) (14,716 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 (10,082 ) 4,307 (5,775 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification adjustments (3,107 ) 1,312 (1,795 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (1,094 ) (1,094 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (3,107 ) 218 (2,889 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 (13,189 ) 4,525 (8,664 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustments (685 ) — (685 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (324 ) (324 ) Employee Transfer (b) — (4,201 ) (4,201 ) Other comprehensive loss (685 ) (4,525 ) (5,210 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (13,874 ) $ — $ (13,874 ) (a) These amounts are components of net periodic pension cost (income), and prior to the Employee Transfer on March 1, 2016, NuStar Energy reimbursed us for these employee costs. (b) Represents the balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the unrecognized components of net periodic benefit cost (income), net of income taxes of $2.4 million, that was transferred to NuStar Services Co in connection with the Employee Transfer as described in Notes 5 and 14. Cash Distributions Our limited liability company agreement requires that, within 50 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to the holders of record of our units on the applicable record date. Available cash is defined generally as all cash on hand at the end of any calendar quarter, less the amount of cash reserves necessary or appropriate, as determined in good faith by our board of directors. The following table summarizes our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) Cash distributions per unit $ 2.18 $ 2.18 $ 2.18 Total cash distributions $ 93,601 $ 93,561 $ 93,252 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) December 31, 2016 (a) $ 0.545 $ 23,408 February 8, 2017 February 15, 2017 September 30, 2016 $ 0.545 $ 23,398 November 8, 2016 November 16, 2016 June 30, 2016 $ 0.545 $ 23,398 August 9, 2016 August 16, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 0.545 $ 23,397 May 9, 2016 May 17, 2016 (a) The distribution was announced on January 27, 2017 . Rights Agreement On July 19, 2006, we entered into a rights agreement, as amended (the Rights Agreement), under which one preferred unit purchase right (a Right) was attached to each of our outstanding units. The Rights became exercisable under specified circumstances, including if any person or group (an acquiring person) became the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding units, subject to specified exceptions. The Rights Agreement and the Rights expired on June 30, 2016.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits On March 1, 2016 and in conjunction with the Employee Transfer, we transferred to NuStar Services Co $32.7 million in benefit obligations associated with pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As a result of the Employee Transfer, our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 no longer reflects these liabilities, which were primarily reported in “Long-term liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. Additionally, we transferred an accumulated other comprehensive income balance related to the unrecognized components of net periodic benefit cost (income) of $4.2 million . Prior to the Employee Transfer, NuStar Energy reimbursed NuStar GP, LLC for expenses incurred under these plans. Effective March 1, 2016, NuStar Services Co pays employee costs directly and assumed sponsorship and responsibility for the employee related benefit plans discussed below. As such, the information in the tables and discussion below is for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, as applicable. Thrift Plans The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified defined contribution plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to eligible employees upon their date of hire. Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC made matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation. Our matching contributions to the Thrift Plan for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $6.3 million and $5.9 million , respectively. NuStar GP, LLC also maintained an excess thrift plan (the Excess Thrift Plan) that became effective July 1, 2006. The Excess Thrift Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to those employees whose compensation and/or annual contributions under the Thrift Plan are subject to the limitations applicable to qualified retirement plans under the Code. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that provides eligible employees with retirement income as calculated under a cash balance formula. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are determined based on age, service and interest credits, and employees become fully vested in their benefits upon attaining three years of vesting service. Prior to January 1, 2014, eligible employees were covered under either a cash balance formula or a final average pay formula (FAP). Effective January 1, 2014, the Pension Plan was amended to freeze the FAP benefits as of December 31, 2013, and going forward, all eligible employees are covered under the cash balance formula discussed above. NuStar GP, LLC also maintained an excess pension plan (the Excess Pension Plan), which is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to a select group of management or other highly compensated employees. Neither the Excess Thrift Plan nor the Excess Pension Plan is intended to constitute either a qualified plan under the provisions of Section 401 of the Code or a funded plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and the supplemental executive retirement plan (the SERP), which has no participants following final payouts in 2014, are collectively referred to as the Pension Plans in the tables and discussion below. Our other postretirement benefit plans included a contributory medical benefits plan for employees that retired prior to April 1, 2014. For employees that retire on or after April 1, 2014, we provided partial reimbursement for eligible third-party health care premiums. We use December 31 as the measurement date for pension and other postretirement plans. The changes in the benefit obligation, the changes in fair value of plan assets, the funded status and the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheet for our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Thousands of Dollars) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 106,848 $ 10,484 Service cost 7,676 470 Interest cost 4,389 448 Benefits paid (4,338 ) (507 ) Participant contributions — 203 Actuarial gain (5,373 ) (1,056 ) Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 109,202 $ 10,042 Change in plan assets: Plan assets at fair value, January 1 $ 83,365 $ — Actual return on plan assets 645 — Company contributions 8,034 304 Benefits paid (4,338 ) (507 ) Participant contributions — 203 Plan assets at fair value, December 31 $ 87,706 $ — Reconciliation of funded status: Fair value of plan assets at December 31 $ 87,706 $ — Less: Benefit obligation at December 31 109,202 10,042 Funded status at December 31 $ (21,496 ) $ (10,042 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: (a) Accrued compensation expense $ (71 ) $ (304 ) Long-term liabilities (21,425 ) (9,738 ) Net pension liability $ (21,496 ) $ (10,042 ) (a) For the Pension Plan, since assets exceeded the present value of expected benefit payments for the following 12 months, all of the liability was noncurrent. For the Excess Pension Plan and the other postretirement benefit plans, since there were no assets, the current liability was the present value of expected benefit payments for the following 12 months; the remainder was noncurrent. The accumulated benefit obligation is the present value of benefits earned to date, assuming no future salary increases. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for our Pension Plans as of December 31, 2015 was $108.2 million . The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans, which were reimbursed to us by NuStar Energy, were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Service cost $ 7,676 $ 8,049 $ 470 $ 374 Interest cost 4,389 4,225 448 373 Expected return on plan assets (5,018 ) (4,574 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (2,063 ) (2,063 ) (1,145 ) (1,145 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,845 179 269 114 Other — (39 ) — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 6,829 $ 5,777 $ 42 $ (284 ) We amortized the prior service credit shown in the table above on a straight-line basis of the credit over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans. We amortized the net actuarial loss shown in the table above on a straight-line basis of the excess of the unrecognized loss over 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets (smoothed asset value) over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans. Adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Net unrecognized gain (loss) arising during the year: Net actuarial gain (loss) $ 1,000 $ (14,716 ) $ 1,056 $ (2,718 ) Net (gain) loss reclassified into income: Amortization of prior service credit (2,063 ) (2,063 ) (1,145 ) (1,145 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,845 179 269 114 Net (gain) loss reclassified into income (218 ) (1,884 ) (876 ) (1,031 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (362 ) 5,314 (382 ) 984 Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 420 $ (11,286 ) $ (202 ) $ (2,765 ) The amounts recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: December 31, 2015 Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit plans (Thousands of Dollars) Unrecognized actuarial loss (a) $ (21,975 ) $ (3,568 ) Prior service credit (a) 20,727 11,754 Deferred tax asset (liability) 1,313 (3,726 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax $ 65 $ 4,460 (a) Represents the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that has not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (income). Investment Policies and Strategies The investment policies and strategies for the assets of our qualified Pension Plan incorporated a well-diversified approach that was expected to earn long-term returns from capital appreciation and a growing stream of current income. This approach recognized that assets are exposed to risk, and the market value of the Pension Plan’s assets may fluctuate from year to year. Risk tolerance was determined based on NuStar Energy’s financial ability to withstand risk within the investment program and the willingness to accept return volatility. In line with the investment return objective and risk parameters, the Pension Plan’s mix of assets included a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income instruments. The aggregate asset allocation was reviewed on an annual basis. The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Pension Plan was estimated using various models of asset returns. Model assumptions were derived using historical data with the assumption that capital markets are informationally efficient. Three models were used to derive the long-term expected returns for each asset class. Since each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages and differing results, an equal weighted average of the methods’ results was used. Fair Value of Plan Assets We disclosed the fair value for each major class of plan assets in the Pension Plan 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 major classes of plan assets measured at fair value for the Pension Plan were as follows: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (Thousands of Dollars) Cash equivalent securities $ 739 $ — $ — $ 739 Equity securities: U.S. large cap equity fund (a) — 52,086 — 52,086 International stock index fund (b) 8,522 — — 8,522 Fixed income securities: Bond market index fund (c) 26,359 — — 26,359 Total $ 35,620 $ 52,086 $ — $ 87,706 (a) This fund is a low-cost equity index fund not actively managed that tracks the S&P 500. Fair values were estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. (b) This fund tracks the performance of the Total International Composite Index. (c) This fund tracks the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Assumptions The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations were as follows: December 31, 2015 Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Discount rate 4.61 % 4.75 % Rate of compensation increase 3.51 % n/a The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost (income) were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.22 % 5.04 % 4.34 % 5.28 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.75 % n/a n/a Rate of compensation increase 3.51 % 3.51 % n/a n/a The assumed health care cost trend rates were as follows: December 31, 2015 Health care cost trend rate assumed for 2016 6.81 % Rate to which the cost trend rate was assumed to decrease to (the ultimate trend rate) 5.00 % Year that the rate reached the ultimate trend rate 2026 Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. Prior to the Employee Transfer, we sponsored a contributory postretirement health care plan for employees that retired prior to April 1, 2014. The plan had an annual limitation (a cap) on the increase of the employer’s share of the cost of covered benefits. The cap on the increase in employer’s cost was 2.5% per year. The assumed increase in total health care cost exceeded the 2.5% indexed cap, so increasing or decreasing the health care cost trend rate by 1% did not materially change our obligation or expense for the postretirement health care plan.

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION	UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION 2006 LTIP We sponsor the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2006 LTIP) under which NuStar GP Holdings may award up to 2,000,000 NSH units to our employees, consultants and directors who perform services for us or our affiliates. Awards under the 2006 LTIP can include NSH unit options, performance units, distribution equivalent rights (DERs), restricted units, phantom units, unit grants and unit appreciation rights. As of December 31, 2016 , a total of 1,453,477 NSH units remained available to be awarded under the 2006 LTIP. Effective on the date of the Employee Transfer and the Assignment Agreement, we retain the expense associated with awards granted under the 2006 LTIP to our employees, whereas these expenses were previously reimbursed by NuStar Energy. Unit Options. On November 16, 2007, we granted 324,100 NSH unit options at $31.55, which was our only grant of options under the 2006 LTIP. These options expired seven years after the grant date and vested in annual one-third increments beginning on November 16, 2010. The number of NSH unit options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was 289,100 . The total intrinsic value of the unit options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2.8 million . There were no NSH unit options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The fair value of each NSH unit option grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the grant date. The expected life of NSH unit options granted was the period of time from the grant date to the date of expected exercise or other expected settlement. Expected volatility for NSH unit options was based on closing prices of NSH common units for periods corresponding to the life of options granted. Expected distribution yield was based on annualized distributions at the grant date for NSH unit options. The risk-free interest rate used was the implied yield currently available from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options at the grant date for NSH unit options. Restricted Units. What we refer to as “restricted units” are considered phantom units as they represent the right to receive our common units upon vesting. The following table summarizes information related to outstanding NSH restricted units awarded under the 2006 LTIP: Restricted Unit Grants to Employees Restricted Unit Grants to Non- Employee Directors Total Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit Balance as of January 1, 2014 39,204 21,194 60,398 $ 28.83 Granted 16,895 8,911 25,806 $ 34.22 Vested (12,264 ) (9,680 ) (21,944 ) $ 29.22 Forfeited (4,745 ) — (4,745 ) $ 27.46 Balance as of December 31, 2014 39,090 20,425 59,515 $ 31.13 Granted 26,240 12,814 39,054 $ 23.80 Vested (11,403 ) (10,086 ) (21,489 ) $ 30.80 Balance as of December 31, 2015 53,927 23,153 77,080 $ 27.51 Granted 32,456 12,126 44,582 $ 25.42 Vested (15,251 ) (11,637 ) (26,888 ) $ 28.23 Balance as of December 31, 2016 71,132 23,642 94,774 $ 26.32 The outstanding restricted units granted to domestic employees are equity-classified awards and generally vest over 5 years , beginning one year after the grant date. The outstanding restricted units granted to non-employee directors (NEDs) are equity-classified awards that vest over 3 years , beginning one year after the grant date. The fair value of these awards is measured at the grant date. The following table presents supplemental information regarding our restricted unit awards: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data) DERs paid to restricted unitholders $ (167 ) $ (129 ) $ (118 ) Fair value of restricted units that vested during the period $ 700 $ 379 $ 742 Units issued for settlement of awards vested, net of employee tax withholding requirements 21,200 17,272 256,996 Unrecognized compensation cost related to our equity-classified awards totaled $2.4 million as of December 31, 2016, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 3.6 years . 2000 LTIP Prior to the Employee Transfer, we sponsored the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2000 LTIP), under which NuStar GP, LLC could award up to 3,250,000 NS common units, and NuStar Energy reimbursed NuStar GP, LLC for all employee costs, including unit-based compensation costs. Awards under the 2000 LTIP could include NS unit options, restricted units, performance units, DERs and contractual rights to receive common units. On March 1, 2016, in conjunction with the Employee Transfer, we transferred to NuStar Services Co all outstanding awards under the 2000 LTIP, which represented 730,288 units, and removed the obligation related to these unit-based awards from our consolidated balance sheet. Included in this number are 77,014 performance units. However, of the performance units transferred, only 35,373 were considered granted for accounting purposes, as the performance measure for the remaining tranches had not yet been set. The following table summarizes information about awards we granted under the 2000 LTIP, prior to the Employee Transfer: Awards Granted Year Ended December 31, Vesting 2016 2015 2014 2000 LTIP: Performance units (a) 47,646 29,633 28,841 Restricted units 1/5 per year — 250,563 208,714 Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC) 1/3 per year — 7,553 7,009 (a) Performance units vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements. As of December 31, 2015 , we had accrued $3.8 million for the outstanding awards of NS performance units and restricted units in “Accrued compensation expense” on our consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes information pertaining to long-term incentive plan compensation expenses: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy $ 490 $ 6,397 $ 10,934 Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards $ 661 $ 239 $ 129

