NavSight (NSH) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

DEI Document

DEI Document - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Limited Liability Company, Units Outstanding		42,953,132
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 826

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 422	$ 207
Income tax receivable	105	303
Other receivables	26	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	319	292
Total current assets	872	802
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	279,721	268,742
Deferred income tax assets, net	3,249	5,086
Total assets	283,842	274,630
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	42,500	30,000
Payable to related party	205	317
Accounts payable	3	1
Accrued liabilities	500	460
Taxes other than income tax	98	64
Total current liabilities	43,306	30,842
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Members’ equity (42,977,132 and 42,951,749 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)	251,358	257,662
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(10,822)	(13,874)
Total members’ equity	240,536	243,788
Total liabilities and members’ equity	$ 283,842	$ 274,630
Common units outstanding	42,977,132	42,951,749

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 51,556	$ 56,096	$ 79,673
General and administrative expenses:
Third parties	(2,427)	(2,258)	(3,338)
Related party	(871)	(788)	0
Total general and administrative expenses	(3,298)	(3,046)	(3,338)
Other income (expense), net	41,942	3,021	(2,333)
Interest expense, net	(1,587)	(1,069)	(893)
Income before income tax (expense) benefit	88,613	55,002	73,109
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1,838)	66	(901)
Net income	86,775	55,068	72,208
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Share of NuStar Energy L.P.’s other comprehensive income (loss)	3,052	(685)	(3,107)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments	0	(4,525)	218
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,052	(5,210)	(2,889)
Comprehensive income	$ 89,827	$ 49,858	$ 69,319
Net income per unit	$ 2.01	$ 1.28	$ 1.68
Weighted-average number of basic common units outstanding	42,954,230	42,932,320	42,914,297

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 86,775	$ 55,068	$ 72,208
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	(51,556)	(56,096)	(79,673)
Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	51,556	56,096	79,673
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.’s issuance of common limited partner units	(41,942)	(2,408)	0
(Gain) loss on sale of NuStar Energy L.P. common limited partner units in connection with unit-based compensation	0	(613)	2,333
Unit-based compensation expense	849	661	239
Amortization of deferred debt costs	182	169	155
Expense (benefit) for deferred income tax	1,837	(75)	952
Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 8)	92	(3,336)	296
(Increase) decrease in long-term receivable from related party	0	(898)	363
Increase (decrease) in long-term liabilities	0	1,183	(647)
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,793	49,751	75,899
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	47,754	39,809	16,357
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	(13,738)	(842)	(7,444)
Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. common units in connection with unit-based compensation	0	1,319	5,935
Net cash provided by investing activities	34,016	40,286	14,848
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings	15,500	4,000	0
Repayment of short-term debt	(3,000)	0	0
Distributions to unitholders	(93,634)	(93,590)	(93,567)
Other, net	(460)	(274)	14
Net cash used in financing activities	(81,594)	(89,864)	(93,553)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	215	173	(2,806)
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period	207	34	2,840
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period	$ 422	$ 207	$ 34

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, 2014	$ 310,836		$ 316,611	$ (5,775)
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2014		42,913,277
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
Unit-based compensation in units		17,272
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
Unit-based compensation in units		21,200
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2016		42,951,749
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	243,788		257,662	(13,874)
Net income	86,775		86,775	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,052		0	3,052
Distributions to unitholders	(93,634)		(93,634)	0
Unit-based compensation	555		555	0
Unit-based compensation in units		25,383
Balance in units at Dec. 31, 2017		42,977,132
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 240,536		$ 251,358	$ (10,822)

ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , we have an approximate 13% ownership interest 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 and the terminalling, storage and marketing of petroleum products. NuStar Energy has pipelines in the United States, as well as terminal and storage facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, including St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. NuStar Energy conducts its operations through its subsidiaries, primarily NuStar Logistics, L.P. (NuStar Logistics) and NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. Recent Developments Merger. On February 7, 2018, NuStar GP Holdings, NuStar Energy, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., NuStar GP, LLC, Marshall Merger Sub LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar Energy (Merger Sub), and Riverwalk Holdings, LLC entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into NuStar GP Holdings with NuStar GP Holdings being the surviving entity (the Merger), such that NuStar Energy will be our sole member following the Merger. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and at the effective time of the Merger, NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement will be amended and restated to, among other things, (i) cancel the incentive distribution rights, (ii) convert the 2% general partner interest in NuStar Energy into a non-economic management interest and (iii) provide the holders of NuStar Energy’s common units with voting rights in the election of the members of the board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC at an annual meeting, beginning in 2019. The Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including approval of the Merger Agreement by our unitholders. Please refer to Note 15 for further discussion of the Merger. NuStar Energy’s Navigator Acquisition and Financing Transactions. On May 4, 2017, NuStar Energy completed the acquisition of Navigator Energy Services, LLC for approximately $1.5 billion (the Navigator Acquisition). In order to fund the purchase price, NuStar Energy issued 14,375,000 common units for net proceeds of $657.5 million , NuStar Logistics issued $550.0 million of 5.625% senior notes for net proceeds of $543.3 million and NuStar Energy issued 15,400,000 of its 7.625% Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units (Series B Preferred Units) for net proceeds of $371.8 million . In conjunction with the Navigator Acquisition, NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement was amended and restated to, among other things, provide a waiver of certain quarterly distributions with respect to our incentive distribution rights. In April 2017, we borrowed approximately $14.0 million under our revolving credit facility to fund a contribution to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest in connection with NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units. Please refer to Note 4 for a discussion of these transactions. 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). Our officers, who are also officers of NuStar GP, LLC, are now dual employees of NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar Services Co. 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 the Employee Transfer and our related party agreements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 its 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, 2017 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 2013 through 2016, 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, 2017 and 2016 . Net Income Per Common Unit Net income per common unit is determined pursuant to the two-class method. Under this method, all earnings are allocated to our common units and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive distributions earned during the period. Participating securities include restricted units awarded under our long-term incentive plan. Net income attributable to distribution equivalent rights for outstanding restricted units totaled $0.2 million for the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016. We compute net income per common unit by dividing net income attributable to our common units by the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted net income per common unit are the same as we have no potentially dilutive securities outstanding. Unit-Based Compensation We account for awards of NSH restricted units granted to employees of NuStar GP, LLC and our directors based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. Compensation expense for NSH restricted units 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 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 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 restricted units and performance units until the date of vesting. Prior to the Employee Transfer, we recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet for awards of NS performance units and restricted units and 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.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Unit-Based Payments In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance that clarifies when a change to the terms and conditions of a unit-based payment award is accounted for as a modification. Under the amended guidance, an entity will apply modification accounting if the value, vesting or classification of the unit-based payment award changes. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and amendments should be applied prospectively. We adopted these provisions January 1, 2018, and they did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures. Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the 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 adopted these provisions January 1, 2018, and they did not have an impact on our statements of cash flows 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 adopted these provisions January 1, 2018, and they did not 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 they did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY	INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY NuStar Energy’s Acquisitions Navigator Acquisition. On April 11, 2017, NuStar Logistics and NuStar Energy entered into a Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Acquisition Agreement) with FR Navigator Holdings LLC to acquire all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests in Navigator Energy Services, LLC (Navigator) for approximately $1.5 billion . NuStar Energy closed the Navigator Acquisition on May 4, 2017 and funded the purchase price with the net proceeds of the equity and debt issuances described below. NuStar Energy acquired crude oil transportation, pipeline gathering and storage assets located in the Midland Basin of West Texas consisting of: (i) more than 500 miles of crude oil gathering and transportation pipelines with approximately 92,000 barrels per day ship-or-pay volume commitments and deliverability of approximately 412,000 barrels per day; (ii) a pipeline gathering system with more than 200 connected producer tank batteries capable of more than 400,000 barrels per day of pumping capacity covering over 500,000 dedicated acres with fixed fee contracts; and (iii) approximately 1.0 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity with 440,000 barrels contracted to third parties. The Navigator Acquisition broadens NuStar Energy’s geographic footprint by marking its entry into the Permian Basin and complements its existing asset base. NuStar Energy believes this acquisition provides a strong growth platform that, when coupled with its assets in the Eagle Ford region, solidifies its presence in two of the most prolific basins in the United States. We amended and restated NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement in connection with NuStar Energy’s issuance of the Series B Preferred Units described below and the Navigator Acquisition to waive up to an aggregate $22.0 million of the quarterly incentive distributions payable to us for any NS common units issued from the date of the Acquisition Agreement (other than those attributable to NS common units issued under any equity compensation plan) for ten consecutive quarters, starting with the second quarter of 2017. 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% . NuStar Energy’s Equity Issuances Issuances of Common Units. On April 18, 2017, NuStar Energy issued 14,375,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $46.35 per unit. NuStar Energy used the net proceeds from this offering of $657.5 million , including our contribution of $13.6 million to maintain our 2% general partner interest, to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Navigator Acquisition. Beginning with the distribution earned for the second quarter of 2017, we will not receive incentive distributions with respect to these common units. We borrowed approximately $14.0 million under our revolving credit facility to fund our general partner contribution to NuStar Energy, and our common limited partner ownership interest in NuStar Energy was approximately 11% subsequent to this issuance. This issuance resulted in a gain of $41.6 million , which is included in “Other income (expense), net” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017 , calculated as if we had sold a proportionate share of our investment in NuStar Energy. 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% general partner interest. 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, calculated as if we had sold a proportionate share of our investment in NuStar Energy. Issuances of Preferred Units. In 2017 and 2016, NuStar Energy issued fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred units representing limited partner interests. 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 original issuance dates and are payable on the 15th day or next business day of each of March, June, September and December of each year to holders of record on the first business day of each payment month. The following is a summary of NuStar Energy’s preferred units outstanding as of December 31, 2017 : Units Original Issuance Date Number of Units Issued and Outstanding Fixed Distribution Rate per Annum (as a Percentage of the $25.00 Liquidation Preference per Unit) Fixed Distribution Rate per Unit per Annum Date at Which Distribution Rate Becomes Floating Floating Annual Rate (as a Percentage of the $25.00 Liquidation Preference per Unit) Series A Preferred Units November 25, 2016 9,060,000 8.50 % $ 2.125 December 15, 2021 Three-month LIBOR plus 6.766% Series B Preferred Units April 28, 2017 15,400,000 7.625 % $ 1.90625 June 15, 2022 Three-month LIBOR plus 5.643% Series C Preferred Units November 30, 2017 6,900,000 9.00 % $ 2.25 December 15, 2022 Three-month LIBOR plus 6.88% Summary Financial Information Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: December 31, 2017 2016 (Thousands of Dollars) Balance Sheet Information: Current assets $ 250,432 $ 377,183 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,300,933 3,722,283 Goodwill 1,097,475 696,637 Other non-current assets 886,393 234,442 Total assets $ 6,535,233 $ 5,030,545 Current liabilities $ 651,506 $ 289,396 Long-term debt 3,263,069 3,014,364 Other non-current liabilities 140,569 115,168 Total liabilities 4,055,144 3,418,928 NuStar Energy partners’ equity 2,480,089 1,611,617 Total liabilities and partners’ equity $ 6,535,233 $ 5,030,545 Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Statement of Income Information: Revenues $ 1,814,019 $ 1,756,682 $ 2,084,040 Operating income $ 336,278 $ 359,109 $ 390,704 Income from continuing operations $ 147,964 $ 150,003 $ 305,946 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 774 Net income $ 147,964 $ 150,003 $ 306,720 Other Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Percentage Data) NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity $ 2,480,089 $ 1,611,617 Less NuStar Energy’s preferred limited partners’ equity 756,603 218,400 NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity, excluding preferred limited partners’ equity 1,723,486 1,393,217 NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy 12.8 % 14.7 % NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity 220,606 204,803 Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other 59,115 63,939 Investment in NuStar Energy $ 279,721 $ 268,742 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, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy: General partner interest $ 1,237 $ 2,091 $ 5,270 General partner incentive distribution rights 45,669 43,407 43,220 General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy 46,906 45,498 48,490 Common limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy 7,534 13,482 34,067 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 $ 51,556 $ 56,096 $ 79,673

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 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 and 2015, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totaled $0.2 million and $1.5 million , respectively. The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions reimbursed by NuStar Energy: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation $ 32,053 $ 201,852 Other expenses $ 121 $ 484 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 $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, 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 As shown in the table above, we transferred to NuStar Services Co $32.7 million in benefit obligations associated with the Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans, which were primarily reported in “Long-term liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheet prior to the Employee Transfer. Additionally, we transferred an accumulated other comprehensive income balance related to the unrecognized components of net periodic benefit cost (income) of $4.2 million . We also transferred to NuStar Services Co all outstanding awards under the Fifth Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which represented 730,288 units, and removed the obligation related to these unit-based awards, which was previously reported as “Current liabilities,” from our consolidated balance sheet. Balance Sheet Items . We had a payable to NuStar Energy of $0.2 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, mainly comprised of service fees and expenses paid on behalf of NuStar GP Holdings. 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.

