First Quarter Distribution FY 2014 [Member]
First Quarter Distribution
Represents the distribution associated with earnings for the fourth quarter which will be paid in the first quarter, 2014.
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Management Units Activity [Table Text Block]
Summary of AAP Management Units
Tabular disclosure of the changes in equity-indexed compensation plan awards for members of senior management. Includes changes in units reserved for future grants, units outstanding and units earned.
Equity Based Compensation Expense Incremental Due to Modifications
Equity compensation expense
Represents the additional incremental expense recognized during the period arising from the modification of share-based compensation arrangements with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.
AAP Management Units
Represents the information pertaining to the AAP management units reported by a business entity.
Equity Based Compensation Plan AAP Management Units [Member]
Number of events occurred
Represents the number of events resulting in a pipeline release.
Number of Events Resulting in Release of Condensate
Distribution threshold one
Represents the long-term incentive plan awards that vest upon achieving distribution threshold one.
Distribution Vesting Threshold One [Member]
Distribution Vesting Threshold Three [Member]
Distribution threshold three
Represents the long-term incentive plan awards that vest upon achieving distribution threshold three.
Distribution Vesting Threshold Two [Member]
Distribution threshold two
Represents the long-term incentive plan awards that vest upon achieving distribution threshold two.
Basic and Diluted Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
Net Income (Loss) Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Long power position for power supply requirements
Long Power Position for Power Supply Requirements Contracts [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments consisting of long power positions which hedge a portion of power supply requirements.
Amendment Description
Acquisition Related Environmental Remediation Costs Amount above which Selling Company is Responsible
Amount of environmental remediation costs above which the costs the selling entity agreed to pay all costs
The dollar amount of environmental remediation costs related to a business acquisition above which the costs will be borne by the selling entity, as stated in the business acquisition agreement.
Amendment Flag
Business Acquisition Number of Operating Crude Oil Rail Terminals Acquired
Number of operating crude oil rail terminals acquired
Represents the number of operating crude oil rail terminals acquired in a business acquisition.
Number of terminals under development acquired
Represents the number of terminals under development acquired in a business acquisition.
Business Acquisition Number of Terminals under Development Acquired
Accounts Receivable, Net Disclosure of Maximum Age of Balances Past Scheduled Invoice Date
Net accounts receivable, maximum age of balances past their scheduled invoice date
The maximum number of days past their scheduled invoice date for substantially all of the accounts receivable.
Standby Letters of Credit Received
Standby letters of credit
Represents a guarantee of payment issued by a financial institution that is used to support obligations due from third parties, a portion of which applies to future business.
Accumulated amortization
Accumulated Amortization of Other Assets, Noncurrent
Carrying amount of accumulated amortization of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet.
Other
Represents the component of other comprehensive income (loss) that is not specifically defined elsewhere in the taxonomy.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Adjustments [Member]
Acquisition Measurement Period Threshold
Threshold for acquisition period qualification
Represents the minimum acquisition amount for the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio covenant compliance requirement to change.
Represents the period of time following a significant acquisition during which the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio covenant compliance requirement is modified.
Acquisition Period
Acquisition period
Diluted Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit [Member]
Diluted Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
The amount of earnings per diluted limited partner unit during the reporting period.
Acquisitions in 2011 [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to acquisitions made in 2011.
2011 Acquisitions
Annualized distribution probable of occurring for which a portion of the liability for awards based on performance levels is accrued.
Annualized Distribution Probable of Occurring
Annualized distribution probable of occurring (in dollars per share)
Other ranges of annualized vesting distribution
This element represents the other ranges of annualized distribution level.
Annualized Vesting Distribution Other Range [Member]
Butane/WTI spread positions
Butane WTI Spread Positions [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments in spread positions that hedge specific butane sales contacts that are priced as a percentage of WTI.
Awards with Associated DERs that Begin Payment in February 2012 [Member]
Awards with associated DERs that begin payment in February 2012
Represents PNG's long-term incentive plan awards with associated DERs that begin payment in February 2012.
Awards with Associated DERs that Begin Payment in May 2013 [Member]
Awards with associated DERs that begin payment in May 2013
Represents PNG's long-term incentive plan awards with associated DERs that begin payment in May 2013.
Awards with Associated DERs that Begin Payment in May 2014 [Member]
Awards with associated DERs that begin payment in May 2014
Represents PNG's long-term incentive plan awards with associated DERs that begin payment in May 2014.
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Award Type [Axis]
BP NGL Acquisition [Member]
BP NGL Acquisition
Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of BP Canada Energy Company.
Purchase price net of cash and other working capital acquired
Represents an aggregate purchase price of acquired entity net of cash and other working capital acquired.
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity Purchase Price, Net of Cash and Other Working Capital Acquired
Business Acquisition, Diameter of Pipelines, Acquired
Diameter of pipeline acquired (in inches)
This element represents the diameter of the pipeline acquired.
Business Acquisition, Number of Transactions Completed
Number of transactions completed
Represents the number of transactions completed during the period.
Business Acquisition, Pipelines Acquired
Pipelines acquired (in miles)
The pipelines acquired in a business combination, expressed in miles of pipeline.
Net proceeds from issuance of common units and senior notes
Business Acquisition Proceeds from Issuance of Common Units and Senior Notes Used to Pre Fund Acquisition
Represents the net proceeds from issuance of common units and senior notes used to prefund an acquisition.
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Adjustment, Amount Received
Purchase price adjustment amount received for future costs
Represents the purchase price adjustment amount received to fund anticipated facility development and other related costs identified subsequent to closing of the acquisition.
Base Gas
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Base Gas
Amount of base gas recognized as of the acquisition date.
Contracts value included in amortizable intangible assets
Represents the amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to a contract value included in amortizable intangible assets.
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation Contract Included in Amortizable Intangible Assets
Environmental liability
Amount of environmental liability recognized as of the acquisition date.
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Environmental Liability
Imputed interest
The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to imputed interest.
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Imputed Interest
Document Period End Date
Linefill
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Linefill
Amount of linefill recognized as of the acquisition date.
Canada
CANADA
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Long Term Inventory
Long-term inventory
Amount of long-term inventory recognized as of the acquisition date.
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Other Working Capital Including Cash Acquired
Other working capital (including cash acquired)
Amount of other working capital including cash acquired recognized as of the acquisition date.
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Other Working Capital Net of Cash Acquired
Amount of other working capital recognized as of the acquisition date.
Other working capital
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation Tax Abatement Included in Amortizable Intangible Assets
Tax abatement included in amortizable intangible assets
Represents the amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to a tax abatement included in amortizable intangible assets.
Working capital
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Working Capital
Amount of working capital recognized as of the acquisition date.
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Escrowed
Escrowed purchase price
Represents the amount of the purchase price that was escrowed at closing.
Notional amount of derivatives
Notional amount of outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative, Notional Amount
Represents the remaining percentage of purchase price that was escrowed at closing.
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Escrowed, Percentage
Percentage of remaining purchase price
Derivative position notional amount (in barrels, Mcf or megawatt hours)
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount
Short Butane position related to subsequent sale of products
Represents the derivative instruments in a short position for butane that hedges the subsequent sale of products derived from our natural gas processing and NGL fractionation activities.
Short Butane Position Contracts Related To Subsequent Sale of Product [Member]
Entity [Domain]
Butte Pipeline Company [Member]
The investment in Butte Pipe Line Company (Butte), a crude oil pipeline company, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Butte Pipe Line Company
Canadian Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Represents the Canadian sub-facility of the PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility that is used for Canadian borrowings.
Canadian sub-facility
Capital expenditures
Expenditures made to expand the existing operating and/or earnings capacity of our assets.
Capital Expenditure
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified in Year Two and Three
Gain expected to be reclassified to earnings prior to 2016
The estimated net amount of existing gains (losses) on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings within year two and year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements.
Gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to earnings through 2045
The estimated net amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings through 2045.
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified Remaining Portion
The cash outflow associated with the purchase of linefill and base gas.
Cash paid for purchases of linefill and base gas
Cash Paid Related to Purchases of Linefill and Base Gas
The cash inflow associated with the sale of linefill and base gas.
Cash received for sales of linefill and base gas
Cash Received Related to Sales of Linefill and Base Gas
Approximate reduction in depreciation expense due to depreciable life extensions
The reduction in depreciation expense due to an increase in the accounting estimate of useful lives.
Change in Accounting Estimate of Depreciable Lives, Estimated Depreciation Expense Reduction
Incremental reduction in depreciation expense due to depreciable life extensions
Change in Accounting Estimate of Depreciable Lives Incremental Depreciation Expense Reduction
The incremental reduction in depreciation expense due to an increase in the accounting estimate of useful lives.
AAP Management Unit Activity [Roll Forward]
Reserved for Future Grants
Commissions paid
Commission Paid to Sales Agent
Represents the costs incurred for commissions paid to the agent under the equity distribution agreement.
ConocoPhillips Company [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to ConocoPhillips Company.
ConocoPhillips Company
Costs Reimbursed to General Partner
Costs reimbursed to general partner
Cost reimbursements made to the general partner of the entity.
Extension period subject to approval
Period for which credit facility or term loan was extended under the credit agreement.
Extension period
Credit Extension Period
Represents the derivative instruments consisting of WTS/WTI crude oil basis swaps, which hedge anticipated sales of crude oil (WTI).
