INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY Table 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	15.00%
NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	$ 204,803	$ 239,867
Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other	63,939	66,827
Investment in NuStar Energy	268,742	306,694
NuStar Energy [Member]
Reconciliation of NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity to our investment in NuStar Energy
NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity	1,611,617	1,609,844
NuStar Energy's preferred limited partners' equity	218,400	0
NuStar Energy's partners' equity, excluding preferred limited partners' equity	$ 1,393,217	$ 1,609,844
NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy	14.70%	14.90%