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERG

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY [Abstract]
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY	DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement, 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 partner and common limited partners: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) General partner interest $ 9,252 $ 7,877 $ 7,844 General partner incentive distribution rights 45,669 43,407 43,220 Total general partner distribution 54,921 51,284 51,064 Common limited partner distribution 44,740 44,699 45,073 Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings 99,661 95,983 96,137 Public common limited partners’ distribution 362,941 297,899 296,067 Total cash distributions $ 462,602 $ 393,882 $ 392,204 Cash distributions per unit applicable to common limited partners 4.38 4.38 4.38 The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions to its general partner and common limited partners: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Common Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) December 31, 2017 (a) $ 1.095 $ 115,267 February 8, 2018 February 13, 2018 September 30, 2017 $ 1.095 $ 115,084 November 9, 2017 November 14, 2017 June 30, 2017 $ 1.095 $ 115,083 August 7, 2017 August 11, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 1.095 $ 117,168 May 8, 2017 May 12, 2017 (a) The distribution was announced on January 29, 2018 .

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We segregate the inputs used in measuring fair value into three levels: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists. We 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, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Decrease (increase) in current assets: Receivable from related party, net $ — $ (993 ) $ 1,134 Income tax receivable 198 909 (1 ) Other receivables (26 ) (32 ) 22 Other current assets (44 ) (117 ) (8 ) Increase (decrease) in current liabilities: Payable to related party (112 ) — — Accounts payable 2 (222 ) 16 Accrued compensation expense — (1,339 ) (954 ) Accrued liabilities 40 120 (97 ) Taxes other than income tax 34 (1,662 ) 184 Changes in current assets and current liabilities $ 92 $ (3,336 ) $ 296 Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Cash paid for interest $ 1,395 $ 890 $ 736 Cash refunded for income tax, net $ (198 ) $ (900 ) $ (50 ) 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 mainly consisted of: • Adjustments to our investment in NuStar Energy and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) through recognition of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss); and • Prior to the Employee Transfer, pension funding adjustments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

CREDIT FACILITY

CREDIT FACILITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 $60.0 million , of which up to $10.0 million may be available for letters of credit. We amended this facility on June 27, 2017 to, among other things, extend its maturity to June 27, 2018 and increase its borrowing capacity from $50.0 million to $60.0 million . Our obligations under our revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), our wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk has pledged a total of 2,926,833 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, 2017 , we had outstanding borrowings of $42.5 million and availability of $17.5 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, 2017 and 2016 were 3.6% and 2.8% , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , unamortized deferred debt costs associated with our revolving credit agreement totaled $ 0.1 million 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 comply with the financial covenant contained in NuStar Logistics revolving credit facility. We are also required to receive cash distributions each fiscal quarter of at least $19.0 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, 2017 .

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , we had no future minimum payments applicable to non-cancellable operating leases and purchase obligations.

MEMBERS' EQUITY

MEMBERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) Income Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments Total (Thousands of Dollars) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ (10,082 ) $ 4,307 $ (5,775 ) Other comprehensive (loss) 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 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments 3,052 — 3,052 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (10,822 ) $ — $ (10,822 ) (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 Note 5. 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, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) Cash distributions per unit $ 2.18 $ 2.18 $ 2.18 Total cash distributions $ 93,649 $ 93,601 $ 93,561 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, 2017 (a) $ 0.545 $ 23,423 February 8, 2018 February 15, 2018 September 30, 2017 $ 0.545 $ 23,409 November 9, 2017 November 16, 2017 June 30, 2017 $ 0.545 $ 23,408 August 7, 2017 August 15, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 0.545 $ 23,409 May 8, 2017 May 16, 2017 (a) The distribution was announced on January 29, 2018 . 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.

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 LTI Plan) 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 LTI Plan 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, 2017 , a total of 1,391,259 NSH units remained available to be awarded under the LTI Plan. Effective on the date of the Employee Transfer and the Assignment Agreement, we retain the expense associated with awards granted under the LTI Plan to our employees, whereas these expenses were previously reimbursed by NuStar Energy. 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 LTI Plan: 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, 2015 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 Granted 45,965 22,042 68,007 $ 15.40 Vested (19,890 ) (11,282 ) (31,172 ) $ 27.10 Balance as of December 31, 2017 97,207 34,402 131,609 $ 20.49 The outstanding restricted units granted to domestic employees are equity-classified awards and generally vest over five 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 three 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, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data) DERs paid to restricted unitholders $ 206 $ 167 $ 129 Fair value of restricted units that vested during the period $ 477 $ 700 $ 379 Units issued for settlement of awards vested, net of employee tax withholding requirements 25,383 21,200 17,272 Unrecognized compensation cost related to our equity-classified awards totaled $2.5 million as of December 31, 2017 , 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 totaled 730,288 units, including 77,014 performance units, and removed the obligation related to these unit-based awards from our consolidated balance sheet. However, of the performance units transferred, only 35,373 were considered granted for accounting purposes, as the performance measure for the remaining units 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 2000 LTIP: Performance units (a) 47,646 29,633 Restricted units 1/5 per year — 250,563 Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC) 1/3 per year — 7,553 (a) Performance units vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements. The following table summarizes information pertaining to long-term incentive plan compensation expense: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy $ — $ 490 $ 6,397 Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards $ 849 $ 661 $ 239

