v2.4.0.8

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 4 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013
Distributions Made to Limited Partners and General Partner [Line Items] |  |  |
General partner interest | $ 1,961 |  | $ 1,961
General partner incentive distribution | 10,805 |  | 10,805
Total general partner distribution | 12,766 |  | 12,766
Limited partners' distribution | 85,285 |  | 85,285
Total cash distributions | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095

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