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Components of income tax benefit (expense) were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Current: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ 1,123 U.S. state (9 ) 51 42 Total current (9 ) 51 1,165 Deferred: U.S. federal 76 (940 ) 415 U.S. state (1 ) (12 ) 206 Total deferred 75 (952 ) 621 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 66 $ (901 ) $ 1,786 The difference between income tax expense recorded in our consolidated statements of income and income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate ( 35% for all years presented) to income before income tax expense is due to the fact that the majority of our income is not subject to federal income tax based on our status as a limited liability company. The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Deferred income tax assets: Unit-based compensation $ — $ 2,115 Pension — 7,561 Capital loss 1,344 1,290 Net operating loss 5,239 4,346 Foreign tax credits 74 69 Other 80 14 Total deferred income tax assets 6,737 15,395 Less: Valuation allowance (1,418 ) (1,359 ) Net deferred income tax assets 5,319 14,036 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy (233 ) (249 ) Other employee benefits — (11,189 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (233 ) (11,438 ) Total net deferred income tax assets $ 5,086 $ 2,598 Reported on the consolidated balance sheets as: Deferred income tax assets, net (long-term) $ 5,086 $ 5,258 Deferred income tax liabilities, net (current) — (2,660 ) Total net deferred income tax assets $ 5,086 $ 2,598 As of December 31, 2016 , our U.S. corporate operations have net operating loss carryforwards and capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes totaling approximately $15.0 million and $3.8 million , respectively, which are subject to a twenty-year and a five-year carryforward limitation , respectively, and expire in 2031 and 2017 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we have a valuation allowance of $1.4 million related to our deferred tax assets. We estimate the amount of valuation allowance based upon our expectations of taxable income and the period over which we can utilize those future deductions. The valuation allowance reflects uncertainties related to our ability to utilize certain capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credits before they expire. The realization of deferred income tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2016 is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. We believe it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2016 will be realized, based upon expected future taxable income and potential tax planning strategies.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUD

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 : First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) 2016: Net income $ 16,676 $ 15,073 $ 17,320 $ 5,999 $ 55,068 Basic and diluted net income per unit 0.39 0.35 0.40 0.14 1.28 Cash distributions per unit 0.545 0.545 0.545 0.545 2.180 2015: Net income $ 26,805 $ 15,527 $ 16,917 $ 12,959 $ 72,208 Basic and diluted net income per unit 0.62 0.37 0.39 0.30 1.68 Cash distributions per unit 0.545 0.545 0.545 0.545 2.180 In the fourth quarter of 2016, NuStar Energy recognized a $58.7 million impairment charge on its term loan to Axeon Specialty Products LLC. In the first quarter of 2015, NuStar Energy recognized a $56.3 million gain in association with the Linden Acquisition. Please refer to Note 4 for a discussion of this acquisition.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN23

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying 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.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews their estimates based on currently available information. Management may revise estimates due to changes in facts and circumstances.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired.
Investment in NuStar Energy	Investment in NuStar Energy We account for our investment in NuStar Energy using the equity method. As the general partner, we exercise significant influence over NuStar Energy. We evaluate our investment in NuStar Energy for impairment when there is evidence that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our investment or that the investee is unable to sustain an earnings capacity that justifies the carrying amount. If a decline in the value of our investment is determined to be other than temporary, then we would record an impairment loss in the current period based on the difference between the estimated current fair value of the investment and our carrying amount. We believe that the carrying amount of our investment in NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2016 is recoverable.
Accounting for Issuances of Units by NuStar Energy	Accounting for Issuances of Units by NuStar Energy We account for issuances of common units by NuStar Energy as if we had sold a proportionate share of our investment, such that we record any gain or loss in earnings.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We are a limited liability company taxed as a partnership and generally are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Accordingly, our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from income or loss reported for financial reporting purposes, is generally included in the federal and state income tax returns of our unitholders. For transfers of publicly held units subsequent to our initial public offering, we have made an election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to adjust the common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our underlying assets to reflect the purchase price of the units. This results in an allocation of taxable income and expenses to the purchaser of the common units, including depreciation deductions and gains and losses on sales of assets, based upon the new unitholder’s purchase price for the common units. On August 14, 2006, NuStar GP, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, elected to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes under Treasury Regulation §301.7701-3(a). We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred taxes using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Income tax expense includes federal and state income and withholding taxes currently payable and deferred federal and state income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities when such differences exist. We, or certain of our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, tax years subject to examination are 2012 through 2015, according to standard statutes of limitations . We recognize a tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 .
Unit-Based Compensation	Unit-Based Compensation We account for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to employees of NuStar GP, LLC and our directors based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date, and the fair value of the NSH restricted units equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. Compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options is recognized ratably over the vesting period based on the initial fair value determination, and is included in “General and administrative expenses” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior to the Employee Transfer, we accounted for awards of NS unit options, performance units and restricted units to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC and its affiliates at fair value, whereby a liability for the award was initially recorded and subsequent changes in the fair value were included in the determination of net income. The fair value of NS unit options was determined using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. The fair value of NS restricted units and performance units equaled the market price of NS common units at each reporting date. However, NS performance units were earned only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure. We recorded compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense equaled the portion of the award’s current fair value that had vested. We recorded compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options were exercised, and we recorded compensation expense for NS restricted units and performance units until the date of vesting. The liability for awards of NS unit options, performance units and restricted units were included in “Accrued compensation expense” on our consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2015. Prior to the Employee Transfer, NuStar Energy reimbursed us for the expenses resulting from NS awards and NSH awards to employees providing services to NuStar Energy. Following the Employee Transfer, NuStar Energy retains the expenses resulting from NS awards and we retain the expenses resulting from NSH awards. Distribution Equivalent Rights (DERs) paid with respect to outstanding, unvested NS units were expensed, whereas DERs with respect to outstanding, unvested NSH restricted units reduce equity, similar to cash distributions to unitholders. Forfeitures of our unit-based awards are recognized as an adjustment to compensation expense when they occur. Under these long-term incentive plans, certain awards provide that the grantee’s award vests immediately upon retirement. Compensation expense is recognized immediately if these awards are granted to retirement-eligible employees, as defined in each award. In addition, if, during a vesting period of a grant, the grantee will become retirement-eligible, then compensation expense associated with the grant is recognized from the grant date through the grantee’s retirement eligibility date.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain previously reported amounts in the 2015 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to 2016 presentation.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Ta

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
NuStar Energy's Balance Sheet Information	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Balance Sheet Information: Current assets $ 377,183 $ 333,851 Property, plant and equipment, net 3,722,283 3,683,571 Goodwill 696,637 696,637 Other non-current assets 234,442 411,466 Total assets $ 5,030,545 $ 5,125,525 Current liabilities $ 289,396 $ 332,213 Long-term debt 3,014,364 3,055,612 Other non-current liabilities 115,168 127,856 Total liabilities 3,418,928 3,515,681 NuStar Energy partners’ equity 1,611,617 1,609,844 Total liabilities and partners’ equity $ 5,030,545 $ 5,125,525
NuStar Energy's Statement of Income Information	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Statement of Income Information: Revenues $ 1,756,682 $ 2,084,040 $ 3,075,118 Operating income $ 359,109 $ 390,704 $ 346,901 Income from continuing operations $ 150,003 $ 305,946 $ 214,169 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 774 (3,791 ) Net income $ 150,003 $ 306,720 $ 210,378
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy	Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Percentage Data) NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity $ 1,611,617 $ 1,609,844 Less NuStar Energy’s preferred limited partners’ equity 218,400 — NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity, excluding preferred limited partners’ equity 1,393,217 1,609,844 NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy 14.7 % 14.9 % NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity 204,803 239,867 Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other 63,939 66,827 Investment in NuStar Energy $ 268,742 $ 306,694
Summary of Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy	The following table summarizes our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy: General partner interest $ 2,091 $ 5,270 $ 3,352 General partner incentive distribution rights 43,407 43,220 43,220 General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy 45,498 48,490 46,572 Common limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy 13,482 34,067 21,692 Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities (2,884 ) (2,884 ) (2,884 ) Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy $ 56,096 $ 79,673 $ 65,380