Crude oil grade spread positions related to anticipated purchases and sales of crude oil
Crude Oil Basis Differential Hedges [Member]
Average LLS/WTI crude oil basis futures
Represents the derivative instruments in average spread position consisting of LLS/WTI crude oil basis swaps, which hedge anticipated sales of crude oil.
Average Crude Oil Basis LLS and WTI Swaps Differential Hedges [Member]
PLA Crude oil long call option position
Pipeline Loss Allowance Crude Oil Long Call Option [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments in a long call option position related to pipeline loss allowance for crude oil.
Crude Oil Futures and Swaps Long Put Option [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments in a long put option position.
PLA Crude oil long put option position
Pipeline Loss Allowance Crude Oil Contract Net Short Position [Member]
PLA crude oil net short position
Represents the derivative instruments in a net short position related to pipeline loss allowance for crude oil.
Represents the maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) required to be maintained during acquisition period under credit facility.
Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Debt to EBITDA Acquisition Period Maximum
Ratio of debt-to-EBITDA during acquisition period, maximum
Coverage ratio of debt-to-EBITDA, maximum
Represents the maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) required to be maintained under credit facility.
Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Debt to EBITDA Maximum
Debt Instrument Coverage Ratio EBITDA to Interest Minimum
Coverage ratio of EBITDA-to-interest, minimum
Represents the minimum ratio of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to Interest required to be maintained under financial covenants.
Denominator for Basic and Diluted Net Income per Limited Partner Unit:
Denominator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization (Note 15)
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Impairment
The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets, and the charges against earnings resulting from the aggregate write-down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.
Distribution equivalent right payments made and obligations for future payments.
Distribution equivalent right payments
Distribution Equivalent Right Payments
Aggregate cash payments made towards distribution equivalent rights during the reporting period that have been earned by satisfying service and performance requirements.
Distribution Equivalent Rights Cash Payments
DER cash payments
Cash distributions per common unit excess over MQD (in dollars per unit)
The per-unit cash dividend declared or paid to a common shareholder or a unit-holder by a LLC or LP in excess of the minimum distribution level.
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Per Unit over Minimum Distribution Level
The threshold limit beyond which the holders of the awards are entitled to participate in distributions, if the entity makes such distributions.
Distribution Threshold for Participation in Distributions
Threshold on distributions paid for participation in award
Document and Entity Information
Intangible assets representing the value of the entity's capitalized costs related to acquiring emission credits.
Emission reduction credits
Emission Reduction Credits [Member]
Employees and Directors Long Term Incentive Plan
Employees and Directors Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
This element represents the long-term incentive plans offered to the employees and directors of the entity.
Actual cash expenditures for environmental liabilities, period paid
The range of the estimated period of time when actual cash expenditures are made for environmental liabilities, as stated in years.
Environmental Remediation Cash Expenditures Period in Years
Number of Enforcement Actions Filed
Number of enforcement actions
Represents number of enforcement actions against Plains Midstream Canada (PMC) for failure to comply with certain regulatory requirements in connection with the release.
Represents the share of the environmental remediation costs borne by the seller of a business that was acquired by the reporting entity.
Environmental Remediation Costs, Business Seller Share
Environmental remediation costs borne by the seller of a business acquired by the reporting entity
Equity-Indexed Compensation Plan Fair Value Amortization
Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization [Abstract]
2018
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth twelve-month period following the balance sheet date for the amortization of the unrecognized expense based on fair value of outstanding awards related to equity compensation plans.
Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year Five
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fourth twelve-month period following the balance sheet date for the amortization of the unrecognized expense based on fair value of outstanding awards related to equity compensation plans.
Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year Four
2017
Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year One
2014
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the twelve-month period following the balance sheet date for the amortization of the unrecognized expense based on fair value of outstanding awards related to equity compensation plans.
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the third twelve-month period following the balance sheet date for the amortization of the unrecognized expense based on fair value of outstanding awards related to equity compensation plans.
Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense Year Three
2016
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the second twelve-month period following the balance sheet date for the amortization of the unrecognized expense based on fair value of outstanding awards related to equity compensation plans.
Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year Two
2015
Represents the information pertaining to the class B units of Plains AAP, L.P. reported by a business entity.
AAP LP Class B Units
Equity Based Compensation Plan Class B Units of Plains AAPLP [Member]
AAP Management Units
Disclosure of accounting policy for equity-based compensation plan of the general partner associated with AAP Management Units.
Equity Based Compensation Plan AAP Management Units [Policy Text Block]
Estimated size of release (in barrels)
Represents the estimated size of the pipeline release.
Estimated Size of Release
Canadian withholding taxes
Expense for Withholding Taxes
This element represents the amount of expense during the current period for withholding taxes.
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Reconciliation of changes in fair value of derivatives classified as level 3
Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs) by class of asset and liability.
Fair Value Assets, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block]
Entity Voluntary Filers
Derivatives entered into during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs, Reconciliation, Recurring Basis Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Entered into
Derivatives entered into during the period
Entity Current Reporting Status
Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Derivative Net Asset (Liability) Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Period Increase (Decrease)
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) included in earnings relating to level 3 derivatives still held at the end of the periods
This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets).Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those liabilities still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Entity Filer Category
Field Operating Costs and General and Administrative Expenses [Policy Text Block]
Describes the entity's accounting policies for field operating costs, and general and administrative expenses.
Field Operating Costs and General and Administrative Expenses
Entity Public Float
Field Operating costs
Field Operating Segment [Member]
Costs related to site and field operations during the period.
Entity Registrant Name
Represents five forward starting 30-year interest rate swaps to hedge the underlying benchmark interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances.
Five Forward Starting Thirty Year Interest Rate Swap [Member]
5 forward starting interest rate swaps (30-year)
Entity Central Index Key
Foreign Deferred Tax Expenses (Benefit) on Book Versus Tax Differences
Canadian deferred tax (benefit)/expense as a result of book versus tax differences
The temporary book versus tax differences in the deferred foreign income tax expense/benefit.
Foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 2014
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract Maturing in 2014 [Member]
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts, which is maturing in 2014.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract Maturing in 2013 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 2013
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts, which is maturing in 2013.
The amount of foreign income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the foreign statutory tax rates to foreign pretax income from continuing operations.
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at Foreign Statutory Rate
Income tax at statutory rate
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Foreign Period Tax on Book Versus Tax Differences
Canadian period tax adjustments resulting from tax rate changes and tax return filings
The temporary book versus tax differences in the current foreign income tax expense/benefit.
Foreign Period Tax on Permanent Book Versus Tax Differences
Canadian permanent differences between book and tax
The permanent book versus tax differences in the current foreign income tax expense/benefit.
Foreign Tax Rate
Canadian federal and provincial corporate tax rate (as a percent)
This element represents the rate at which the foreign income of an entity is charged to tax as per the enacted tax laws.
Forward starting interest rate swaps
Represents forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge the underlying benchmark interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances.
Forward starting interest rate swaps terminated in January 2011
Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap [Member]
The investment in Frontier Pipeline Company (Frontier), a crude oil pipeline company, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Frontier Pipeline Company
Frontier Pipeline Company [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Net deferred gains from currency risk rate hedging included in AOCI
This element represents the pre-tax gain or loss on open and settled foreign currency cash flow hedges, which are included in AOCI.
Net deferred gains (losses) from interest rate risk hedging included in AOCI
Amount of gain or loss related to open and terminated interest rate derivatives that were designated for hedge accounting.
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Linefill and Base Gas
Gain on sales of linefill and base gas
The difference between the sale price and book value of linefill and base gas that was sold during the reporting period.
Gain on sales of linefill and base gas
Gardendale Gathering System Acquisition [Member]
Gardendale Gathering System Acquisition
Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of Gardendale Gathering System.
Level one quarterly general partner incentive distribution.
General Partner Distribution - Level One
General Partner Distribution Level One [Member]
General Partner Distribution Level Three [Member]
Level three quarterly general partner incentive distribution.
General Partner Distribution - Level Three
General Partner Distribution - Level Two
General Partner Distribution Level Two [Member]
Level two quarterly general partner incentive distribution.
General Partner Expense [Policy Text Block]
Reimbursement of Expenses of Our General Partner and its Affiliates
Disclosure of accounting policy for direct and indirect costs incurred on behalf of the reporting company by its general partner.
General Partner Incentive Distribution Paid or to be Paid Based on Current Period Earnings
Amount of incentive distribution paid or to be paid to the general partner based on current period earnings.
Less: General partner's incentive distribution
General Partner Distribution Including Incentive Distribution Percentage
The percentage of the distribution amount over the threshold that the general partner is entitled to as incentive distributions and distributions related to its general partner interest.
Percent of distribution amount to the general partner above threshold
General Partner Distribution Percentage
Percent of distribution amount to the general partner before incentive distributions
The percentage of the distribution that the general partner is entitled to based on its ownership.
General Partner Incentive Distribution Threshold
Quarterly incentive distribution threshold amount (in dollars per unit)
The threshold over which the general partner is entitled to receive a percentage of the distribution amount as incentive distributions.
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Less: General partner 2% ownership
The general partner's ownership allocation of net income attributable to the parent after the incentive distribution is paid.
General Partner Ownership Interest in Net Income (Loss) after Incentive Distribution
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Represents the purchase price accounting adjustments and other required to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.
Goodwill Purchase Price Accounting and Other Adjustments
Purchase price accounting adjustments and other
Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding AAP Management Units:
Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding AAP Management Units [Roll Forward]
Partnership earnings not subject to current Canadian tax
The earnings of the entity which are not subject to foreign enacted tax laws.