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”). The Act, which is also commonly referred to as “U.S. tax reform,” significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws by, among other things, reducing the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% starting in 2018. As a result, we recorded an expense of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, which is included “Income tax (expense) benefit” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The expense results from the revaluation of our net deferred tax assets based on the new lower corporate income tax rate. Our accounting for the corporate tax rate reduction is complete. The Act is expected to have minimal impact to future years. Components of income tax (expense) benefit were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Current: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ — U.S. state (1 ) (9 ) 51 Total current (1 ) (9 ) 51 Deferred: U.S. federal (1,858 ) 76 (940 ) U.S. state 21 (1 ) (12 ) Total deferred (1,837 ) 75 (952 ) Total income tax (expense) benefit $ (1,838 ) $ 66 $ (901 ) 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, 2017 2016 (Thousands of Dollars) Deferred income tax assets: Capital loss $ 807 $ 1,344 Net operating loss 3,131 5,239 Foreign tax credits 74 74 Other 137 80 Total deferred income tax assets 4,149 6,737 Less: Valuation allowance (881 ) (1,418 ) Net deferred income tax assets 3,268 5,319 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy (19 ) (233 ) Total net deferred income tax assets $ 3,249 $ 5,086 As of December 31, 2017 , our U.S. corporate operations have net operating loss carryforwards and capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes totaling approximately $14.9 million and $3.8 million , respectively, which are subject to a twenty-year and a five-year carryforward limitation , respectively, and begin to expire in 2031 and 2018 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we have a valuation allowance of $0.9 million and $1.4 million , respectively, 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, 2017 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, 2017 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, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 : First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) 2017: Net income $ 16,992 $ 51,311 $ 11,030 $ 7,442 $ 86,775 Net income per unit 0.39 1.19 0.26 0.17 2.01 Cash distributions per unit 0.545 0.545 0.545 0.545 2.180 2016: Net income $ 16,676 $ 15,073 $ 17,320 $ 5,999 $ 55,068 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 In the second quarter of 2017, we recognized a gain of $41.6 million resulting from NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units. See Note 4 for a detailed discussion of NuStar Energy’s unit issuances. In the fourth quarter of 2016, NuStar Energy recognized a $58.7 million impairment charge on its term loan to Axeon Specialty Products LLC.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	SUBSEQUENT EVENT On February 7, 2018, NuStar GP Holdings, NuStar Energy, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., NuStar GP, LLC, Marshall Merger Sub LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar Energy (Merger Sub), and Riverwalk Holdings, LLC entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into NuStar GP Holdings with NuStar GP Holdings being the surviving entity (the Merger), such that NuStar Energy will be our sole member following the Merger. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and at the effective time of the Merger, NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement will be amended and restated to, among other things, (i) cancel the incentive distribution rights, (ii) convert the 2% general partner interest in NuStar Energy into a non-economic management interest and (iii) provide the holders of NuStar Energy’s common units with voting rights in the election of the members of the board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC at an annual meeting, beginning in 2019. At the effective time of the Merger, each of our outstanding common units will be converted into the right to receive 0.55 of a NuStar Energy common unit. All of our common units, when converted, will cease to be outstanding and will automatically be cancelled and no longer exist. No fractional NuStar Energy common units will be issued in the Merger; instead, each holder of our common units otherwise entitled to receive a fractional NuStar Energy common unit will receive cash in lieu thereof. Furthermore, the 10,214,626 NuStar Energy common units currently owned by us will be cancelled and will cease to exist. At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding award of NuStar GP Holdings restricted units will be converted, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the awards immediately prior to the Merger, into an award of NuStar Energy restricted units. The number of NuStar Energy restricted units subject to the converted awards will be determined as provided in the Merger Agreement. Each of our executive officers and directors has agreed and acknowledged that the Merger will not be deemed to trigger a “change of control” as defined under the NuStar GP Holdings plan or award, and has waived any rights to vesting, payment or other benefit thereunder that would arise upon a “change of control,” to which he or she might otherwise have been entitled. The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and covenants by each of the parties. Completion of the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things: (i) approval of the Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of holders of a Unit Majority, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NuStar GP Holdings, as amended; (ii) the effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to the issuance by NuStar Energy of its common units in connection with the Merger; (iii) the absence of certain legal injunctions or impediments prohibiting the transactions; (iv) the receipt of certain tax opinions from a nationally recognized tax counsel; and (v) the approval for the listing of NuStar Energy’s common units to be issued in the Merger on the New York Stock Exchange. NuStar Energy entered into a Support Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2018 (the Support Agreement), with Merger Sub, WLG Holdings, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (WLG Holdings), Mr. Greehey (together, WLG Holdings and Mr. Greehey are referred to as the Greehey Unitholders), and, for limited purposes, us, pursuant to which the Greehey Unitholders have agreed to vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, the approval of the Merger and any other action required in furtherance thereof submitted for the vote or written consent of our unitholders. The Greehey Unitholders collectively own approximately 21% of our outstanding units. The Support Agreement will terminate (i) at the effective time of the Merger, (ii) upon the termination of the Merger Agreement, or (iii) at such time as NuStar Energy and the Greehey Unitholders agree in writing to terminate the Support Agreement. After the Merger, the NuStar GP, LLC board of directors is expected to consist of nine members, initially composed of the six members of the NuStar GP, LLC board of directors and the three independent directors of the board of directors of NuStar GP Holdings. Additionally, on February 8, 2018, NuStar Energy announced that NuStar Energy’s management anticipates recommending to the board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC, and expects such board of directors to adopt, a reset of NuStar Energy’s quarterly distribution per common unit to $0.60 ( $2.40 on an annualized basis), starting with the first-quarter distribution payable in May 2018. We expect to adjust the quarterly distribution to our members accordingly.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN21

