v3.3.1.900

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Table 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ 524,937 | $ 518,523 | $ 485,219
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (324,808) | (356,965) | (343,320)
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures | (3,156) | 4,903 | (5,384)
Acquisitions | (142,500) | 0 | 0
Increase in other long-term assets | (3,564) | 0 | 0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets | 17,132 | 26,012 | 119,006
Proceeds from insurance recoveries | 4,867 | 0 | 0
Increase in note receivable from Axeon | 0 | (13,328) | (80,961)
Investment in subsidiaries |  | 0 | 0
Other, net | 0 | (853) | (302)
Net cash used in investing activities | (452,029) | (340,231) | (310,961)
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Debt borrowings | 1,683,631 | 1,318,619 | 1,738,451
Debt repayments | (1,316,910) | (1,121,670) | (2,150,743)
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs | 0 | 0 | 686,863
Distributions to unitholders and general partner | (392,204) | (392,204) | (392,204)
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps | 0 | 0 | (33,697)
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates |  | 0 | 0
Net intercompany activity | 0 | 0 | 0
Other, net | (3,746) | 7,070 | 1,980
Net cash used in financing activities | (29,229) | (188,185) | (149,350)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | (12,729) | (2,938) | (7,767)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 30,950 | (12,831) | 17,141
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period | 87,912 | 100,743 | 83,602
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period | 118,862 | 87,912 | 100,743
Eliminations |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | (588,326) | (539,309) | (392,243)
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures | 0 | 0 | 0
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures | 0 | 0 | 0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets | 0 | 0 | 0
Proceeds from insurance recoveries | 0 |  |
Increase in note receivable from Axeon |  | 0 | 0
Investment in subsidiaries |  | (13,317) | (228)
Other, net |  | 0 | 0
Net cash used in investing activities | 0 | (13,317) | (228)
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Debt borrowings | 0 | 0 | 0
Debt repayments | 0 | 0 | 0
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs |  |  | 0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner | 588,326 | 539,309 | 392,243
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps |  |  | 0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates |  | 13,340 | 228
Net intercompany activity | 0 | 0 | 0
Other, net | 0 | (23) | 0
Net cash used in financing activities | 588,326 | 552,626 | 392,471
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | 0 | 0 | 0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 0 | 0 | 0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period | 0 | 0 | 0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period | 0 | 0 | 0
NuStar Energy |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 389,967 | 390,543 | 390,002
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures | 0 | 0 | 0
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures | 0 | 0 | 0
Acquisitions | 0 |  |
Increase in other long-term assets | 0 |  |
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets | 0 | 0 | 0
Proceeds from insurance recoveries | 0 |  |
Increase in note receivable from Axeon |  | 0 | 0
Investment in subsidiaries |  | (23) | (302)
Other, net |  | 23 | 302
Net cash used in investing activities | 0 | 0 | 0
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Debt borrowings | 0 | 0 | 0
Debt repayments | 0 | 0 | 0
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs |  |  | 0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner | (392,204) | (392,204) | (392,204)
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps |  |  | 0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates |  | 0 | 0
Net intercompany activity | 2,199 | 1,680 | (3,880)
Other, net | 0 | 0 | (47)
Net cash used in financing activities | (390,005) | (390,524) | (396,131)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | 0 | 0 | 0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (38) | 19 | (6,129)
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period | 923 | 904 | 7,033
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period | 885 | 923 | 904
NuStar Logistics |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 237,780 | 221,422 | 210,742
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (201,388) | (273,785) | (224,798)
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures | (4,950) | 8,741 | (9,700)
Acquisitions | 0 |  |
Increase in other long-term assets | 0 |  |
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets | 10,320 | 651 | 118,806
Proceeds from insurance recoveries | 0 |  |
Increase in note receivable from Axeon |  | (13,328) | (80,961)
Investment in subsidiaries |  | 0 | 527
Other, net |  | (45) | (604)
Net cash used in investing activities | (196,018) | (277,766) | (196,730)
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Debt borrowings | 1,589,131 | 1,318,619 | 1,738,451
Debt repayments | (1,275,910) | (1,121,670) | (1,866,282)
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs |  |  | 686,863
Distributions to unitholders and general partner | (196,102) | (245,127) | (392,204)
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps |  |  | (33,697)
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates |  | 0 | 302
Net intercompany activity | (155,278) | 83,387 | (128,277)
Other, net | (3,605) | (1,166) | 2,027
Net cash used in financing activities | (41,764) | 34,043 | 7,183
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | 0 | 0 | 0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (2) | (22,301) | 21,195
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period | 6 | 22,307 | 1,112
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period | 4 | 6 | 22,307
NuPOP |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 119,928 | 111,931 | 84,490
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (39,533) | (14,625) | (19,049)
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures | 33 | 789 | 824
Acquisitions | 0 |  |
Increase in other long-term assets | 0 |  |
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets | 22 | 22 | 35
Proceeds from insurance recoveries | 0 |  |
Increase in note receivable from Axeon |  | 0 | 0
Investment in subsidiaries |  | 13,340 | 0
Other, net |  | 0 | 0
Net cash used in investing activities | (39,478) | (474) | (18,190)
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Debt borrowings | 0 | 0 | 0