Income Not Subject to Foreign Tax
The earnings of the entity which are subject to foreign enacted tax laws.
Partnership earnings subject to current Canadian tax
Income Subject to Foreign Tax
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Interest expense related to hedged inventory
The interest expense incurred related to hedged inventory, which is included in segment profit.
Interest Expense Hedged Inventory
Inventory by category
Inventory by Category [Abstract]
Inventory, Current and Noncurrent
Inventory (value in dollars)
This element represents the aggregate of current and non-current inventory.
Total
Inventory, Linefill and Base Gas and Long-term Inventory
Inventory Linefill and Base Gas and Long Term Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
The complete disclosure related to inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, linefill, and base gas and long-term inventory, the method of determining inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory. If inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory at the lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included.
Inventory, Linefill and Base Gas and Long-term Inventory
Inventory Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Inventory-related disclosures
Legal Entity [Axis]
Inventory, Volumes (in barrels or in Mcf)
The volume of current inventory as of the balance sheet date.
Inventory, Volumes Current
Document Type
Inventory, Volumes Linefill and Base Gas
The volume of linefill and base gas inventory as of the balance sheet date.
Linefill and base gas, Volumes (in barrels or in Mcf)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The volume of noncurrent inventory as of the balance sheet date.
Long-term inventory, Volumes (in barrels or Mcf)
Inventory, Volumes, Noncurrent
The weighted-average price per unit of current inventory.
Inventory, Price/Unit of measure (in dollars per unit)
Inventory, Weighted Average Price Per Unit, Current
Inventory, Weighted Average Price Per Unit Linefill and Base Gas
The weighted-average price per unit of linefill and base gas inventory.
Linefill and base gas, Price/Unit of measure (in dollars per unit)
The weighted-average price per unit of noncurrent inventory.
Inventory, Weighted Average Price Per Unit Noncurrent
Long-term inventory, Price/Unit of measure (in dollars per unit)
Land and Other [Member]
This element represents the real estate assets held for productive use and related non-depreciable assets.
Land and other
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Liabilities and Partners Capital [Abstract]
Liability as of the balance sheet date of outstanding checks that were reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Liabilities for Outstanding Checks
Outstanding checks that were reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to be included in accounts payable
Gross Unit Price (in dollars per unit)
This element represents the gross unit price per capital unit.
Limited Partners Unit Price, Per Unit
Linefill and Base Gas
Crude oil, refined products, and NGL linefill in pipelines and base gas in natural gas storage facilities that are owned by the entity. The linefill and base gas are intended for long-term use.
Linefill and base gas
Long Position on Natural Gas Contracts [Member]
Long natural gas position for natural gas purchases
Represents derivative instruments consisting of long natural gas position related to purchase of natural gas.
Weighted-average life of long-term debt
This element represents the weighted-average life of long-term debt.
Long Term Debt Weighted Average Life
Long Term Incentive Plans [Member]
Long-term incentive plans represent awards granted to company employees in which certain performance conditions must be met in order for the employee to receive compensation in the form of either units or cash payment.
PAA Long-term Incentive Plan Awards
Long-term obligations and excluded from aggregate maturities.
Other long-term obligations excluded from debt maturities
Long Term Obligations Excluded from Calculation of Maturities
Loss Contingency Penalty or Fine Assessed
Represents penalty or fine assessed on the entity in connection with an environmental matter.
Charges, fines or penalties assessed
Capital expenditures made during the period for the replacement of partially or fully depreciated assets in order to maintain the operating and/or earnings capacity of the company's existing assets.
Maintenance capital
Maintenance Capital
Marathon Petroleum Corporation [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Maturity Date Extension Period
Period of extension of credit facility maturity date.
Maturity date extension
Represents the maximum aggregate offering price to issue and sell common units through a continuous offering program.
Maximum Aggregate Common Stock Offer Price
Maximum aggregate offer price of common stock
Maximum participation in excess of distribution (as a percent)
The percentage of maximum participation in excess of threshold distribution level as adjusted for debt service costs and excluding special distributions funded by debt.
Maximum Percentage Participation for Distribution in Excess of Threshold
May 2013 Equity Distribution Agreement [Member]
May 2013 Equity Distribution Agreement
Represents equity distribution agreement pursuant to which issue and sell common units through sales agent under May 2013 equity distribution agreement.
Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Gulf Opportunity Zone Industrial Development Revenue Bonds Series 2009 [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to the obligor of Mississippi Business Finance Corporation gulf Opportunity zone industrial development revenue bonds Series 2009 connection with Southern Pines Acquisition.
SG Resources Mississippi, LLC Project, Series 2009
Represents the information pertaining to the obligor of Mississippi Business Finance Corporation gulf opportunity zone industrial development revenue bonds series 2010 connection with Southern Pines Acquisition.
SG Resources Mississippi, LLC Project, Series 2010
Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Gulf Opportunity Zone Industrial Development Revenue Bonds Series 2010 [Member]
NGL
The inventory subcategory of natural gas liquids (NGL).
NGL [Member]
Natural Gas [Member]
Natural gas
The inventory subcategory of natural gas.
The net cash received (paid) for terminated interest rate and foreign currency hedging instruments.
Net Cash (Paid) Received for Terminated Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Hedging Instruments
Settlement of terminated interest rate and foreign currency hedging instruments
Net income available to limited partners in accordance with the application of the two-class method for MLPs
Net Income (Loss) Available to Limited Partners after Adjustment for Two Class Method for MLP
This element represents the net income (loss) available to limited partners after making an adjustment in accordance with the application of the two-class method for Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs).
Net Long Position on Crude Oil Derivative Contracts [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments utilized to hedge risk associated with crude oil activities.
Net long position associated with crude oil purchases
Long Position on Natural Gas Swaps Contracts [Member]
Represents derivative instruments consisting of long natural gas futures contracts.
Long natural gas position for anticipated base gas requirements
The net cash inflow (outflow) due to borrowings (repayments) on the revolving credit facility.
Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Revolving Credit Facilities
Net repayments under PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Note 6)
The net cash inflow (outflow) due to borrowings (repayments) on the short-term letter of credit and hedged inventory facility.
Net repayments under PAA senior secured hedged inventory facility (Note 6)
Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short Term Letter of Credit and Hedged Inventory Facility
The net cash inflow (outflow) due to borrowings (repayments) on credit facilities of a consolidated subsidiary of the entity.
Net borrowings under PNG credit agreement
Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Subsidiary Credit Facilities
Represents the derivative instruments utilized to hedge anticipated crude oil lease gathering purchases.
Net short spread position hedging anticipated crude oil lease gathering purchases
Net Short Spread Position on Anticipated Crude Oil Lease Gathering Purchase Contracts [Member]
Short natural gas position related to anticipated natural gas sales
Short Natural Gas Position Related to Anticipated Natural Gas Sales [Member]
Short swap position consisting of swaps related to anticipated sales of natural gas.
Net short position related to anticipated sales of crude oil, NGL and refined products inventory
Represents the derivative instruments in a net short position related to anticipated sales of crude oil, NGL and refined products inventory.
Short Position Contracts Related to Anticipated Inventory Sales [Member]
Position Hedging Risk of Not Utilizing Storage Capacity [Member]
Positions hedging risk of not utilizing storage capacity
Represents the derivative instruments related to the risk of not utilizing storage capacity.
Represents the long-term incentive tracking unit plan offered to the non-officer employees of the entity.
Non Officer Employee Long Term Incentive Tracking Unit Plan
Non Officer Employee Long Term Incentive Tracking Unit Plan [Member]
Aggregate notional volume of commodity price risk derivatives per day, expressed in non-monetary units.
Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives Average Per Day
Average derivative positions notional amount per day (in barrels)
Number of days after end of quarter within which distributions must be paid to unitholders
The number of days after the end of the relevant quarter within which distributions of available cash must be paid to unitholders.
Number of Days Required for Distribution to Unitholders after End of Quarter
The number of interest rate swaps that terminate in August 2014.
Number of interest rate swaps that terminate in August 2014 (in contracts)
Number of Interest Rate Swaps Terminate in August 2014
Number of Interest Rate Swaps Terminate in June 2014
The number of interest rate swaps that terminate in June 2014.
Number of interest rate swaps that terminate in June 2014 (in contracts)
Number of One Year Extensions of Revolving Credit Facility
Represents the number of one-year extensions provided for under the credit facility.
Credit facility extensions available
Represents the number of term loans.
Number of Term Loans
Number of term loans
Number of Principal Owners of General Partner
Number of principal owners of Plains AAP, L.P., and Plains All American GP LLC
The number of principal owners of the reporting entity's general partner.
Number of interest rate swaps that terminated (in contracts)
Number of Terminated Interest Rate Swaps
The number of terminated interest rate swaps.
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Net Income per Limited Partner Unit:
Numerator for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Abstract]
Occidental Petroleum Corporation [Member]
This element represents information pertaining to Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy), a related party of Plains All American Pipeline, LP.
Oxy
Other 2011 Acquisitions
Other Acquisitions in 2011 [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to additional acquisitions made in 2011.
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Other 2012 Acquisitions
Represents the information pertaining to additional acquisitions.
Other acquisitions
Other Agreements [Member]
Intangible assets representing the value of the entity's capitalized costs related to other agreements not otherwise specified.
Other agreements
Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).
Other Assets, Noncurrent, Gross
Other assets, gross
Proportionate share of our unconsolidated entities' other comprehensive income
The partnership's proportionate share of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income of an equity method investee.