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 its 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, 2017 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 2013 through 2016, 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, 2017 and 2016 .
Net Income Per Common Unit	Net Income Per Common Unit Net income per common unit is determined pursuant to the two-class method. Under this method, all earnings are allocated to our common units and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive distributions earned during the period. Participating securities include restricted units awarded under our long-term incentive plan. Net income attributable to distribution equivalent rights for outstanding restricted units totaled $0.2 million for the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016. We compute net income per common unit by dividing net income attributable to our common units by the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted net income per common unit are the same as we have no potentially dilutive securities outstanding.
Unit-Based Compensation	Unit-Based Compensation We account for awards of NSH restricted units granted to employees of NuStar GP, LLC and our directors based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. Compensation expense for NSH restricted units 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 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 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 restricted units and performance units until the date of vesting. Prior to the Employee Transfer, we recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet for awards of NS performance units and restricted units and 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.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Ta

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
NuStar Energy's Preferred Units Outstanding	The following is a summary of NuStar Energy’s preferred units outstanding as of December 31, 2017 : Units Original Issuance Date Number of Units Issued and Outstanding Fixed Distribution Rate per Annum (as a Percentage of the $25.00 Liquidation Preference per Unit) Fixed Distribution Rate per Unit per Annum Date at Which Distribution Rate Becomes Floating Floating Annual Rate (as a Percentage of the $25.00 Liquidation Preference per Unit) Series A Preferred Units November 25, 2016 9,060,000 8.50 % $ 2.125 December 15, 2021 Three-month LIBOR plus 6.766% Series B Preferred Units April 28, 2017 15,400,000 7.625 % $ 1.90625 June 15, 2022 Three-month LIBOR plus 5.643% Series C Preferred Units November 30, 2017 6,900,000 9.00 % $ 2.25 December 15, 2022 Three-month LIBOR plus 6.88%
NuStar Energy's Balance Sheet Information	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: December 31, 2017 2016 (Thousands of Dollars) Balance Sheet Information: Current assets $ 250,432 $ 377,183 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,300,933 3,722,283 Goodwill 1,097,475 696,637 Other non-current assets 886,393 234,442 Total assets $ 6,535,233 $ 5,030,545 Current liabilities $ 651,506 $ 289,396 Long-term debt 3,263,069 3,014,364 Other non-current liabilities 140,569 115,168 Total liabilities 4,055,144 3,418,928 NuStar Energy partners’ equity 2,480,089 1,611,617 Total liabilities and partners’ equity $ 6,535,233 $ 5,030,545
NuStar Energy's Statement of Income Information	Condensed consolidated financial information reported by NuStar Energy is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Statement of Income Information: Revenues $ 1,814,019 $ 1,756,682 $ 2,084,040 Operating income $ 336,278 $ 359,109 $ 390,704 Income from continuing operations $ 147,964 $ 150,003 $ 305,946 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 774 Net income $ 147,964 $ 150,003 $ 306,720
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, 2017 2016 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Percentage Data) NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity $ 2,480,089 $ 1,611,617 Less NuStar Energy’s preferred limited partners’ equity 756,603 218,400 NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity, excluding preferred limited partners’ equity 1,723,486 1,393,217 NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy 12.8 % 14.7 % NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity 220,606 204,803 Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other 59,115 63,939 Investment in NuStar Energy $ 279,721 $ 268,742
Summary of Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy	The following table summarizes our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy: General partner interest $ 1,237 $ 2,091 $ 5,270 General partner incentive distribution rights 45,669 43,407 43,220 General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy 46,906 45,498 48,490 Common limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy 7,534 13,482 34,067 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 $ 51,556 $ 56,096 $ 79,673

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 (Thousands of Dollars) Expenses for payroll, employee benefit plans and unit-based compensation $ 32,053 $ 201,852 Other expenses $ 121 $ 484
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 ENE24

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY (Tables) - NuStar Energy LP [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 partner and common limited partners: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) General partner interest $ 9,252 $ 7,877 $ 7,844 General partner incentive distribution rights 45,669 43,407 43,220 Total general partner distribution 54,921 51,284 51,064 Common limited partner distribution 44,740 44,699 45,073 Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings 99,661 95,983 96,137 Public common limited partners’ distribution 362,941 297,899 296,067 Total cash distributions $ 462,602 $ 393,882 $ 392,204 Cash distributions per unit applicable to common limited partners 4.38 4.38 4.38
Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution	The following table summarizes information related to NuStar Energy’s quarterly cash distributions to its general partner and common limited partners: Quarter Ended Cash Distributions Per Common Unit Total Cash Distributions Record Date Payment Date (Thousands of Dollars) December 31, 2017 (a) $ 1.095 $ 115,267 February 8, 2018 February 13, 2018 September 30, 2017 $ 1.095 $ 115,084 November 9, 2017 November 14, 2017 June 30, 2017 $ 1.095 $ 115,083 August 7, 2017 August 11, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 1.095 $ 117,168 May 8, 2017 May 12, 2017 (a) The distribution was announced on January 29, 2018 .

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Decrease (increase) in current assets: Receivable from related party, net $ — $ (993 ) $ 1,134 Income tax receivable 198 909 (1 ) Other receivables (26 ) (32 ) 22 Other current assets (44 ) (117 ) (8 ) Increase (decrease) in current liabilities: Payable to related party (112 ) — — Accounts payable 2 (222 ) 16 Accrued compensation expense — (1,339 ) (954 ) Accrued liabilities 40 120 (97 ) Taxes other than income tax 34 (1,662 ) 184 Changes in current assets and current liabilities $ 92 $ (3,336 ) $ 296
Cash flows related to interest and income tax	Cash flows related to interest and income tax were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Cash paid for interest $ 1,395 $ 890 $ 736 Cash refunded for income tax, net $ (198 ) $ (900 ) $ (50 )

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)

MEMBERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) Income Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments Total (Thousands of Dollars) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ (10,082 ) $ 4,307 $ (5,775 ) Other comprehensive (loss) 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 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments 3,052 — 3,052 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (10,822 ) $ — $ (10,822 ) (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 Note 5.
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, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) Cash distributions per unit $ 2.18 $ 2.18 $ 2.18 Total cash distributions $ 93,649 $ 93,601 $ 93,561
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, 2017 (a) $ 0.545 $ 23,423 February 8, 2018 February 15, 2018 September 30, 2017 $ 0.545 $ 23,409 November 9, 2017 November 16, 2017 June 30, 2017 $ 0.545 $ 23,408 August 7, 2017 August 15, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 0.545 $ 23,409 May 8, 2017 May 16, 2017 (a) The distribution was announced on January 29, 2018 .

