v3.8.0.1

PARTNERS' EQUITY Narrative 3 (Details) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
Partners' Capital Notes [Abstract] |
Percent of available cash distributed | 100.00%
Number of days within which distribution is paid to common unitholders and general partner | 45

X
- Definition Number of days within which distribution must be paid to common unitholders and the general partner after end of quarter (per the terms of the partnership agreement). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_NumberofDaysWithinWhichDistributionIsPaidToCommonUnitholderAndGeneralPartner
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percent of available cash distributed to partners (per the terms of the partnership agreement). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ns_PercentOfAvailableCashDistributed
Namespace Prefix: | ns_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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