Other Comprehensive Income, Partnership's Portion of Equity Investee
Other Consolidated Equity Compensation Information [Abstract]
Other Consolidated Equity-Indexed Compensation Information
Represents other equity distributions, not associated with the Continuous Offering Programs.
Other Equity Offerings
Other Equity Offerings [Member]
Other long-term assets
Other Long Term Assets [Member]
Noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).
Other Long Term Liabilities [Member]
Noncurrent liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).
Other long term liabilities
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of other noncurrent debt not otherwise defined (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.
Other Noncurrent Long Term Debt
Long-term debt, other
The net amount of other nonoperating income and expense, which does not qualify for separate disclosure on the income statement under materiality guidelines.
Other expense, net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Outstanding Units Earned
Outstanding Units Earned [Roll Forward]
Outstanding Units [Roll Forward]
Outstanding
PNGGO Bond Term Loans [Member]
Represents the GO Zone term loans of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity.
PNG GO Bond term loans
Represents term loan one of two of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity.
PNG Term Loan One [Member]
PNG Term Loan One
PNG Term Loan Two
Represents term loan two of two of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity.
PNG Term Loan Two [Member]
Represents PNG's long-term incentive plans offered to employees, directors and consultants of the entity.
PNG Long Term Incentive Plan Awards
PNG Long Term Incentive Plan Awards [Member]
PNG LTIP Awards
This element represents information pertaining to PAA Natural Gas Storage, LP (PNG), a subsidiary of Plains All American Pipeline, LP and the successor of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNGS).
PNG
PNG [Member]
PAGP
This element represents information pertaining to Plains GP Holdings, LP (PAGP).
Plains GP Holdings LP [Member]
Equity Awards [Member]
Equity Awards
Incentive compensation equity awards awarded to employees consisting of a stated number of phantom shares or units.
PNG General Partner
PNG General Partner [Member]
This element represents information pertaining to the general partner of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LP (PNG), a subsidiary of Plains All American Pipeline, LP and the successor of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNGS).
Awards with a minimum vesting date of August 2016
Represents the long-term incentive plan awards with a minimum vesting date of August 2016.
Awards with A Minimum Vesting Date of August 2016 [Member]
Awards with A Minimum Vesting Date of August 2017 [Member]
Awards with a minimum vesting date of August 2017
Represents the long-term incentive plan awards with a minimum vesting date of August 2017.
Awards with A Minimum Vesting Date of August 2018 [Member]
Awards with a minimum vesting date of August 2018
Represents the long-term incentive plan awards with a minimum vesting date of August 2018.
Liability Awards
Liability Awards [Member]
Incentive compensation liability awards awarded to employees consisting of a stated number of phantom shares or units.
Represents the senior unsecured credit facility of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity.
PNG senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing in August 2016
PNG Senior Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]
PNG senior unsecured credit facility
Represents the senior unsecured revolving credit facility of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity, which is provided for under the PNG credit agreement.
PNG Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
PNG senior unsecured revolving credit facility
Special PAA Awards [Member]
Special PAA Awards
Represents PNG's long-term incentive plans offered to employees, directors and consultants of the entity, including transaction grants which relate to phantom common units.
Partner Income Allocation
Partner Income Allocation [Line Items]
Partners Capital and Distribution [Line Items]
Partners Capital and Distribution
Disclosure reflecting information pertaining to Partners' Capital and related distributions.
Partners' Capital and Distributions [Table]
Partners Capital Increase from Subsidiary Stock Issuance
Increase in Parent's capital balance from issuance of additional shares to noncontrolling interest holders.
Increase to partners' capital
The inventory subcategory of parts and supplies.
Other
Parts and Supplies [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to Pemex Exploraciony Produccion (PEP).
Pemex Exploraciony Produccion (PEP)
Pemex Exploraciony Produccion [Member]
Per Unit Impact to Net Income (Loss) Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit Basic
The per unit impact on basic net income per limited partner unit in the event of allocation of undistributed earnings to incentive distribution rights holders.
Basic net income per limited partner unit impact (in dollars per unit)
Consolidated Delaware Action [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to class action lawsuits filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on behalf of PNG unitholders challenging the PNG Merger.
Consolidated Delaware Action
Consolidated Texas Action
Consolidated Texas Action [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to class action lawsuits filed in the Texas state court on behalf of PNG unitholders challenging the PNG Merger.
Consolidated Federal Action
Consolidated Federal Action [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to class action lawsuits filed in the Texas federal court on behalf of PNG unitholders challenging the PNG Merger.
Diluted net income per limited partner unit impact (in dollars per unit)
The per unit impact on diluted net income per limited partner unit in the event of allocation of undistributed earnings to incentive distribution rights holders.
Per Unit Impact to Net Income (Loss) Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit Diluted
This element represents the percentage of cash distributed out of available cash.
Percentage Distribution of Available Cash
Percentage of available cash distributed (as a percent)
Percentage of Face Value at which Senior Notes are Sold
Percentage of face value at which senior notes are sold
This element represents the percentage of face value of senior notes, at which they are sold.
Revenue from the transportation of crude oil, NGL and refined products, primarily on pipelines and trucks, and related activities during the period.
Transportation segment revenues
Pipeline Tariff Activities Trucking and Related Revenues
The investment in Plains Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC, a crude oil company, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Plains Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC [Member]
Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC
The ownership percentage interest held by the principal owners of the LP's general partnership.
Ownership interest (as a percent)
Principal Owners Ownership Percentage Interest in General Partnership
The smallest reportable ownership percentage interest held by the principal owners of the LP's general partnership.
Ownership interest (as a percent)
Principal Owners Ownership Percentage Interest in General Partnership Maximum Size of Smallest Owner Interest
Intangible asset representing the value of the entity's property tax abatement.
Property tax abatement
Property Tax Abatement [Member]
Costs related to the purchase of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas storage during the period, primarily from gathering and marketing activities.
Purchases and related costs
Purchases and Related Costs.
Contingencies
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Abstract]
Purchases and Related Costs [Member]
Costs related to the purchase of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas storage during the period, primarily from gathering and marketing activities.
Purchases and related costs
Environmental reserve recognized
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Acquisitions and Divestitures
Describes the entity's accounting policies for recognition of costs in the period which correspond to purchases and related costs presented in the statement of operations.
Purchases and Related Costs
Purchases and Related Costs [Policy Text Block]
Rainbow Pipeline [Member]
Represents the Rainbow pipeline located in Alberta, Canada.
Rainbow pipeline
Bay Springs Pipe line [Member]
Bay Springs Pipeline
Represents the Bay Springs Pipeline, Mississippi.
Range of Annualized Vesting Distribution Amount Dollars from 1.35 to Dollars 1.55 [Member]
This element represents the range of the annualized distribution level from $1.35 to $1.55 per unit.
Range of annualized vesting distribution amount from $1.35 to $1.55
Rangeland Pipeline Release
Represents the Rangeland pipeline located near Sundre, Alberta, Canada.
Rangeland Pipeline Release [Member]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Net Income Attributable to Parent [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments, to net income attributable to the parent.
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to PAA
Reduction in incentive distributions related to acquisition, total
The total reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid to the general partner related to acquisitions made.
Reduction in All Incentive Distributions
Reduction in incentive distributions in 2011
The reduction in the amount of incentive distribution to be made within the twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements to the general partner related to acquisitions made.
Reduction in Future Incentive Distributions in Next Twelve Months
Reduction in Incentive Distributions [Abstract]
Reduction in incentive distributions
Estimated environmental reserve
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies
Related Party Ownership Interest in General Partner, Percentage
Related party ownership of general partner interest (as a percent)
The percentage of ownership interest of related parties in the general partner of the entity.
Remediation costs incurred since acquisition of a business
The amount of acquisition-to-date environmental remediation costs incurred by the reporting entity related to a business that was acquired.
Remediation Costs Incurred Since Business Acquired
Revenues Net [Member]
Revenues
Aggregate revenues net during the period in the normal course of business.
This element represents the information pertaining to SLC Pipeline LLC.
SLC Pipeline LLC [Member]
SLC Pipeline LLC
The axis of a table defines the relationship between the domain members or categories in the table and the line items or concepts that complete the table of the entity.
Sale of Stock [Axis]
Sale of Stock Consideration Received on Transaction from Parent
Cash from the parent entity received by subsidiary or equity investee for common stock issued or sold in the stock transaction.
Proceeds received by PNG from Plains for sale of common units
The number of units issued to the parent by the subsidiary or equity method investee per stock transaction.
Number of common units issued to Plains (in units)
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued to Parent in Transaction
Revenue from the sale of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas storage during the period, primarily from supply and logistics activities.
Supply and Logistics segment revenues
Sales and Related Revenues
Sales and Related Revenues [Member]
Revenue from the sale of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas storage during the period, primarily from supply and logistics activities.
Supply and Logistics segment revenues
Amount of first costs for environmental remediation costs to be born by reporting entity per acquisition agreement
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Component Amount
Equity offerings of common units
Disclosure of capital units issued in equity offerings during the period.
Schedule of Capital Units Issued During Period [Table Text Block]
Recognized remaining undiscounted gross environmental remediation liability
Schedule of Changes in Minority Interest in Partners Capital [Table Text Block]
Schedule of changes in noncontrolling interests in partners' capital
Tabular disclosure pertaining to the changes in the noncontrolling interests in partners' capital during the period.
United States
UNITED STATES
A table or schedule providing information pertaining to short-term and long-term debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation.
Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Inventory Linefill and Base Gas and Long Term Inventory [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the volumes, unit of measure, total value, and price per unit of each of the major classes of inventory.
