CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 11,075	$ 11,046
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in loss (earnings) of NuStar Energy L.P.	(12,144)	(11,772)
Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	12,144	11,772
(Gain) loss on sale of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units in connection with unit-based compensation	(81)	(136)
Benefit (expense) for deferred income tax	201	(133)
Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 6)	(3,783)	(7,996)
(Increase) decrease in long-term receivable from related party	(714)	830
Increase in long-term liabilities	4,922	4,554
Other, net	45	31
Net cash provided by operating activities	11,665	8,196
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.	11,917	11,088
Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. units in connection with unit-based compensation	959	2,162
Other, net	0	(11)
Net cash provided by investing activities	12,876	13,239
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayment of short-term debt	(1,500)	(500)
Distributions to unitholders	(23,223)	(21,708)
Other, net	0	362
Net cash used in financing activities	(24,723)	(21,846)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(182)	(411)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	2,597	1,354
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$ 2,415	$ 943