v2.4.0.8

PARTNERS' EQUITY Table 5 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013
Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] |  |  |
Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095 | $ 1.095
Total cash distributions (distribution earned) | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051 | $ 98,051
Distribution date of record (distribution earned) | May 07, 2014 | Feb. 10, 2014 |
Distribution payment date (distribution earned) | May 12, 2014 | Feb. 14, 2014 |
Distribution anouncement date (distribution earned) | Apr. 23, 2014 |  |

X
- Definition Distribution date of record for distribution earned during the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_DistributionDateOfRecord
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Date of announcement for distribution of cash, stock, or units to a member or limited partner of limited liability company (LLC) or limited partnership (LP), in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_DistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerAnouncementDate
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Distribution payment date for distribution earned during the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_DistributionPaymentDate
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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
- 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

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