Components of inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory
Schedule of Long Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]
Long-lived assets attributable to geographical areas
This element may be used to disclose in its entirety the names of foreign countries in which material long-lived assets other than financial instruments are located, and amount of such long-lived assets located in that country or foreign geographic area.
Disclosure of the number of award units under the long-term incentive plan of a subsidiary that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance-sheet date. This disclosure stratifies the number of outstanding units by ranges of the company's vesting distribution amounts and by the estimated unit vesting date.
Schedule of estimated vesting date for PNG long term incentive plan awards outstanding
Schedule of Long Term Incentive Plan Awards, of Subsidiary Outstanding and Expected to Vest [Table Text Block]
Disclosure of the number of award units under the long-term incentive plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance-sheet date. This disclosure stratifies the number of outstanding units by ranges of vesting distribution amounts and by the estimated unit vesting date.
Schedule of Long Term Incentive Plan Awards, Outstanding and Expected to Vest [Table Text Block]
Schedule of estimated vesting date for PAA long-term incentive plan awards outstanding
Schedule of Per Unit Impact of Additional Participation in Undistributed Earnings to Earnings Per Unit Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the per unit impact to basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit in the event of allocation of undistributed earnings to incentive distribution right holders.
Undistributed earnings allocation to IDRs impact on basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit
This element may be used to disclose in its entirety revenues from the entity's country of domicile and revenues from foreign countries.
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]
Revenues attributable to geographical areas
Disclosure that sets forth the estimated equity-indexed compensation plan fair value amortization to be recognized as an expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Fair Value Amortization [Table Text Block]
Equity-indexed compensation plan fair value amortization
Summary of Class B unit awards
Tabular disclosure of the changes in a particular unit class of the general partner. Includes changes in units reserved for future grants and outstanding units.
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Class B Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share Based Payment Awards Expense [Table Text Block]
Summary of expense recognized and value of vesting related to equity-indexed compensation plans
Disclosure that sets forth the equity-indexed compensation plan expense, the fair value of vesting (settled both in units and cash) related to the equity-indexed compensation plans, and the cash payments related to distribution equivalent rights for the period.
Transportation
Segment Pipeline Tariff Activities Trucking [Member]
Transportation segment revenues
The segment of the entity pertaining to the transportation of crude oil and refined products.
The segment of the entity pertaining to the sale of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas storage.
Segment Sales and Logistics [Member]
Supply and Logistics
Description of first costs for environmental remediation costs to be born by reporting entity per acquisition agreement
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Material Components
The segment of the entity pertaining to the storing, terminalling and processing of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas.
Facilities
Segment Storage Terminalling Processing [Member]
USD Rail Terminal Acquisition [Member]
Represents information pertaining to the acquisition of USD Rail Terminal.
USD Rail Terminal Acquisition
5.63% senior notes due December 2013
Senior Notes Due in December 2013 at 5.63 Percent [Member]
Represents 5.63 percent senior notes, which are due in December 2013.
5.00% senior notes due February 2021
Senior Notes Due in February 2021 at 5.00 Percent [Member]
Represents 5.00 percent senior notes, which are due in February 2021.
Senior Notes Due in January 2023 at 2.85 Percent [Member]
2.85% senior notes due January 2023
Represents 2.85 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2023.
Senior Notes Due in January 2043 at 4.30 Percent [Member]
4.30% senior notes due January 2043
Represents 4.30 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2043.
3.65% senior notes due June 2022
Represents 3.65 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2022.
Senior Notes Due in June 2022 at 3.65 Percent [Member]
Senior Notes Due in June 2042 at 5.15 Percent [Member]
5.15% senior notes due June 2042
Represents 5.15 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2042.
Senior Notes Due in October 2012 at 7.75 Percent [Member]
Represents 7.75 percent senior notes, which are due in October 2012.
7.75% senior notes due October 2012
Senior Notes Due in September 2012 at 4.25 Percent [Member]
Represents 4.25 percent senior notes, which are due in September 2012.
4.25% senior notes due September 2012
Senior Notes Due in September 2015 at 3.95 Percent [Member]
Represents 3.95 percent senior notes, which are due in September 2015.
3.95% senior notes due September 2015
Senior Secured Hedged Inventory Debt Facility [Member]
Represents activity related to Senior secured hedged inventory credit facility.
PAA senior secured hedged inventory facility
Senior secured hedged inventory facility maturing in August 2016
Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Represents the PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing in August 2018
PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility
September 2012 Continuous Offering Program [Member]
September 2012 Continuous Offering Program
Represents equity distribution agreement pursuant to which issue and sell common units through sales agent under September 2012 continuous offering program.
March 2013 Continuous Offering Program [Member]
PNG Continuous Offering Program
Represents equity distribution agreement pursuant to which issue and sell common units through sales agent under March 2013 continuous offering program.
Represents the continuous equity offering program of the entity under which common units are sold through equity distribution agreements, of which there may be one or more in effect during the reporting period.
Continuous Offering Program [Member]
Continuous Offering Program
Settoon Towing [Member]
The investment in Settoon Towing, LLC (Settoon Towing), a barge transportation services company, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Settoon Towing, LLC
Awards that will vest upon satisfaction of performance and/or service conditions (as a percent)
Award vesting rights (as a percent)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Right
Percentage of awards that will vest upon satisfaction of applicable performance and service conditions.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Right Distribution Equivalent Rights
Percentage of distribution equivalent rights that will vest upon satisfaction of applicable performance and/or service conditions.
DERs that will vest upon satisfaction of performance and/or service conditions (as a percent)
The number of shares outstanding/issued under a share-based award plan which have become earned during the reporting period as certain performance conditions have been met giving the grantee the right to receive quarterly distributions.
Units earned (in units)
Share Based Compensation, Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Earned in Period
Reserve for environmental liabilities, long-term
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Option, Nonvested, Grant Date Fair Value
Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding AAP Management Units, beginning balance
The grant date fair value of outstanding units.
Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding AAP Management Units, ending balance
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Granted in Period Grant Date Fair Value
Units granted
Represents the grant date fair value of units granted.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Including Distribution Equivalent Rights, Earned Number
The number of outstanding distribution equivalent rights that are vested as of the balance sheet date.
DERs currently vested (in units)
This element represents the portion of outstanding units, which include distribution equivalent rights that entitles the grantee to a cash payment equal to the cash distribution paid on an outstanding common unit.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Including Distribution Equivalent Rights Outstanding
Units outstanding that include DERs (in units)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Vested in Period Total Settlement Fair Value
The total settlement date fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units in accordance with the terms of the arrangement, and for which no expense was recognized in equity during prior periods.
LTIP unit-settled vestings
Outstanding at the ending of the period (in units)
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in units)
Share Based Compensation, Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Issued, Number
The number of outstanding awards on non-stock option plans for which the employer has issued equity instruments to an employee, including both employees who have and who have not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to distributions to the shares.
Units Outstanding (in units)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Reserved for Future Grants, Outstanding
The number of authorized units of the general partnership that have not yet been granted/issued and are reserved for future grants.
Reserved for Future Grants, outstanding
Reserved for future grants outstanding, beginning balance (in units)
Reserved for future grants outstanding, ending balance (in units)
Outstanding Units Earned (in units)
Outstanding Units Earned, end balance (in units)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Units Earned, Outstanding
The number of outstanding awards on non-stock option plans for which the employer has issued equity instruments to an employee and the units issued have been earned as required performance conditions have been met, giving the employee the right to receive quarterly distributions.
Outstanding Units Earned, beginning balance (in units)
The decrease in the number of shares that are potentially issuable under a share-based award plan pertaining to awards, for which the grantee has gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements to receive or retain shares, other instruments or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement during the fourth twelve-month period, following the balance sheet date.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting in Year Four
Estimated unit vesting in 2017 (in units)
The decrease in the number of shares that are potentially issuable under a share-based award plan pertaining to awards, for which the grantee has gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements to receive or retain shares, other instruments or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement during the twelve-month period, following the balance sheet date.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting in Year One
Estimated unit vesting in 2014 (in units)
Estimated unit vesting in 2016 (in units)
The decrease in the number of shares that are potentially issuable under a share-based award plan pertaining to awards, for which the grantee has gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements to receive or retain shares, other instruments or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement during the third twelve-month period, following the balance sheet date.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting in Year Three
Estimated unit vesting in 2015 (in units)
The decrease in the number of shares that are potentially issuable under a share-based award plan pertaining to awards, for which the grantee has gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements to receive or retain shares, other instruments or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement during the second twelve-month period, following the balance sheet date.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting in Year Two
The decrease in the number of shares that are potentially issuable under a share-based award plan pertaining to awards, for which the grantee has gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements to receive or retain shares, other instruments or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement thereafter the fourth twelve-month period, following the balance sheet date.
Estimated unit vesting thereafter (in units)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Vesting Thereafter
Annualized distribution threshold for vesting of awards (in dollars per share)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Expected to Vest Annualized Distribution Threshold
Represents the annualized distribution threshold that must be met for the vesting of awards.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Period Prior to Each Vesting Date for which Average Annualized Distribution Threshold Must be Maintained
Period prior to each vesting date for which the average annualized distribution threshold must be maintained for vesting of awards
Represents the period prior to each vesting date for which the average annualized distribution threshold must be maintained in order for awards to vest.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Shares Vested in Period Settled in Cash
Vested awards settled in cash (in units)
Represents the vested units which were settled in cash during the reporting period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan.
