National Storage Affiliates Trust Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

EQUITY-BASED AWARDS - Acquisition Related LTIP Units (Details) - 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] - LTIP units [Member] - shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of LTIP units
Outstanding unvested at beginning of year (in shares)	0	509,166	287,600
Vested (in shares)	(119,000)	(278,901)	(156,984)
Unvested at end of year (in shares)	287,600	236,265	509,166	287,600
Participating Regional Operator [Member]
Number of LTIP units
Outstanding unvested at beginning of year (in shares)		522,900	1,262,070	1,683,560
Vested (in shares)		(99,100)	(379,970)	(314,410)
Unvested at end of year (in shares)	1,262,070	423,800	522,900	1,262,070
NSA Predecessor [Member]
Number of LTIP units
Vested (in shares)			(359,200)	(107,080)