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of total related party transactions	The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions reimbursed by NuStar Energy: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation $ 32,053 $ 201,852 $ 197,745 Other expenses $ 121 $ 484 $ 482
Schedule Of Employee Transfer	The following table summarizes the related party transactions and changes to amounts reported on our consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Employee Transfer on March 1, 2016 (thousands of dollars): Decrease in related party receivable: Current $ 16,014 Long-term 32,656 Decrease in related party receivable $ 48,670 Decreases to our consolidated balance sheet: Current and long-term assets $ (506 ) Current liabilities 10,933 Other long-term liabilities 34,042 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 4,201 Decreases to our consolidated balance sheet $ 48,670

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE26

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables) - NuStar Energy [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of 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 common limited partners: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) General partner interest $ 7,877 $ 7,844 $ 7,844 General partner incentive distribution rights 43,407 43,220 43,220 Total general partner distribution 51,284 51,064 51,064 Common limited partner distribution 44,699 45,073 44,974 Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings 95,983 96,137 96,038 Public common limited partners’ distribution 297,899 296,067 296,166 Total cash distributions $ 393,882 $ 392,204 $ 392,204 Cash distributions per unit applicable to common limited partners $ 4.380 $ 4.380 $ 4.380
Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution	The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions to its general and common limited partners: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Common Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) December 31, 2016 (a) $ 1.095 $ 98,971 February 8, 2017 February 13, 2017 September 30, 2016 $ 1.095 $ 98,809 November 8, 2016 November 14, 2016 June 30, 2016 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 August 9, 2016 August 12, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 1.095 $ 98,051 May 9, 2016 May 13, 2016 (a) The distribution was announced on January 27, 2017 .

ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE 27

ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Compensation Expense and Long-term Liabilities	Accrued compensation expense and long-term liabilities consisted of the following prior to the Employee Transfer: December 31, 2015 Accrued Compensation Expense Long-term Liabilities (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units $ 3,794 $ — Pension liabilities (Note 14) 71 21,425 Other postretirement benefit plan liabilities (Note 14) 304 9,738 Other employee-related liabilities 4,821 1,696 Total $ 8,990 $ 32,859

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Changes in current assets and current liabilities	Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Decrease (increase) in current assets: Receivable from related party, net $ (993 ) $ 1,134 $ 105 Income tax receivable 909 (1 ) (13 ) Other receivables (32 ) 22 (14 ) Other current assets (117 ) (8 ) (407 ) Increase (decrease) in current liabilities: Accounts payable (222 ) 16 296 Accrued compensation expense (1,339 ) (954 ) (2,374 ) Accrued liabilities 120 (97 ) (99 ) Taxes other than income tax (1,662 ) 184 236 Changes in current assets and current liabilities $ (3,336 ) $ 296 $ (2,270 )
Cash flows related to interest and income tax	Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Cash paid for interest $ 890 $ 736 $ 684 Cash refunded for income tax, net $ (900 ) $ (50 ) $ (1,149 )

NET INCOME PER UNIT (Tables)

NET INCOME PER UNIT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Unit amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per unit	Unit amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per unit were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,932,320 42,914,297 42,719,217 Diluted units outstanding: Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding 42,932,320 42,914,297 42,719,217 Effect of dilutive securities — — 22,985 Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding 42,932,320 42,914,297 42,742,202

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Members' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table presents 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, 2014 $ (9,417 ) $ 18,358 $ 8,941 Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustments (665 ) (11,136 ) (11,801 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (2,915 ) (2,915 ) Other comprehensive loss (665 ) (14,051 ) (14,716 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 (10,082 ) 4,307 (5,775 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification adjustments (3,107 ) 1,312 (1,795 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (1,094 ) (1,094 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income (3,107 ) 218 (2,889 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 (13,189 ) 4,525 (8,664 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustments (685 ) — (685 ) Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a) — (324 ) (324 ) Employee Transfer (b) — (4,201 ) (4,201 ) Other comprehensive loss (685 ) (4,525 ) (5,210 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (13,874 ) $ — $ (13,874 ) (a) These amounts are components of net periodic pension cost (income), and prior to the Employee Transfer on March 1, 2016, NuStar Energy reimbursed us for these employee costs. (b) Represents the balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the unrecognized components of net periodic benefit cost (income), net of income taxes of $2.4 million, that was transferred to NuStar Services Co in connection with the Employee Transfer as described in Notes 5 and 14.
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: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) Cash distributions per unit $ 2.18 $ 2.18 $ 2.18 Total cash distributions $ 93,601 $ 93,561 $ 93,252
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) December 31, 2016 (a) $ 0.545 $ 23,408 February 8, 2017 February 15, 2017 September 30, 2016 $ 0.545 $ 23,398 November 8, 2016 November 16, 2016 June 30, 2016 $ 0.545 $ 23,398 August 9, 2016 August 16, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 0.545 $ 23,397 May 9, 2016 May 17, 2016 (a) The distribution was announced on January 27, 2017 .

