v2.4.0.6

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 3 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items] |  |  |  |
General partner interest | $ 1,961 | $ 1,628 | $ 5,525 | $ 4,847
General partner incentive distribution | 10,805 | 8,972 | 30,437 | 26,503
Total general partner distribution | 12,766 | 10,600 | 35,962 | 31,350
Limited partners' distribution | 85,285 | 70,814 | 240,241 | 211,019
Total cash distributions | $ 98,051 | $ 81,414 | $ 276,203 | $ 242,369
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 3.285 | $ 3.265

X
- Definition Distribution amount per limited partnership unit outstanding earned during the period, and to be paid in the subsequent quarter. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_DistributionPerLimitedPartnershipUnitOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ns_DistributionsMadeToLimitedPartnersAndGeneralPartnerLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerDistributionsIncludingIncentiveDistributions
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition General partner incentive distribution amount earned during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerIncentiveDistribution
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Distribution amount earned during the period allocated to the general partner interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerInterestDistribution
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Distribution amount earned during the period allocated to the limited partners. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_LimitedPartnerDistribution
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total amount of distributions earned during the period for each class of partners. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_TotalCashDistributions
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration