v2.4.0.8

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 4 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General partner interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7,844 | $ 7,486 | $ 6,630
General Partner Incentive Distribution |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 43,220 | 41,242 | 36,326
Total General Partner Distribution |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 51,064 | 48,728 | 42,956
Limited Partners' Distribution |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 341,140 | 325,526 | 288,550
Total cash distributions | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051 |  |  |  |  | $ 392,204 | $ 374,254 | $ 331,506
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 4.380 | $ 4.380 | $ 4.360

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 (and to be paid in the subsequent quarter) comprised of those allocated to its general partner ownership interest and incentive distribution rights. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_GeneralPartnerDistributionsIncludingIncentiveDistributionsToBePaid
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

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- 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 to be paid in the subsequent quarter. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_LimitedPartnerDistributionToBePaid
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
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