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Disclosures for our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans	The changes in the benefit obligation, the changes in fair value of plan assets, the funded status and the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheet for our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Thousands of Dollars) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 106,848 $ 10,484 Service cost 7,676 470 Interest cost 4,389 448 Benefits paid (4,338 ) (507 ) Participant contributions — 203 Actuarial gain (5,373 ) (1,056 ) Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 109,202 $ 10,042 Change in plan assets: Plan assets at fair value, January 1 $ 83,365 $ — Actual return on plan assets 645 — Company contributions 8,034 304 Benefits paid (4,338 ) (507 ) Participant contributions — 203 Plan assets at fair value, December 31 $ 87,706 $ — Reconciliation of funded status: Fair value of plan assets at December 31 $ 87,706 $ — Less: Benefit obligation at December 31 109,202 10,042 Funded status at December 31 $ (21,496 ) $ (10,042 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: (a) Accrued compensation expense $ (71 ) $ (304 ) Long-term liabilities (21,425 ) (9,738 ) Net pension liability $ (21,496 ) $ (10,042 ) (a) For the Pension Plan, since assets exceeded the present value of expected benefit payments for the following 12 months, all of the liability was noncurrent. For the Excess Pension Plan and the other postretirement benefit plans, since there were no assets, the current liability was the present value of expected benefit payments for the following 12 months; the remainder was noncurrent.
The components of net periodic benefit cost (income)	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans, which were reimbursed to us by NuStar Energy, were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Service cost $ 7,676 $ 8,049 $ 470 $ 374 Interest cost 4,389 4,225 448 373 Expected return on plan assets (5,018 ) (4,574 ) — — Amortization of prior service credit (2,063 ) (2,063 ) (1,145 ) (1,145 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,845 179 269 114 Other — (39 ) — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 6,829 $ 5,777 $ 42 $ (284 )
Adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	Adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Net unrecognized gain (loss) arising during the year: Net actuarial gain (loss) $ 1,000 $ (14,716 ) $ 1,056 $ (2,718 ) Net (gain) loss reclassified into income: Amortization of prior service credit (2,063 ) (2,063 ) (1,145 ) (1,145 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,845 179 269 114 Net (gain) loss reclassified into income (218 ) (1,884 ) (876 ) (1,031 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (362 ) 5,314 (382 ) 984 Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 420 $ (11,286 ) $ (202 ) $ (2,765 )
The amounts recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The amounts recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows: December 31, 2015 Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit plans (Thousands of Dollars) Unrecognized actuarial loss (a) $ (21,975 ) $ (3,568 ) Prior service credit (a) 20,727 11,754 Deferred tax asset (liability) 1,313 (3,726 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax $ 65 $ 4,460 (a) Represents the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that has not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (income).
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	The major classes of plan assets measured at fair value for the Pension Plan were as follows: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (Thousands of Dollars) Cash equivalent securities $ 739 $ — $ — $ 739 Equity securities: U.S. large cap equity fund (a) — 52,086 — 52,086 International stock index fund (b) 8,522 — — 8,522 Fixed income securities: Bond market index fund (c) 26,359 — — 26,359 Total $ 35,620 $ 52,086 $ — $ 87,706 (a) This fund is a low-cost equity index fund not actively managed that tracks the S&P 500. Fair values were estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. (b) This fund tracks the performance of the Total International Composite Index. (c) This fund tracks the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations were as follows: December 31, 2015 Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Discount rate 4.61 % 4.75 % Rate of compensation increase 3.51 % n/a
Assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost (income)	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost (income) were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.22 % 5.04 % 4.34 % 5.28 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.75 % n/a n/a Rate of compensation increase 3.51 % 3.51 % n/a n/a
Schedule of assumed health care cost trend rates	The assumed health care cost trend rates were as follows: December 31, 2015 Health care cost trend rate assumed for 2016 6.81 % Rate to which the cost trend rate was assumed to decrease to (the ultimate trend rate) 5.00 % Year that the rate reached the ultimate trend rate 2026

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
NSH restricted units award activity under the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan	The following table summarizes information related to outstanding NSH restricted units awarded under the 2006 LTIP: Restricted Unit Grants to Employees Restricted Unit Grants to Non- Employee Directors Total Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit Balance as of January 1, 2014 39,204 21,194 60,398 $ 28.83 Granted 16,895 8,911 25,806 $ 34.22 Vested (12,264 ) (9,680 ) (21,944 ) $ 29.22 Forfeited (4,745 ) — (4,745 ) $ 27.46 Balance as of December 31, 2014 39,090 20,425 59,515 $ 31.13 Granted 26,240 12,814 39,054 $ 23.80 Vested (11,403 ) (10,086 ) (21,489 ) $ 30.80 Balance as of December 31, 2015 53,927 23,153 77,080 $ 27.51 Granted 32,456 12,126 44,582 $ 25.42 Vested (15,251 ) (11,637 ) (26,888 ) $ 28.23 Balance as of December 31, 2016 71,132 23,642 94,774 $ 26.32
Schedule of restricted unit awards	The following table presents supplemental information regarding our restricted unit awards: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data) DERs paid to restricted unitholders $ (167 ) $ (129 ) $ (118 ) Fair value of restricted units that vested during the period $ 700 $ 379 $ 742 Units issued for settlement of awards vested, net of employee tax withholding requirements 21,200 17,272 256,996
The number of awards granted under the 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan	The following table summarizes information about awards we granted under the 2000 LTIP, prior to the Employee Transfer: Awards Granted Year Ended December 31, Vesting 2016 2015 2014 2000 LTIP: Performance units (a) 47,646 29,633 28,841 Restricted units 1/5 per year — 250,563 208,714 Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC) 1/3 per year — 7,553 7,009 (a) Performance units vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.
Summary of long-term incentive plan compensation expenses	The following table summarizes information pertaining to long-term incentive plan compensation expenses: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy $ 490 $ 6,397 $ 10,934 Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards $ 661 $ 239 $ 129

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income tax benefit (expense)	Components of income tax benefit (expense) were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Thousands of Dollars) Current: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ 1,123 U.S. state (9 ) 51 42 Total current (9 ) 51 1,165 Deferred: U.S. federal 76 (940 ) 415 U.S. state (1 ) (12 ) 206 Total deferred 75 (952 ) 621 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 66 $ (901 ) $ 1,786
The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities	The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Deferred income tax assets: Unit-based compensation $ — $ 2,115 Pension — 7,561 Capital loss 1,344 1,290 Net operating loss 5,239 4,346 Foreign tax credits 74 69 Other 80 14 Total deferred income tax assets 6,737 15,395 Less: Valuation allowance (1,418 ) (1,359 ) Net deferred income tax assets 5,319 14,036 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy (233 ) (249 ) Other employee benefits — (11,189 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (233 ) (11,438 ) Total net deferred income tax assets $ 5,086 $ 2,598 Reported on the consolidated balance sheets as: Deferred income tax assets, net (long-term) $ 5,086 $ 5,258 Deferred income tax liabilities, net (current) — (2,660 ) Total net deferred income tax assets $ 5,086 $ 2,598

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA34

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 : First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) 2016: Net income $ 16,676 $ 15,073 $ 17,320 $ 5,999 $ 55,068 Basic and diluted net income per unit 0.39 0.35 0.40 0.14 1.28 Cash distributions per unit 0.545 0.545 0.545 0.545 2.180 2015: Net income $ 26,805 $ 15,527 $ 16,917 $ 12,959 $ 72,208 Basic and diluted net income per unit 0.62 0.37 0.39 0.30 1.68 Cash distributions per unit 0.545 0.545 0.545 0.545 2.180

ORGANIZATION Narrative (Details

ORGANIZATION Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016shares
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Percent ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%
Percent of incentive distribution rights issued by NuStar Energy	100.00%
Incentive distribution rights maximum cash percentage	23.00%
Common units of NuStar Energy	10,214,626

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN36

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Tax Years Subject to Examination	We, or certain of our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, tax years subject to examination are 2012 through 2015, according to standard statutes of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 0	$ 0

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Nar

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy Preferred Unit Offering 2016 [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred units issued by NuStar Energy | shares	9,060,000
Distribution percentage of NuStar Energy's preferred units	8.50%
Price of preferred units issued by NuStar Energy, per unit	$ 25	$ 25
Proceeds received by NuStar Energy, net of issuance cost, from issuance of NuStar Energy preferred units | $	$ 218.4
Liquidation preference of NuStar Energy's preferred units	$ 25	$ 25
Minimum per unit quarterly distribution of NuStar Energy's preferred units, annualized	$ 2.125
Description of floating dividend rate of NuStar Energy's preferred units		three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.766%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N38

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 842	$ 7,444	$ 19,340
General partner interest percentage	2.00%
NuStar Energy Secondary Offerings 2016 [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy	595,050
Price of common limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy, per unit	$ 47.39
Proceeds received by NuStarEnergy, net of issuance cost, from issuance of NuStar Energy common limited partner units	$ 28,300
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 600
General partner interest percentage	2.00%
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.'s issuance of common limited partner units	$ 2,100

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N39

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 3 (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Gain related to NuStar Energy's issuance of common units for unit-based compensation vestings	$ 0.3

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N40

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 4 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member]	Dec. 21, 2016USD ($)bbl	Jan. 02, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2014
Axeon [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
NuStar energy's Ownership Percentage of Entity Sold			50.00%
Martin Terminal Acquisition [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
NuStar Energy's purchase price of acquired entity	$ 95,700,000
Equity Method Investment, Other Payments to Acquire Businesses	$ 2,100,000
NuStar Energy's acquired crude storage capacity (in barrels) | bbl	900,000
NuStar Energy's acquired refined product storage capacity (in barrels) | bbl	250,000
Linden Acquisition [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment acquisition, ownership interest before transaction		50.00%
NuStar Energy's purchase price of acquired entity		$ 142,500,000

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Tab

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 377,183	$ 333,851
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,722,283	3,683,571
Goodwill	696,637	696,637
Other non-current assets	234,442	411,466
Total assets	5,030,545	5,125,525
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities	289,396	332,213
Long-term debt	3,014,364	3,055,612
Other non-current liabilities	115,168	127,856
Total liabilities	3,418,928	3,515,681
NuStar Energy partners' equity	1,611,617	1,609,844
Total liabilities and partners’ equity	$ 5,030,545	$ 5,125,525

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T42

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Income Information:
Revenues	$ 1,756,682	$ 2,084,040	$ 3,075,118
Operating income	359,109	390,704	346,901
Income from continuing operations	150,003	305,946	214,169
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	774	(3,791)
Net income	$ 150,003	$ 306,720	$ 210,378

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T43

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation 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	$ 204,803	$ 239,867
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	63,939	66,827
Investment in NuStar Energy	268,742	306,694
NuStar Energy [Member]
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	1,611,617	1,609,844
NuStar Energy's preferred limited partners' equity	218,400	0
NuStar Energy's partners' equity, excluding preferred limited partners' equity	$ 1,393,217	$ 1,609,844
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	14.70%	14.90%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N44

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 5 (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2001USD ($)
Description of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy's assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Unamortized step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy's assets and liabilities	$ 81.8
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy's assets and liabilities, amortization period, in years	28
NuStar Energy [Member]
Description of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy's assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Valero Energy's proportionate interest in NuStar Energy's identifiable assets and liabilies	73.60%
Percent of equity interest in NuStar Energy owned by public unitholders	26.40%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T45

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy:
General partner interest	$ 2,091	$ 5,270	$ 3,352
General partner incentive distribution rights	43,407	43,220	43,220
General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy	45,498	48,490	46,572
Common limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy	13,482	34,067	21,692
Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities	(2,884)	(2,884)	(2,884)
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy	$ 56,096	$ 79,673	$ 65,380

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narr

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Holdco Administrative Services Expense	$ 0.2	$ 1.5	$ 1.7

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Tabl

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation	$ 32,053	$ 201,852	$ 197,745
Other expenses	$ 121	$ 484	$ 482

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na48

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Amended GP Services Agreement, Description	The Amended GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar Services Co will furnish administrative services necessary to conduct our business. We will compensate NuStar Services Co for these services through an annual fee of $1.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to NuStar Services Co employees for the most recently completed fiscal year and for changes in level of service. The Amended GP Services Agreement will terminate on March 1, 2020 and will automatically renew for successive two-year terms, unless terminated by either party.
Amended GP Services Agreement Services Expense	$ 788	$ 0	$ 0

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Ta49

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Decrease in related party receivable:
Current	$ 16,014	$ 993	$ (1,134)	$ (105)
Long-term	(32,656)	$ (898)	$ 363	$ (1,527)
Decrease in related party receivable	48,670
Decreases to our consolidated balance sheet:
Current and long-term assets	(506)
Current liabilities	(10,933)
Other long-term liabilities	(34,042)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,201)
Decrease in related party receivable	$ 48,670

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na50

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Payable to related party	$ 317	$ 0
Receivable from related party	0	14,799
Long-term receivable from related party	$ 0	$ 32,080

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na51

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreements, description	The Amended GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar Services Co will furnish administrative services necessary to conduct our business. We will compensate NuStar Services Co for these services through an annual fee of $1.0 million, subject to adjustment based on the annual merit increase percentage applicable to NuStar Services Co employees for the most recently completed fiscal year and for changes in level of service. The Amended GP Services Agreement will terminate on March 1, 2020 and will automatically renew for successive two-year terms, unless terminated by either party.
Axeon Services Agreement [Member] | Axeon [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Services Agreements, description	provided that NuStar GP, LLC furnish certain administrative and other operating services necessary to conduct the business of Axeon for an annual fee totaling $10.0 million, subject to adjustment (the Axeon Services Agreement).
Services Agreements, termination date	Jun. 30, 2014
Administrative services expense		$ 3.1
NuStar Energy [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Non-Compete Agreement, description	The Non-Compete Agreement remains in effect for so long as we or any of our affiliates own 20% or more of NuStar GP, LLC or Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE52

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 1 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY [Abstract]
Incentive distribution rights entitlement, minimum per unit	$ 0.60
Incentive distribution rights maximum cash percentage	23.00%
Incentive distribution rights entitlement, maximum per unit	$ 0.66
General partner interest percentage	2.00%

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE53

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
The allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners
General partner interest					$ 7,877	$ 7,844	$ 7,844
General partner incentive distribution					43,407	43,220	43,220
Total general partner distribution					51,284	51,064	51,064
Limited partner distribution					44,699	45,073	44,974
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings					95,983	96,137	96,038
Public unitholders’ distributions					297,899	296,067	296,166
Total cash distributions	$ 98,971	$ 98,809	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 393,882	$ 392,204	$ 392,204
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 4.38	$ 4.380	$ 4.380

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE54

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 27, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
NuStar Energy [Member]
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	$ 4.38	$ 4.380	$ 4.380
NuStar Energy's total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 98,971	$ 98,809	$ 98,051	$ 98,051	$ 393,882	$ 392,204	$ 392,204
NuStar Energy's distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Feb. 8, 2017	Nov. 8, 2016	Aug. 9, 2016	May 9, 2016
NuStar Energy's distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Feb. 13, 2017	Nov. 14, 2016	Aug. 12, 2016	May 13, 2016
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Jan. 27, 2017

ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE 55

ACCRUED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued compensation expense
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units		$ 3,794
Pension liabilities (Note 14)		71
Other postretirement benefit plan liabilities (Note 14)		304
Other employee-related liabilities		4,821
Accrued compensation expense	$ 0	8,990
Long-term liabilities
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units		0
Pension liabilities (Note 14)		21,425
Other postretirement benefit plan liabilities (Note 14)		9,738
Other employee-related liabilities		1,696
Long-term liabilities	$ 0	$ 32,859

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Narrati

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Narrative 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
NuStar Energy restricted units and performance awards	$ 0	$ 3.8

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Decrease (increase) in current assets:
Receivable from related party, net	$ (16,014)	$ (993)	$ 1,134	$ 105
Income tax receivable		909	(1)	(13)
Other receivables		(32)	22	(14)
Other current assets		(117)	(8)	(407)
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
Accounts payable		(222)	16	296
Accrued compensation expense		(1,339)	(954)	(2,374)
Accrued liabilities		120	(97)	(99)
Taxes other than income tax		(1,662)	184	236
Changes in current assets and liabilities		$ (3,336)	$ 296	$ (2,270)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Tabl58