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 LTI Plan: 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, 2015 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 Granted 45,965 22,042 68,007 $ 15.40 Vested (19,890 ) (11,282 ) (31,172 ) $ 27.10 Balance as of December 31, 2017 97,207 34,402 131,609 $ 20.49
Schedule of restricted unit awards	The following table presents supplemental information regarding our restricted unit awards: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data) DERs paid to restricted unitholders $ 206 $ 167 $ 129 Fair value of restricted units that vested during the period $ 477 $ 700 $ 379 Units issued for settlement of awards vested, net of employee tax withholding requirements 25,383 21,200 17,272
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 2000 LTIP: Performance units (a) 47,646 29,633 Restricted units 1/5 per year — 250,563 Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC) 1/3 per year — 7,553 (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 expense: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy $ — $ 490 $ 6,397 Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards $ 849 $ 661 $ 239

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income tax benefit (expense)	Components of income tax (expense) benefit were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (Thousands of Dollars) Current: U.S. federal $ — $ — $ — U.S. state (1 ) (9 ) 51 Total current (1 ) (9 ) 51 Deferred: U.S. federal (1,858 ) 76 (940 ) U.S. state 21 (1 ) (12 ) Total deferred (1,837 ) 75 (952 ) Total income tax (expense) benefit $ (1,838 ) $ 66 $ (901 )
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, 2017 2016 (Thousands of Dollars) Deferred income tax assets: Capital loss $ 807 $ 1,344 Net operating loss 3,131 5,239 Foreign tax credits 74 74 Other 137 80 Total deferred income tax assets 4,149 6,737 Less: Valuation allowance (881 ) (1,418 ) Net deferred income tax assets 3,268 5,319 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy (19 ) (233 ) Total net deferred income tax assets $ 3,249 $ 5,086

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA29

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 : First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data) 2017: Net income $ 16,992 $ 51,311 $ 11,030 $ 7,442 $ 86,775 Net income per unit 0.39 1.19 0.26 0.17 2.01 Cash distributions per unit 0.545 0.545 0.545 0.545 2.180 2016: Net income $ 16,676 $ 15,073 $ 17,320 $ 5,999 $ 55,068 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

ORGANIZATION Narrative 1 (Detai

ORGANIZATION Narrative 1 (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Percent ownership interest in NuStar Energy	13.00%
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

ORGANIZATION Narrative 2 (Detai

ORGANIZATION Narrative 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 04, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Apr. 18, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings					$ 15,500	$ 4,000	$ 0
General partner interest percentage					2.00%	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings				$ 14,000
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | NuStar Energy Common Limited Partner Unit Issuance 2017 [Member]
Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy			14,375,000
Net proceeds received by NuStar Energy from issuance of units			$ 657,500
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | NuStar Energy Series B Preferred Limited Partner Unit Issuance 2017 [Member]
Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy		15,400,000
Net proceeds received by NuStar Energy from issuance of units		$ 371,800
NuStar Energy's preferred unit distribution rate		7.625%
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | NuStar Energy Logistics Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
NuStar Energy's senior note issuance		$ 550,000
NuStar Energy's senior notes interest rate		5.625%
NuStar Energy's net proceeds from senior note issuance		$ 543,300
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | Navigator Acquisition [Member]
Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
NuStar Energy's purchase price of acquired entity	$ 1,500,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN32

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2013 through 2016, according to standard statutes of limitations
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0
Net income attributable to DERs for restricted unitholders	$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Dilutive securities	0	0

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Nar

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 1 (Details)	May 04, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Incentive distribution waiver		$ 22,000,000
Number of periods under incentive distribution waiver		10
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | Navigator Acquisition [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
NuStar Energy's purchase price of acquired entity	$ 1,500,000,000
Description of NuStar Energy's Navigator Acquisition	NuStar Energy acquired crude oil transportation, pipeline gathering and storage assets located in the Midland Basin of West Texas consisting of: (i) more than 500 miles of crude oil gathering and transportation pipelines with approximately 92,000 barrels per day ship-or-pay volume commitments and deliverability of approximately 412,000 barrels per day; (ii) a pipeline gathering system with more than 200 connected producer tank batteries capable of more than 400,000 barrels per day of pumping capacity covering over 500,000 dedicated acres with fixed fee contracts; and (iii) approximately 1.0 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity with 440,000 barrels contracted to third parties.

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N34

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 2 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member]	Dec. 21, 2016USD ($)bbl	Jan. 02, 2015USD ($)
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, capital expenditure reimbursement	$ 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]
NuStar Energy's purchase price of acquired entity		$ 142,500,000
Equity method investment acquisition, ownership interest before transaction		50.00%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N35

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 18, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.			$ 13,738	$ 842	$ 7,444
General partner interest percentage			2.00%	2.00%
Common limited partner ownership interest in NuStar Energy			11.00%
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings			$ 15,500	$ 4,000	$ 0
NuStar Energy Common Limited Partner Unit Issuance 2017 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	$ 13,600
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.'s issuance of common limited partner units	$ 41,600
NuStar Energy Common Limited Partner Unit Issuance 2016 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.				600
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.'s issuance of common limited partner units				$ 2,100
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings		$ 14,000
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | NuStar Energy Common Limited Partner Unit Issuance 2017 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy	14,375,000
Price of common limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy, per unit	$ 46.35
Net proceeds received by NuStar Energy from issuance of units	$ 657,500
NuStar Energy LP [Member] | NuStar Energy Common Limited Partner Unit Issuance 2016 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy				595,050
Price of common limited partner units issued by NuStar Energy, per unit				$ 47.39
Net proceeds received by NuStar Energy from issuance of units				$ 28,300