The floor of a customized range of annualized distribution amounts required for vesting.
Share Based Compensation Shares Outstanding under Equity Compensation Plans by Annualized Distribution Lower Range Limit
Annualized quarterly distribution, low end of range (in dollars per unit)
Annualized distribution, low end of range (in dollars per unit)
Annualized distribution, high end of range (in dollars per unit)
The ceiling of a customized range of annualized distribution amounts required for vesting.
Annualized quarterly distribution, high end of range (in dollars per unit)
Share Based Compensation Shares Outstanding under Equity Compensation Plans by Annualized Distribution Upper Range Limit
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized under Equity Compensation Plans Period after Distribution Earned
The length of time, in days, after the achievement of the specified distribution level, after which units will become earned, in some cases.
Number of days after achievement of distribution that units will become earned, in some cases
Reflects the required information pertaining to phantom units granted by distribution range.
Share Based Compensation Shares, Outstanding under Equity Compensation Plans by Annualized Vesting, Distribution Range [Axis]
Share Based Compensation Shares, Outstanding under Equity Compensation Plans by Annualized Vesting, Distribution Range [Domain]
Domain of a series of domain members (for example, Range01, Range02, Range03...), wherein the purpose of each member for each customized range of vesting of annualized distribution amounts, is to disclose units that are potentially issuable under outstanding plan and other required information pertaining to awards for each of the range members.
Short Propane Position Contracts Related to Subsequent Sale of Product [Member]
Short propane position related to subsequent sale of products
Represents the derivative instruments in a short position for propane that hedges the subsequent sale of products derived from our natural gas processing and NGL fractionation activities.
The period, in years, within which the short-term borrowings must be repaid.
Repayment period
Short Term Borrowings Repayment Period
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current
Reserve for environmental liabilities, short-term
Southern Pines Acquisition [Member]
Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of SG Resources Mississippi, LLC, whose primary asset is in Southern Pines natural gas storage facility.
Southern Pines Acquisition
Long lived depreciable assets used primarily for the storage and terminalling of crude oil, refined products and liquefied petroleum gas, other natural gas-related petroleum products and rail facilities.
Storage, terminal and rail facilities
Storage, Terminal and Rail Facilities [Member]
Facilities segment revenues
Storage Terminalling Processing and Related Revenues
Revenue from the storage, terminalling and processing of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas during the period.
Revenue from the storage, terminalling and processing of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas during the period.
Facilities segment revenues
Storage Terminalling Processing and Related Revenues [Member]
Reduction in Incentive Distributions Per Quarter in 2016
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter in 2016 (in dollars per quarter)
This element represents the reduction per quarter in incentive distributions in 2016.
Ten Forward Starting Thirty Year Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Represents ten forward starting 30-year interest rate swaps to hedge the underlying benchmark interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances.
10 forward starting interest rate swaps (30-year)
Texas New Mexico pipeline assets purchased from Link
Texas New Mexico [Member]
This element represents the information pertaining to Texas New Mexico.
Total Distribution Paid During Period
Total distributions paid during the period
The total distributions paid during the period.
Total Estimated Cost to Clean Up and Remediate Site, before Insurance Recoveries
Total estimated cost to clean up and remediate the site, before insurance recoveries
Represents the estimated total cost to clean up and remediate the site, before insurance recoveries.
This element represents long lived, depreciable assets used for the primary purpose of moving people and products from one place to another and represents furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and other assets related to field property.
Trucking equipment and other
Trucking Equipment and Other [Member]
Unrealized gains/(losses):
Unrealized Gains and Losses Relating to Level 3 Derivatives [Abstract]
Short WTI position related to subsequent sale of products
Short WTI Position Contracts Related to Subsequent Sale of Product [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments in a short position for WTI that hedges the subsequent sale of products derived from our natural gas processing and NGL fractionation activities.
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Western Acquisition
Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of Western Refining.
Western Refining Acquisition [Member]
White Cliffs Pipeline, LLC
The investment in White Cliffs Pipeline, LLC, a crude oil company, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
White Cliffs Pipeline LLC [Member]
Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in net deferred taxes liability.
Increase (Decrease) in Net Deferred Tax Liability
Increase in net deferred taxes liabilities
The cash outflow for distributions of earnings to the general partner.
Payments for Distributions to General Partner
Distributions paid to general partner (Note 8)
Capital Expenditures Related to Assets Acquired
Capital expenditures related to acquisition
Capital expenditures incurred to date that were funded by amounts received through an adjustment to the business acquisition purchase price for anticipated future development and other related costs identified subsequent to closing of the acquisition.
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Table]
Schedule reflecting the computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Axis]
Information by basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Domain]
Income statement items computed for basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit.
The amount of earnings for the period available to each limited partner unit outstanding during the reporting period.
Basic Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit [Member]
Basic Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
Net gain (loss) deferred in AOCI
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Line Items]
Schedule of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of derivatives assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements
Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements.
Balance at beginning of period
Balance at end of period
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Number of Derivatives Held with Credit Risk Related Contingent Features
Number of outstanding derivatives containing credit-risk related contingent features
Represents the number of outstanding derivatives containing credit risk-related contingent features held by the entity at the reporting date.
Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Table]
Disclosure of information about derivative and financial assets/ (liabilities) that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements.
Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative and financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting
Represents the annualized distribution required for vesting of distribution equivalent rights associated with awards.
Annualized Distribution Threshold for Vesting of Distribution Equivalent Rights Associated with Awards
Annualized distribution threshold for vesting of DERs (in dollars per share)
Awards with a vesting date of August 2018
Represents long-term incentive plan awards with a vesting date of August 2018.
Awards with Vesting Date August 2018 [Member]
Awards with a vesting date of August 2019
Represents long-term incentive plan awards with a vesting date of August 2019.
Awards with Vesting Date August 2019 [Member]
Variation Margin Posted Returned
Variation margin posted/(returned)
Increase (decrease) to initial margin for the variation margin posted by (returned to) the reporting entity.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Vested in Period Cash Settled
Aggregate cash paid by the entity during the period to settle equity instruments granted under equity-based payment arrangements that vested during the reporting period by satisfying service and performance requirements.
LTIP cash-settled vestings
Kemp River Pipeline Release [Member]
Kemp River Pipeline Release
Represents the Kemp River Pipeline located in Northern Alberta, Canada.
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.05 maturing in 2013.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.05 Maturing in 2013 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.05 maturing in 2013
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.11 maturing in 2014
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.11 maturing in 2014.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.11 Maturing in 2014 [Member]
Derivative Instruments
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.11 Maturing in 2017 [Member]
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.11 maturing in 2015.
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.11 maturing in 2015
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2013.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 Maturing in 2013 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.05
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.05.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.05 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2014
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2014.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 Maturing in 2014 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.06 maturing in 2015
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.06 maturing in 2015.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.06 Maturing in 2015 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate of USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 [Member]
Hedged Transactions probable of not occurring
Hedged Transactions Probable of Not Occurring [Member]
Derivative instruments for which anticipated hedged transactions are probable of not occurring.
Represents the total cost to clean up and remediate the site, before insurance recoveries.
Total Cost to Clean Up and Remediate Site before Insurance Recoveries
Total cost to clean up and remediate the site, before insurance recoveries
Number of PAA common units issued for each outstanding common unit of PNG
Number of common units of the parent issued per each outstanding common unit of the subsidiary other than that owned by the parent associated with the acquisition of all the publicly held common units of the subsidiary by the parent.
Number of Common Units of Parent Issued Per Unit of Subsidiary Owned
Minority Interest Ownership Shares, Held by Noncontrolling Owners
PNG units not owned by PAA (in units)
The number of shares held by noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.
3.85% senior notes due October 2023
Represents the 3.85 percent senior notes, which are due in 2023.
Senior Notes Due 2023 at 3.85 Percent [Member]
Line of Credit and Commercial Paper [Member]
Credit agreements and commercial paper program
Represents information pertaining to the line of credit and commercial paper agreement entered into by the entity.
Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
PNG Common Unit Issuance [Member]
PNG Common Unit Issuance
Represents the issuance of PNG common units.
Common Units
Represents activity related to common units which are a type of ownership interest in a corporation.
Common Units [Member]
Subordinated Units [Member]
Subordinated units
Represents information pertaining to subordinated units that have a lower priority of repayment in liquidation of the entity's assets.
Reduction in Per Year Incentive Distribution Rights [Abstract]
Reduction in incentive distribution rights
2014
Represents the agreed-upon reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid for the first full fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which the entity entered into the agreement and plan of merger.
Reduction Per Year in Incentive Distribution Rights Year One
2015
Represents the agreed-upon reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid for the second full fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which the entity entered into the agreement and plan of merger.
Reduction Per Year in Incentive Distribution Rights Year Two
Reduction Per Year in Incentive Distribution Rights Year Three
2016
Represents the agreed-upon reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid for the third full fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which the entity entered into the agreement and plan of merger.
Represents the agreed-upon reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid beginning after the third full fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which the entity entered into the agreement and plan of merger.
Reduction Per Year in Incentive Distribution Rights Thereafter
Thereafter
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2013.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.03 Maturing in 2013 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2013
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.03 Maturing in 2014 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2014
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2014.
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.04 maturing in 2015.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.04 Maturing in 2015 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.04 maturing in 2015
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.03 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03
Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.04 maturing in 2014
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.04 maturing in 2014.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.04 Maturing in 2014 [Member]
The number of limited partner common units outstanding.
Outstanding units (in shares)
Partners Capital Common Unit Holder Units Outstanding
Third Quarter Distribution FY 2013 [Member]
Represents the distribution associated with earnings for the third quarter which will be paid in the fourth quarter.
Third Quarter Distribution
Fourth Quarter Distribution
Fourth Quarter Distribution FY 2013 [Member]
Represents the distribution associated with earnings for the fourth quarter which will be paid in the first quarter, 2014.
Consolidation Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary Parent Ownership Interest Changes Purchase of Interest by Parent Units Issued
PAA common units issued in exchange for outstanding PNG common units
Represents the units of the parent issued by the parent in exchange for all equity interests in a subsidiary owned by other than the parent entity.
PNG Merger (in units)
Organization
Organization [Line Items]
Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.
Total Cases Filed Number
Total number of cases filed
The total number of cases filed as of the date specified.
Gross Margin
Gross margin
Total revenues less purchases and related costs, field operating costs and depreciation and amortization.
6 forward starting interest rate swaps (30-year)
Represents six forward starting 30-year interest rate swaps to hedge the underlying benchmark interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances.
Six Forward Starting Thirty Year Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Four Forward Starting Ten Year Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Represents four forward starting 10-year interest rate swaps to hedge the underlying benchmark interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances.
4 forward starting interest rate swaps (10-year)
Reduction in Incentive Distributions
Reduction in incentive distributions
The total reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid to the general partner during the period related to acquisitions.
Reduction in Incentive Distributions in February 2014
Reduction in incentive distributions in February 2014
This element represents the reduction in incentive distributions in February 2014.
Amortization expense related to other assets (including finite-lived intangible assets)
Amount of amortization expense incurred during the period for items included in other assets, noncurrent. May include amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets and amortization expense of capitalized debt issuance costs.
Amortization Expense on Other Assets, Noncurrent
PNG Transaction Grants [Member]
PNG Transaction Grants
Represents PNG Transaction Grants offered to employees, directors and consultants of the entity.
Cash received for sale of noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary
The cash inflow (outflow) associated with the sale (purchase) of or advances to the entity that is related to it but not strictly controlled (for example, an unconsolidated subsidiary, affiliate, and joint venture or equity method investment) or the sale (purchase) of an additional interest in a subsidiary (controlled entity).
Proceeds from Payments for Sale Purchase of Interest in Subsidiaries
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.11
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.11.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.11 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.10 maturing in 2014
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.10 maturing in 2014.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.10 Maturing in 2014 [Member]
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.10 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.10
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.10.
Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners
Pro forma, limited partner interest in net income attributable to PAA
Foreign Period Tax on Permanent Book Versus Tax Differences and Rate Changes
Canadian permanent differences and rate changes
The permanent book versus tax differences in the current foreign income tax expense (benefit) and change in tax rate.
Represents the number of long-term incentive plans that are consolidated into single plan.
Number of Long Term Incentive Plans That are Consolidated Into Single Plan
Number of long-term incentive plans that are consolidated into single plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Additional, Number of Shares Authorized
Incremental authorized common units (in units)
Represents the incremental number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).
Available for grant under the previous plans (in units)
Represents the number of shares available (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors) for grant under previous equity-based compensation plans.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Shares Available Under Previous Plans
Outstanding awards under the previous plans (in units)
Represents the number of shares granted (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors) for under previous equity-based compensation plans.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Shares Granted Under Previous Plans
Plains All American 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
PAA 2013 LTIP
Represents information related to the Plains All American 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Represents information related to the Plains All American PNG Successor Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Plains All American PNG Successor Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
PNG Successor LTIP
Range of Annualized Vesting Distribution Amount Dollars from 1.925 to Dollars 2.65 [Member]
Range of annualized vesting distribution amount from $1.925 to $2.65
This element represents the range of the annualized distribution level from dollars 1.925 to dollars 2.65 per unit.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted in Period
Conversion of PNG unit-denominated awards into PAA unit-denominated awards (in units)
The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that were converted during the reporting period to awards denominated in another type of units.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted in Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Conversion of PNG unit-denominated awards into PAA unit-denominated awards (in dollars per unit)
Represents the weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were converted during the reporting period to awards denominated in another type of units.
Equity Based Compensation Fair Value Future Amortization Expense Thereafter
Thereafter
The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for the amortization of the unrecognized expense based on fair value of outstanding awards related to equity compensation plans.
Percentage of distribution amount to the general partner as per ownership interest
Represents the percentage of distribution amount to the general partner as per ownership interest.
General Partner Interest Distribution Percentage
Transaction costs
Represents the amount of transaction costs for purchase by the parent of an additional equity interest in a subsidiary during the period, thereby effecting a change in total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent. The purchase of the additional equity interest represented by this element increases the parent's controlling interest in the subsidiary.
Consolidation Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary Parent Ownership Interest Changes
Represents the consideration for units of the parent issued by the parent in exchange for all equity interests in a subsidiary owned by other than the parent entity.
Consolidation Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary Parent Ownership Interest Changes Purchase of Interest by Parent Units Issued Value
Value of PAA common units issued in exchange for outstanding PNG common units
Represents the information pertaining to acquisitions made in 2013.
Acquisitions in 2013 [Member]
2013 Acquisitions
Enterprise Products Partners [Member]
Enterprise Products Partners
Represents the information related to Enterprise Products Partners.
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter after 2016 (in dollars per quarter)
This element represents the reduction per quarter in incentive distributions after 2016.
Reduction in Incentive Distributions Per Quarter after 2016
General Partner Distribution Level Four [Member]
General Partner Distribution - Level Four
Level four quarterly general partner incentive distribution.
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter for distributions paid during 2013 (in dollars per quarter)
This element represents the reduction per quarter in incentive distributions during the year 2013.
Reduction in Incentive Distributions Per Quarter Current Period
Reduction in Incentive Distributions Per Quarter from May 2014 through November 2015
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter from May 2014 through November 2015 (in dollars per quarter)
This element represents the reduction per quarter in incentive distributions beginning in May 2014 through November 2015.
This element represents the reduction per quarter in incentive distributions after November 2015.
Reduction in Incentive Distributions Per Quarter after November 2015
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter after November 2015 (in dollars per quarter)
PNG Merger [Member]
PNG Merger
Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition by PAA of all of PNG's publicly-held common units, whereby PNG became a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAA.
Other Acquisitions in 2012 [Member]
Other 2012 Acquisitions
Represents the information pertaining to acquisitions made in 2012.
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Represents information pertaining to Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Exxon Mobil Corporation [Member]
Phillips 66 Company [Member]
Phillips 66
Represents the information pertaining to Phillips 66 Company.
Amount that may be utilized for future tax-exempt debt issuance
Amount of Future Tax Exempt Debt Issuance
Amount of tax-exempt debt issuance that may be utilized in the future.
Units granted (in units)
The number of shares issued under a share-based award plan which have become granted during the reporting period as certain performance conditions have been met giving the grantee the right to receive quarterly distributions.
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Grants in Period
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Maturing in 2015 [Member]
Foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 2015
Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts, which is maturing in 2015.
Senior Notes Due in 2044 at 4.70 Percent [Member]
4.70% senior notes due 2044
Represents the 4.70 percent senior notes, which are due in 2044.
Treasury Lock Entered in April 2014 [Member]
Treasury locks entered into April 2014
Customized agreement entered in April 2014 that fixes the yield or price on a specified treasury security for a specific period.
Brent/WTI spread positions
Brent WTI Spread Positions [Member]
Represents the derivative instruments in spread positions that hedge purchases based on WTI derived indices and sales based on Brent derived indices.