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows related to interest and income tax
Cash paid for interest	$ 890	$ 736	$ 684
Cash refunded for income tax, net	$ (900)	$ (50)	$ (1,149)

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Deta

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
General partner interest percentage	2.00%
Outstanding borrowings	$ 30,000	$ 26,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Initiation date	Jun. 28, 2013
Maturity date	Jun. 27, 2017
Borrowing capacity	$ 50,000
Letters of credit capacity	$ 10,000
Collateral	Our obligations under our revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), our wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk has pledged a total of 2,107,918 NuStar Energy common units that it owns to secure its guarantee.
Outstanding borrowings	$ 30,000
Borrowing availability	$ 20,000
Interest rate description	Interest on our revolving credit facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate or a LIBOR-based rate
Interest rate	2.80%	2.40%
Deferred debt costs	$ 100	$ 100
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 (as defined in our revolving credit agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00. If NuStar Energy consummates an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $50.0 million, its maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.50-to-1.00 for two rolling periods. As of December 31, 2016, the maximum allowed amount was 5.50-to-1.00, as a result of the Martin Terminal Acquisition.
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Cash Distributions Covenant [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Covenant terms	We are also required to receive cash distributions each fiscal quarter of at least $16.0 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES N

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating leases, future minimum payments due	$ 0

NET INCOME PER UNIT Narrative (

NET INCOME PER UNIT Narrative (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units	0	0

NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Deta

NET INCOME PER UNIT Table (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of basic units outstanding	42,932,320	42,914,297	42,719,217
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0	22,985
Weighted-average number of diluted units outstanding	42,932,320	42,914,297	42,742,202

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ (8,664)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer	$ (4,200)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,210)	$ (2,889)	$ (14,716)
Ending Balance		(13,874)	(8,664)
Share of NuStar Energy's Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(13,189)	(10,082)	(9,417)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments		(685)	(3,107)	(665)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		0	0	0
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(685)	(3,107)	(665)
Ending Balance		(13,874)	(13,189)	(10,082)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		4,525	4,307	18,358
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments		0	1,312	(11,136)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		(324)	(1,094)	(2,915)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer		(4,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,525)	218	(14,051)
Ending Balance		0	4,525	4,307
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(8,664)	(5,775)	8,941
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments		(685)	(1,795)	(11,801)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		(324)	(1,094)	(2,915)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Employee Transfer		(4,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,210)	(2,889)	(14,716)
Ending Balance		$ (13,874)	$ (8,664)	$ (5,775)

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 1 (De

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 1 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Members' Equity [Abstract]
Cash distributions, timing description	Our limited liability company agreement requires that, within 50 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to the holders of record of our units on the applicable record date.

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 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	$ 2.18	$ 2.18	$ 2.180
Total cash distributions	$ 23,408	$ 23,398	$ 23,398	$ 23,397	$ 93,601	$ 93,561	$ 93,252

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 27, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 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	$ 2.18	$ 2.18	$ 2.180
Total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 23,408	$ 23,398	$ 23,398	$ 23,397	$ 93,601	$ 93,561	$ 93,252
Distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Feb. 8, 2017	Nov. 8, 2016	Aug. 9, 2016	May 9, 2016
Distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Feb. 15, 2017	Nov. 16, 2016	Aug. 16, 2016	May 17, 2016
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Jan. 27, 2017

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 2 (De

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 2 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Members' Equity [Abstract]
Rights Agreement, description	On July 19, 2006, we entered into a rights agreement, as amended (the Rights Agreement), under which one preferred unit purchase right (a Right) was attached to each of our outstanding units. The Rights became exercisable under specified circumstances, including if any person or group (an acquiring person) became the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding units, subject to specified exceptions. The Rights Agreement and the Rights expired on June 30, 2016.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrativ

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrative 1 (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee benefit plans, obligations transferred	$ 32,700,000
Employee benefit plans, amounts recognized in balance sheet		$ 0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss impact of Employee Transfer	$ 4,200,000

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrat69

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrative 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Thrift Plan, description	The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified defined contribution plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to eligible employees upon their date of hire. Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC made matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation.
Thrift Plan matching contributions		$ 6.3	$ 5.9
Pension Plan, description	The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that provides eligible employees with retirement income as calculated under a cash balance formula. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are determined based on age, service and interest credits, and employees become fully vested in their benefits upon attaining three years of vesting service. Prior to January 1, 2014, eligible employees were covered under either a cash balance formula or a final average pay formula (FAP). Effective January 1, 2014, the Pension Plan was amended to freeze the FAP benefits as of December 31, 2013, and going forward, all eligible employees are covered under the cash balance formula discussed above.
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation for the Pension Plans		$ 108.2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 1

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: (a)
Net pension liability			$ 0
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	$ 106,848,000
Service cost	7,676,000	$ 8,049,000
Interest cost	4,389,000	4,225,000
Benefits paid	(4,338,000)
Participant contributions	0
Actuarial gain	(5,373,000)
Benefit obligation, December 31	109,202,000	106,848,000
Change in plan assets:
Plan assets at fair value, January 1	83,365,000
Actual return on plan assets	645,000
Company contributions	8,034,000
Benefits paid	(4,338,000)
Participant contributions	0
Plan assets at fair value, December 31	87,706,000	83,365,000
Reconciliation of funded status:
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	83,365,000	83,365,000		$ 87,706,000
Less: Benefit obligation at December 31	106,848,000	106,848,000		109,202,000
Funded status at December 31				(21,496,000)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: (a)
Accrued compensation expense				(71,000)
Long-term liabilities				(21,425,000)
Net pension liability				(21,496,000)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	10,484,000
Service cost	470,000	374,000
Interest cost	448,000	373,000
Benefits paid	(507,000)
Participant contributions	203,000
Actuarial gain	(1,056,000)
Benefit obligation, December 31	10,042,000	10,484,000
Change in plan assets:
Plan assets at fair value, January 1	0
Actual return on plan assets	0
Company contributions	304,000
Benefits paid	(507,000)
Participant contributions	203,000
Plan assets at fair value, December 31	0	0
Reconciliation of funded status:
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	0	0		0
Less: Benefit obligation at December 31	$ 10,484,000	$ 10,484,000		10,042,000
Funded status at December 31				(10,042,000)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: (a)
Accrued compensation expense				(304,000)
Long-term liabilities				(9,738,000)
Net pension liability				$ (10,042,000)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 7,676	$ 8,049
Interest cost	4,389	4,225
Expected return on plan assets	(5,018)	(4,574)
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,063)	(2,063)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,845	179
Other	0	(39)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	6,829	5,777
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	470	374
Interest cost	448	373
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	(1,145)	(1,145)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	269	114
Other	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 42	$ (284)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (4,525)	$ 218	$ (14,051)
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain (loss)		1,000	(14,716)
Amortization of prior service credit		(2,063)	(2,063)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,845	179
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income		(218)	(1,884)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(362)	5,314
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)		420	(11,286)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain (loss)		1,056	(2,718)
Amortization of prior service credit		(1,145)	(1,145)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		269	114
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income		(876)	(1,031)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(382)	984
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)		$ (202)	$ (2,765)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 4