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Tab

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member] - $ / shares	Nov. 30, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Nov. 25, 2016
NuStar Energy Series A Preferred Units [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred limited partner units issued and outstanding by NuStar Energy			9,060,000
NuStar Energy's preferred unit distribution rate			8.50%
NuStar Energy's preferred unit liquidation preference			$ 25
NuStar Energy's preferred unit fixed distribution rate per annum			$ 2.125
NuStar Energy's preferred unit floating annual rate			Three-month LIBOR plus 6.766%
NuStar Energy Series B Preferred Units [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred limited partner units issued and outstanding by NuStar Energy		15,400,000
NuStar Energy's preferred unit distribution rate		7.625%
NuStar Energy's preferred unit liquidation preference		$ 25
NuStar Energy's preferred unit fixed distribution rate per annum		$ 1.90625
NuStar Energy's preferred unit floating annual rate		Three-month LIBOR plus 5.643%
NuStar Energy Series C Preferred Units [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred limited partner units issued and outstanding by NuStar Energy	6,900,000
NuStar Energy's preferred unit distribution rate	9.00%
NuStar Energy's preferred unit liquidation preference	$ 25
NuStar Energy's preferred unit fixed distribution rate per annum	$ 2.25
NuStar Energy's preferred unit floating annual rate	Three-month LIBOR plus 6.88%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T37

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 250,432	$ 377,183
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,300,933	3,722,283
Goodwill	1,097,475	696,637
Other non-current assets	886,393	234,442
Total assets	6,535,233	5,030,545
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities	651,506	289,396
Long-term debt	3,263,069	3,014,364
Other non-current liabilities	140,569	115,168
Total liabilities	4,055,144	3,418,928
NuStar Energy partners' equity	2,480,089	1,611,617
Total liabilities and partners’ equity	$ 6,535,233	$ 5,030,545

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T38

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Income Information:
Revenues	$ 1,814,019	$ 1,756,682	$ 2,084,040
Operating income	336,278	359,109	390,704
Income from continuing operations	147,964	150,003	305,946
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	774
Net income	$ 147,964	$ 150,003	$ 306,720

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY T39

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	13.00%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 220,606	$ 204,803
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	59,115	63,939
Investment in NuStar Energy	279,721	268,742
NuStar Energy LP [Member]
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	2,480,089	1,611,617
NuStar Energy's preferred limited partners' equity	756,603	218,400
NuStar Energy's partners' equity, excluding preferred limited partners' equity	$ 1,723,486	$ 1,393,217
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	12.80%	14.70%

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY N40

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 4 (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 T41

INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy:
General partner interest	$ 1,237	$ 2,091	$ 5,270
General partner incentive distribution rights	45,669	43,407	43,220
General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy	46,906	45,498	48,490
Common limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy	7,534	13,482	34,067
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	$ 51,556	$ 56,096	$ 79,673

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narr

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

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Tabl

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

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na44

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 871	$ 788	$ 0

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Ta45

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Decrease in related party receivable:
Current	$ 16,014	$ 0	$ 993	$ (1,134)
Long-term	32,656	$ 0	$ 898	$ (363)
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

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na46

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan obligations transferred	$ 32,700
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss employee transfer	$ 4,200
Unit based awards, transferred (units)	730,288
Payable to related party		$ 205	$ 317

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Na47

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Narrative 4 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
NuStar Energy LP [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 ENE48

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Narrative 1 (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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%	2.00%

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE49

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
The allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the periods indicated among its general and limited partners
General partner interest					$ 9,252	$ 7,877	$ 7,844
General partner incentive distribution rights					45,669	43,407	43,220
Total general partner distribution					54,921	51,284	51,064
Common limited partner distribution					44,740	44,699	45,073
Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings					99,661	95,983	96,137
Public common limited partners’ distribution					362,941	297,899	296,067
Total cash distributions	$ 115,267	$ 115,084	$ 115,083	$ 117,168	$ 462,602	$ 393,882	$ 392,204
Cash distributions per unit applicable to common limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 1.095	$ 4.380	$ 4.38	$ 4.380

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENE50

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 29, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
NuStar Energy LP [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	$ 4.380	$ 4.38	$ 4.380
NuStar Energy's total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 115,267	$ 115,084	$ 115,083	$ 117,168	$ 462,602	$ 393,882	$ 392,204
NuStar Energy's distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Feb. 8, 2018	Nov. 9, 2017	Aug. 7, 2017	May 8, 2017
NuStar Energy's distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Feb. 13, 2018	Nov. 14, 2017	Aug. 11, 2017	May 12, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distributions from NuStar Energy (dates and totals)
NuStar Energy's distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Jan. 29, 2018

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Decrease (increase) in current assets:
Receivable from related party, net	$ (16,014)	$ 0	$ (993)	$ 1,134
Income tax receivable		198	909	(1)
Other receivables		(26)	(32)	22
Other current assets		(44)	(117)	(8)
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
Payable to related party		(112)	0	0
Accounts payable		2	(222)	16
Accrued compensation expense		0	(1,339)	(954)
Accrued liabilities		40	120	(97)
Taxes other than income tax		34	(1,662)	184
Changes in current assets and liabilities		$ 92	$ (3,336)	$ 296

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Tabl52

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows related to interest and income tax
Cash paid for interest	$ 1,395	$ 890	$ 736
Cash refunded for income tax, net	$ (198)	$ (900)	$ (50)

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Deta

CREDIT FACILITY Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 27, 2017	Jun. 16, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
General partner interest percentage	2.00%	2.00%
Outstanding borrowings	$ 42,500,000	$ 30,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Initiation date	Jun. 28, 2013
Maturity date	Jun. 27, 2018
Borrowing capacity			$ 60,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Letters of credit capacity			$ 10,000,000
Collateral	Our obligations under our revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Riverwalk Holdings, LLC (Riverwalk), our wholly owned subsidiary. Riverwalk has pledged a total of 2,926,833 NuStar Energy common units that it owns to secure its guarantee.
Outstanding borrowings	$ 42,500,000
Borrowing availability	$ 17,500,000
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	3.60%	2.80%
Deferred debt costs	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | NuStar Energy Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Covenant terms	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 comply with the financial covenant contained in NuStar Logistics revolving credit facility.
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 $19.0 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES N

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating leases, future minimum payments due	$ 0