Debt repayments | 0 | 0 | (250,000)
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs |  |  | 0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner | (196,102) | (147,077) | 0
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps |  |  | 0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates |  | 0 | 0
Net intercompany activity | 115,652 | 35,620 | 183,700
Other, net | 0 | 0 | 0
Net cash used in financing activities | (80,450) | (111,457) | (66,300)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | 0 | 0 | 0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 0 | 0 | 0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period | 0 | 0 | 0
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period | 0 | 0 | 0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |  |  |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 365,588 | 333,936 | 192,228
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (83,887) | (68,555) | (99,473)
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures | 1,761 | (4,627) | 3,492
Acquisitions | (142,500) |  |
Increase in other long-term assets | (3,564) |  |
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets | 6,790 | 25,339 | 165
Proceeds from insurance recoveries | 4,867 |  |
Increase in note receivable from Axeon |  | 0 | 0
Investment in subsidiaries |  | 0 | 3
Other, net |  | (831) | 0
Net cash used in investing activities | (216,533) | (48,674) | (95,813)
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Debt borrowings | 94,500 | 0 | 0
Debt repayments | (41,000) | 0 | (34,461)
Proceeds from note offering, net of issuance costs |  |  | 0
Distributions to unitholders and general partner | (196,122) | (147,105) | (39)
(Payments for) proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps |  |  | 0
Contributions from (distributions to) affiliates |  | (13,340) | (530)
Net intercompany activity | 37,427 | (120,687) | (51,543)
Other, net | (141) | 8,259 | 0
Net cash used in financing activities | (105,336) | (272,873) | (86,573)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash | (12,729) | (2,938) | (7,767)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 30,990 | 9,451 | 2,075
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period | 86,983 | 77,532 | 75,457
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period | 117,973 | $ 86,983 | $ 77,532
Eliminations |  |  |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Acquisitions | 0 |  |
Increase in other long-term assets | $ 0 |  |

X
- Definition Contributions from (distributions to) subsidiaries and/or parent + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_ContributionsFromDistributionsToAffiliates
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The increase (decrease) in accounts payable related to capital expenditures that have been incurred but not yet paid. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_IncreaseDecreaseinAccountsPayableRelatedtoCapitalExpenditures
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Investments In Subsidiaries + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_InvestmentInSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net Intercompany Borrowings (Repayments) + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_NetIntercompanyBorrowingsRepayments
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net cash proceeds from (payments for) other types of financing activities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivitiesCondensedFinancialStatements
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Proceeds (payment) from the termination of interest rate swap agreements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_ProceedsPaymentFromTerminationOfInterestRateSwaps
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3044-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Includes effect from exchange rate changes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 230 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49171198&loc=d3e33268-110906 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) from the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalent balances held in foreign currencies. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 230 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49171198&loc=d3e33268-110906 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities, including discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 26 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3574-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities, including discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 26 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3574-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, including discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3098-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3095-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Cash outflow in the form of capital distributions and dividends to common shareholders, preferred shareholders and noncontrolling interests. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements on other tangible or intangible assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the amounts received by the insured under the terms of an insurance contract settlement. This element pertains only to insurance proceeds related to investments, for example fixed assets. It excludes insurance settlements classified as operating cash flows. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow during the period from additional borrowings in aggregate debt. Includes proceeds from short-term and long-term debt. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from other long-term borrowings not otherwise defined in the taxonomy (with maturities initially due beyond one year or the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3255-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow or outflow associated with long-term loans for related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party, including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. Alternate caption: Proceeds from (Payments for) Advances to Affiliates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3179-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the sale of property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3179-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of capital lease obligations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=ns_NustarEnergyLpMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=ns_NustarLogisticsLpMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=ns_NustarPipelineOperatingPartnershipLpMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |