v2.4.0.6

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items]
General partner interest	$ 1,782	$ 1,592
General partner incentive distribution	9,816	8,568
Total general partner distribution	11,598	10,160
Limited partners' distribution	77,478	69,456
Total cash distributions	$ 89,076	$ 79,616
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners	$ 1.095	$ 1.075

X

- Definition

Distribution amount per limited partnership unit outstanding earned during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

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X

- Details

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X

- Definition

Distributions to the general partner earned during the period comprised of those allocated to its general partner ownership interest and incentive distribution rights.

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No definition available.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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X

- Definition

General partner incentive distribution amount earned during the period.

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No definition available.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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X

- Definition

Distribution amount earned during the period allocated to the general partner interest.

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No definition available.

+ Details

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X

- Definition

Distribution amount earned during the period allocated to the limited partners.

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No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ns_LimitedPartnerDistribution
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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X

- Definition

Total amount of distributions earned during the period for each class of partners.

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No definition available.

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