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (13,874)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,052	$ (5,210)	$ (2,889)
Ending Balance	(10,822)	(13,874)
Share of NuStar Energy's Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(13,874)	(13,189)	(10,082)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	3,052	(685)	(3,107)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		0	0
Employee Transfer		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(685)	(3,107)
Ending Balance	(10,822)	(13,874)	(13,189)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0	4,525	4,307
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	0	0	1,312
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		(324)	(1,094)
Employee Transfer		(4,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(4,525)	218
Ending Balance	0	0	4,525
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(13,874)	(8,664)	(5,775)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments	3,052	(685)	(1,795)
Amounts reclassified to general and administrative expenses (a)		(324)	(1,094)
Employee Transfer		(4,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,052	(5,210)	(2,889)
Ending Balance	$ (10,822)	$ (13,874)	$ (8,664)

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 1 (De

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
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.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax effect of Employee Transfer		$ 2.4

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 2.18
Total cash distributions	$ 23,423	$ 23,409	$ 23,408	$ 23,409	$ 93,649	$ 93,601	$ 93,561

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Detail

MEMBERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 29, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 2.18
Total cash distributions (distribution earned)		$ 23,423	$ 23,409	$ 23,408	$ 23,409	$ 93,649	$ 93,601	$ 93,561
Distribution date of record (distribution earned)		Feb. 8, 2018	Nov. 9, 2017	Aug. 7, 2017	May 8, 2017
Distribution payment date (distribution earned)		Feb. 15, 2018	Nov. 16, 2017	Aug. 15, 2017	May 16, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution announcement date (distribution earned)	Jan. 29, 2018

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 2 (De

MEMBERS' EQUITY Narrative 2 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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.

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrati

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 1 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member]	Dec. 31, 2017shares
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	1,391,259

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 1

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 1 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH restricted units, beginning balance	94,774	77,080	59,515
NSH restricted units, granted	68,007	44,582	39,054
NSH restricted units, vested	(31,172)	(26,888)	(21,489)
NSH restricted units, ending balance	131,609	94,774	77,080
Weighted-average grant date fair value, period start	$ 26.32	$ 27.51	$ 31.13
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	15.40	25.42	23.80
Weighted-average grant date fair value, vested	27.10	28.23	30.80
Weighted-average grant date fair value, period end	$ 20.49	$ 26.32	$ 27.51
Restricted units, employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH restricted units, beginning balance	71,132	53,927	39,090
NSH restricted units, granted	45,965	32,456	26,240
NSH restricted units, vested	(19,890)	(15,251)	(11,403)
NSH restricted units, ending balance	97,207	71,132	53,927
Restricted units, non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
NSH restricted units, beginning balance	23,642	23,153	20,425
NSH restricted units, granted	22,042	12,126	12,814
NSH restricted units, vested	(11,282)	(11,637)	(10,086)
NSH restricted units, ending balance	34,402	23,642	23,153

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra62

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 2 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
DERs paid to restricted unitholders	$ 200	$ 200
The 2006 LTIP [Member] | Restricted units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
DERs paid to restricted unitholders	206	167	$ 129
Fair value of restricted units that vested during the period	$ 477	$ 700	$ 379
Units issued for settlement of awards vested, net of employee tax withholding requirements (units)	25,383	21,200	17,272

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra64

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 3 (Details) - The 2006 LTIP [Member] - Restricted units [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 2.5
Compensation not yet recognized, period for recognition	3 years 7 months 6 days

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narra65

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative 4 (Details) - shares	Mar. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit based awards, transferred (units)	730,288
The 2000 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unit-based compensation, number of units authorized		3,250,000
Unit based awards, transferred (units)	730,288
The 2000 LTIP [Member] | 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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Performance awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (units)		47,646	29,633
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.
Restricted units, employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (units)		0	250,563
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
Vesting	1/3 per year	1/3 per year	1/3 per year

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 4

UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION Table 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy	$ 0	$ 490	$ 6,397
Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards	$ 849	$ 661	$ 239

INCOME TAXES Table 1 (Details)

INCOME TAXES Table 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
U.S. federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
U.S. state	(1)	(9)	51
Total current	(1)	(9)	51
Deferred:
U.S. federal	(1,858)	76	(940)
U.S. state	21	(1)	(12)
Total deferred	(1,837)	75	(952)
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$ (1,838)	$ 66	$ (901)

INCOME TAXES Table 2 (Details)

INCOME TAXES Table 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Capital loss	$ 807	$ 1,344
Net operating loss	3,131	5,239
Foreign tax credits	74	74
Other	137	80
Total deferred income tax assets	4,149	6,737
Less: Valuation allowance	(881)	(1,418)
Net deferred income tax assets	3,268	5,319
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy	(19)	(233)
Total net deferred income tax assets	$ 3,249	$ 5,086

INCOME TAXES Narrative 1 (Detai

INCOME TAXES Narrative 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 14,900
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, 2018
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$ 881	$ 1,418

INCOME TAXES Narrative 2 (Detai

INCOME TAXES Narrative 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory federal income tax rate			35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax Cut and Jobs Act Tax Expense Impact	$ 2
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Statutory federal income tax rate		21.00%

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA72

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Table (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net income	$ 7,442	$ 11,030	$ 51,311	$ 16,992	$ 5,999	$ 17,320	$ 15,073	$ 16,676	$ 86,775	$ 55,068	$ 72,208
Net income per unit	$ 0.17	$ 0.26	$ 1.19	$ 0.39	$ 0.14	$ 0.40	$ 0.35	$ 0.39	$ 2.01	$ 1.28	$ 1.68
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 (UNA73

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Narrative 1 (Details) - NuStar Energy LP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain related to NuStar Energy L.P.'s issuance of common limited partner units	$ 41.6
NuStar Energy's impairment charge on its term loan to Axeon Specialty Products LLC		$ 58.7

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 07, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
General partner interest percentage		2.00%	2.00%
Common units of NuStar Energy		10,214,626
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common unit conversion rate				55.00%
Greehey Unitholders ownership interest				21.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Scenario, Plan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
NuStar Energy's common limited partner quarterly distribution reset	$ 0.60
NuStar Energy's common limited partner quarterly distribution reset annualized	$ 2.40