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 4 (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial loss (a)	$ (21,975)
Prior service credit (a)	20,727
Deferred tax asset (liability)	1,313
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	65
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial loss (a)	(3,568)
Prior service credit (a)	11,754
Deferred tax asset (liability)	(3,726)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 4,460

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 5

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 5 (Details) - Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 87,706	$ 83,365
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35,620
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	52,086
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Cash equivalent securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	739
Cash equivalent securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	739
Cash equivalent securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Cash equivalent securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
U.S. large cap equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	52,086
U.S. large cap equity fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
U.S. large cap equity fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	52,086
U.S. large cap equity fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
International stock index fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,522
International stock index fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,522
International stock index fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
International stock index fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Bond market index fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,359
Bond market index fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,359
Bond market index fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Bond market index fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrat75

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Narrative 3 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations, Narrative Description	We amortized the prior service credit shown in the table above on a straight-line basis of the credit over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans. We amortized the net actuarial loss shown in the table above on a straight-line basis of the excess of the unrecognized loss over 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets (smoothed asset value) over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 6

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 6 (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.61%
Rate of compensation increase	3.51%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.75%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 7

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 7 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans (The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.22%	5.04%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.50%	6.75%
Rate of compensation increase	3.51%	3.51%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.34%	5.28%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 8

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Table 8 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for 2016		6.81%
Rate to which the cost trend rate was assumed to decrease to (the ultimate trend rate)		5.00%
Year that the rate reached the ultimate trend rate		2,026
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of one percentage point increase, description	The cap on the increase in employer’s cost was 2.5% per year. The assumed increase in total health care cost exceeded the 2.5% indexed cap, so increasing or decreasing the health care cost trend rate by 1% did not materially change our obligation or expense for the postretirement health care plan.

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrati

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 1 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit-based compensation, number of units authorized	2,000,000
Unit-based compensation, number of units available to be awarded	1,453,477
Unit Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH unit options, description	On November 16, 2007, we granted 324,100 NSH unit options at $31.55, which was our only grant of options under the 2006 LTIP.
NSH unit options, terms	These options expired seven years after the grant date and vested in annual one-third increments beginning on November 16, 2010.
NSH unit options, units exercised		289,100
The total intrinsic value of unit options exercised during the period		$ 2.8
Balance of NSH unit options outstanding	0		0

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 1

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 1 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH restricted units, beginning balance	77,080	59,515	60,398
NSH restricted units, granted	44,582	39,054	25,806
NSH restricted units, vested	(26,888)	(21,489)	(21,944)
NSH restricted units, forfeited			(4,745)
NSH restricted units, ending balance	94,774	77,080	59,515
Weighted-average grant date fair value, period start	$ 27.51	$ 31.13	$ 28.83
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	25.42	23.80	34.22
Weighted-average grant date fair value, vested	28.23	30.80	29.22
Weighted-average grant date fair value, forfeited			27.46
Weighted-average grant date fair value, period end	$ 26.32	$ 27.51	$ 31.13
Restricted units, employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH restricted units, beginning balance	53,927	39,090	39,204
NSH restricted units, granted	32,456	26,240	16,895
NSH restricted units, vested	(15,251)	(11,403)	(12,264)
NSH restricted units, forfeited			(4,745)
NSH restricted units, ending balance	71,132	53,927	39,090
Restricted units, non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH restricted units, beginning balance	23,153	20,425	21,194
NSH restricted units, granted	12,126	12,814	8,911
NSH restricted units, vested	(11,637)	(10,086)	(9,680)
NSH restricted units, forfeited			0
NSH restricted units, ending balance	23,642	23,153	20,425

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra81

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 2 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted units, employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit-based compensation, vesting period	5 years
Restricted units, non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit-based compensation, vesting period	3 years

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 2

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 2 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member] - Restricted units [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
DERs paid to restricted unitholders	$ (167)	$ (129)	$ (118)
Fair value of restricted units that vested during the period	$ 700	$ 379	$ 742
Units issued for settlement of awards vested, net of employee tax withholding requirements (units)	21,200	17,272	256,996

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra83

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 3 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member] - Restricted units [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 2.4
Compensation yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 7 months 6 days

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra84

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 4 (Details) - The 2000 LTIP [Member] - shares	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit-based compensation, number of units authorized		3,250,000
Unit based awards, transferred (units)	730,288
Performance awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit based awards, transferred (units)	77,014
Unit based awards granted for accounting purposes (units)		35,373

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 3

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 3 (Details) - The 2000 LTIP [Member] - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Performance awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (units)	47,646	29,633	28,841
Vesting	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.	Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.
Restricted units, employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (units)	0	250,563	208,714
Vesting	1/5 per year	1/5 per year	1/5 per year
Restricted units, non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (units)	0	7,553	7,009
Vesting	1/3 per year	1/3 per year	1/3 per year

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra86

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 5 (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Liability for NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units	$ 3,794
The 2000 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Liability for NuStar Energy restricted units and performance units	$ 3,794

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 4

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy	$ 490	$ 6,397	$ 10,934
Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards	$ 661	$ 239	$ 129

INCOME TAXES Table 1 (Details)

INCOME TAXES Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
U.S. federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,123
U.S. state	(9)	51	42
Total current	(9)	51	1,165
Deferred:
U.S. federal	76	(940)	415
U.S. state	(1)	(12)	206
Total deferred	75	(952)	621
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 66	$ (901)	$ 1,786

INCOME TAXES Table 2 (Details)

INCOME TAXES Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred income tax assets:
Unit-based compensation	$ 0	$ 2,115
Pension	0	7,561
Capital loss	1,344	1,290
Net operating loss	5,239	4,346
Foreign tax credits	74	69
Other	80	14
Total deferred income tax assets	6,737	15,395
Less: Valuation allowance	(1,418)	(1,359)
Net deferred income tax assets	5,319	14,036
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy	(233)	(249)
Other employee benefits	0	(11,189)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(233)	(11,438)
Total net deferred income tax assets	5,086	2,598
Reported on the consolidated balance sheets as:
Deferred income tax assets, net (long-term)	5,086	5,258
Deferred income tax liabilities, net (current)	0	(2,660)
Total net deferred income tax assets	$ 5,086	$ 2,598

INCOME TAXES Narrative (Details

INCOME TAXES Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 15,000
Capital loss carryforwards	$ 3,800
Operating loss carryforwards, limitations on use	twenty-year carryforward limitation
Capital loss carryforwards, limitations on use	five-year carryforward limitation
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2031
Capital loss carryforwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2017
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$ 1,418	$ 1,359

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA91

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net income	$ 5,999	$ 17,320	$ 15,073	$ 16,676	$ 12,959	$ 16,917	$ 15,527	$ 26,805	$ 55,068	$ 72,208	$ 61,427
Basic net income per unit	$ 0.14	$ 0.40	$ 0.35	$ 0.39	$ 0.30	$ 0.39	$ 0.37	$ 0.62	$ 1.28	$ 1.68	$ 1.44
Diluted net income per unit	0.14	0.40	0.35	0.39	0.30	0.39	0.37	0.62	1.28	1.68	$ 1.44
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 2.18	$ 2.18

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA92

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Narrative 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
NuStar Energy's impairment charge on its term loan to Axeon Specialty Products LLC	$ 58.7
NuStar Energy's gain in association with its Linden Acquisition		$ 56.3