v3.8.0.1

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 3 - Net Income Applicable to the General Partner (Details) - USD ($) $ 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
Net Income Allocation [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to NuStar Energy L.P. | $ 25,182 | $ 38,592 | $ 26,250 | $ 57,940 | $ (11,056) | $ 51,141 | $ 52,517 | $ 57,401 | $ 147,964 | $ 150,003 | $ 306,720
Less preferred limited partner interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,448 | 1,925 | 0
Less general partner incentive distribution |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 45,669 | 43,407 | 43,220
Net income (loss) after general partner incentive distribution and preferred limited partner interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 61,847 | $ 104,671 | $ 263,500
General partner interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.00% | 2.00% | 2.00%
General partner allocation of net income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,237 | $ 2,091 | $ 5,270
General partner incentive distribution |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 45,669 | 43,407 | 43,220
Net income applicable to general partner |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 46,906 | $ 45,498 | $ 48,490

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