v2.4.0.8

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS Table 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] |  |  |
Related Party Expense, Long-term Incentive Plans | $ 9,818 | $ 7,745 | $ 8,521
Related Party Expense, Benefit Plans | $ 18,204 | $ 23,602 | $ 13,684

X
- Definition Company's share of compensation expense related to various benefit plans provided to employees of the general partner (who provide services to the company). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_RelatedPartyExpenseBenefitPlans
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Company's share of compensation expense related to various long-term incentive plans provided to employees of the general partner (who provide services to the company). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_RelatedPartyExpenseLongTermIncentivePlans
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration