CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 11,046	$ 10,183
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.	(11,772)	(11,342)
Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	11,772	11,342
(Gain) loss on sale of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units in connection with unit-based compensation	(136)	619
Benefit for deferred income tax	(133)	(1,084)
Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 7)	(7,996)	(2,550)
Decrease in other assets	0	1,174
Decrease (increase) in long-term receivable from NuStar Energy L.P.	830	(645)
Increase in long-term liabilities	4,554	2,190
Other, net	31	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,196	9,887
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	11,088	9,854
Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.	0	(2,105)
Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. units in connection with unit-based compensation	2,162	4,183
Other, net	(11)	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	13,239	11,932
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayment of short-term debt	(500)	(4,500)
Distributions to unitholders	(21,708)	(20,422)
Other, net	362	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(21,846)	(24,922)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(411)	(3,103)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	1,354	5,304
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$ 943	$ 2,201