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Issuance of common units under LTIP, net of units tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation
Equity-indexed compensation expense
Compensation expense recognized
Equity-indexed compensation expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Amortization under the declining balance method
Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairments
Fair value of asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation
Impairments
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]
Total assets
Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Assets, Current [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Total current assets
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Pro forma, Diluted net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Pro forma, Basic net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic
Deferred tax liability
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent
Current assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Supplemental pro forma:
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Other long-term liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other
Total assets due to assets acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets
Cash acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents
Summary of unaudited pro forma results of operations
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]
Business acquisition
Dispositions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest acquired (as a percent)
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Pro Forma, Total revenues
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Pro forma, Net income attributable to PAA
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisition-related costs
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs
Purchase Price
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Inventory
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Acquisitions
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Contingent tax liability
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, net
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Acquisition-related costs incurred
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs
Business acquisition, allocation of fair value of assets and liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Total net assets acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Restricted Cash
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Net gain (loss) expected to be reclassified to earnings in next 12 months
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Cash flow hedge
Two-for-One Unit Split
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Commercial paper notes
Commercial Paper Program
Commercial Paper [Member]
PAA commercial paper notes, short-term
Commercial Paper
PAA commercial paper notes, long-term
Long-term Commercial Paper, Noncurrent
Commitments and Contingencies.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 11)
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Legal Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Commodity Derivatives
Commodity Contract [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to PAA
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk [Table]
Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Major customer percentage of total revenue
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent
Equity-classified loss from purchase of PNG common units
Decrease in capital from purchase of PNG common units in conjunction with the PNG Merger
Change from net income attributable to PAA and net transfers to/from noncontrolling interests
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net
Schedule of effect of changes in the entity's ownership interest in subsidiary on the partner's capital
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block]
Issuance of PNG common units
Increase in capital from sale of PNG common units
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Issuance of Equity by Subsidiary to Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Transfers to/from noncontrolling interests:
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net [Abstract]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table]
PNG Merger (Note 10)
Net impact of PNG Merger on total partners' capital
Net transfers to/from noncontrolling interests
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net
PNG Merger
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Potential Acquisition of Publicly-held Common Units of PNG
Construction in progress
Construction in Progress [Member]
Total future non-cancelable commitments
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2015
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year
2018
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year
Future non-cancelable commitments relating to operating and capital leases and third-party operation agreements
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]
2017
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months
2014
2016
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year
Thereafter
Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year
Total
Contractual Obligation
Contributed assets
Contribution of Property
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Total costs and expenses
Costs and Expenses
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Crude oil
Crude Oil [Member]
State income tax
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current tax expense:
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Canadian federal and provincial income tax
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current income tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Customer contracts and relationships
Customer Relationships [Member]
Advance cash payments received from third parties to mitigate credit risk
Customer Advances, Current
Consolidated revenue
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Debt Covenant Compliance
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance
Basis Variable interest rate used
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis
Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Debt instrument face value
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Total debt
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Debt instrument fair value
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure
Debt
Term Loans, amounts outstanding
GO Bonds obligor amount
Long-term Debt, Gross
Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Periods for which letters of credit are issued
Debt Instrument, Term
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt issuance costs capitalized during the period
Debt Issuance Cost
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Senior notes, unamortized discount (in dollars)
Unamortized discounts
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount
Debt
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Short-term debt
Total short-term debt
Debt, Current
Debt instrument, interest rate (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Aggregate unamortized net discount
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net
Short-term accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Deferred tax expense:
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense:
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Canadian federal and provincial income tax
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
State income tax
State deferred income tax (benefit)/expense
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Book accruals in excess of current tax deductions
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Property and equipment in excess of tax values
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Net deferred tax liabilities
Long-term accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent
Accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent
Depreciation expense
Depreciation
Net Position - Liability
Derivative Liability
Netting Adjustment
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability
Broker receivable
Cash collateral paid
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash
Derivative disclosures
Derivative [Line Items]
Average exchange rate for outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative, Average Forward Exchange Rate
Netting Adjustment
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative [Table]
Fair value of derivative instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent
Derivatives and Risk Management Activities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Derivatives and Risk Management Activities
Net Position - Asset
Derivative Asset
Basis for variable interest rate
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Asset Derivatives Fair Value
Gross Position - Asset
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset
Rate of fixed interest to be received on interest rate swap (as a percent)
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Net derivative asset/(liability)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net
Liability Derivatives Fair Value
Gross Position - Liability
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability
Total
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net
Rate of fixed interest to be received on interest rate swap (as a percent)
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate
Gain on derivative instruments deferred in AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Impact of derivative activities recognized in earnings
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative credit-risk related contingent features
Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features, Existence and Nature
Other gain/(loss) recognized in income
Gain on derivative instruments recognized in interest expense attributable to the ineffective portion of the swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net
Net deferred gain/(loss) recognized in AOCI on derivatives (effective portion)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net
Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCI into income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table]
Derivatives That Qualify for Hedge Accounting
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block]
Derivatives
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities
Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Derivatives That Do Not Qualify for Hedge Accounting
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block]
Cash Settlements Associated with Derivative Activities
Derivatives, Hedge Discontinuances, Termination of Hedging Instrument or Hedged Item [Policy Text Block]
Derivatives disclosures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans
Dispositions
Dispositions
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]
Unitholders of record, date
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Date of Record
Distributions paid to common unitholders (Note 8)
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid
Distribution declared, date
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Declaration Date
Cash distributions per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)
Distributions Per Limited Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic
Total cash distributions paid
Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution [Table Text Block]
Dividends [Axis]
Dividends [Domain]
Trade accounts receivable and other receivables, gross
Due from Related Parties, Current
Accounts payable, gross
Due to Related Parties, Current
Early redemption of senior notes
Loss on early redemption of senior notes
Early Repayment of Senior Debt
Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
Effect of translation adjustment on cash
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations
Total
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Environmental Remediation Site [Axis]
Environmental
Environmental Expense and Liabilities [Abstract]
Environmental Matters
Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Environmental Remediation Site [Domain]
Other
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Equity Method Investments
Investments in entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]
Ownership interest (as a percent)
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Investment, Name [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Distributions received from equity method investees
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions
Equity Method of Accounting
Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Total
Fair Value
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Settlements
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements
Beginning Balance
Ending Balance
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Transfers out of Level 3 (liability)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3 (asset)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3
Recurring Fair Value Measures
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Included in other comprehensive income
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Included in earnings
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recurring Fair Value Measures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3 (asset)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers, Net
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Roll forward of Level 3 Net Asset
Level 3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Level 1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Average Depreciable Life
Estimated Useful Lives
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Intangible assets
Cost
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Estimated amortization expense
Estimated amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite Lived Intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
2014
Future amortization expense first full fiscal year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year
Foreign Currency Transactions
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Currency Exchange Rate Risk Hedging:
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivatives
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Gain (loss) on revaluation of foreign currency transactions and monetary assets and liabilities
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax
Foreign Currency Transactions
Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on sale of various property and equipment
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment
Loss on early redemption of senior notes
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt
Distributions paid to General Partner - 2%
General Partner Distributions
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses
General and Administrative Expense
General Partner
General partner
General Partner [Member]
General partner
General Partners' Capital Account
General Partner Contribution
General Partners' Contributed Capital
Contribution from general partner
Impairment
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Goodwill
Balance at beginning of period
Balance at end of period
Goodwill.
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments
Goodwill disclosures
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill
Acquisitions
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Segment profit
Gross Profit
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Intersegment
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Impairment charges - predominantly related to assets taken out of service
Losses on impairment of assets
Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Amount of Impairment Loss
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Incentive Distribution, Recipient [Domain]
Quarterly Distribution
Incentive Distribution, Managing Member or General Partner [Abstract]
Incentive Distribution Made to Managing Member or General Partner
Incentive Distribution Made to Managing Member or General Partner [Line Items]
Distributions paid to General Partner - Incentive
Incentive Distribution, Distribution
Managing Member or General Partner [Axis]
Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Net Income attributable to PAA
Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income tax expense
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income taxes, net of amounts refunded
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Income Taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Trade accounts receivable and other
Trade accounts receivable and other
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Inventory
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital
Change in restricted cash
Restricted cash in escrow for acquisitions
Release of restricted cash previously held in escrow
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Interest expense, net
Interest expense
Interest expense (net of capitalized interest of $11 and $9, respectively)
Interest Expense
Interest expense, capitalized interest
Capitalized interest
Interest Costs Capitalized
Interest Rate Risk Hedging
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
Interest Paid, Net
Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swaps
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Derivatives
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Interest expense
Interest Expense [Member]
Inventory
Inventory, Net
Non-cash charges related to the write-down of inventory
Inventory valuation adjustments
Inventory Write-down
Inventory disclosures
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Linefill, Base Gas and Long-term Inventory
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventory, Current [Table]
Long-term inventory
Inventory, Noncurrent
IPO
IPO [Member]
Outstanding letters of credit
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount
Weighted average interest rate, long-term (as a percent)
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Future non-cancelable commitments related to various operating and capital leases
Leases [Abstract]
Total current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Total liabilities and partners' capital
Liabilities and Equity
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Total long-term liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Distributions paid to common unit holders
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount
Proceeds from Sale
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital
Common unitholders, units outstanding (in units)
Units outstanding (in units)
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding
Balance (in units)
Balance (in units)
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain]
Common Units
Limited Partner
Limited Partner [Member]
General partner ownership interest (as a percent)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest
Ownership interest (as a percent)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest
Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis]
Common unitholders (362,035,634 and 359,133,200 units outstanding, respectively)
Limited Partners' Capital Account
Maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time
Maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Credit facility, interest rate (as a percent)
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End
Borrowings outstanding
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding
Credit Facilities
Credit agreements
Line of Credit [Member]
Borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity
Credit Facility, Current
Line of Credit, Current
Accounts Receivable
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-term debt:
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Total long-term debt
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Total
Notes and Loans, Noncurrent
2015
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2017
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2018
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
2016
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
Maturities
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt under credit facilities
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent
2014
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $14 and $15, respectively
Senior notes, net of unamortized discounts of $14 and $15, respectively
Notes Payable, Noncurrent
Expected maximum settlement amount
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Natural resources contamination - settlement paid
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Estimated maximum fines and penalties for alleged violations
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Number of cases filed during the period
Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number
Customer [Axis]
Initial margin
Margin Deposit Assets
Repayments of senior notes
Senior notes repaid
Maturities of Senior Debt
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Noncontrolling interests in partners' capital
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders
Noncontrolling Interest [Table]
Ownership interest (as a percent)
Ownership interest in PNGS prior to IPO (as a percent)
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent
Noncontrolling interests, ownership percentage of noncontrolling owners
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners
Changes in the noncontrolling interests in partners' capital
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Long Lived Assets
Long-Lived Assets
Customer [Domain]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations
LIMITED PARTNERS
Net income available to limited partners
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners
Diluted net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)
DILUTED NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (in dollars per unit)
Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted
Net cash used in financing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations
GENERAL PARTNER
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations
BASIC NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT (in dollars per unit)
Basic net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit)
Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA
Net income attributable to Plains
Net income attributable to PAA
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Number of outstanding interest rate swaps (in contracts)
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held
Operating segments number
Number of Operating Segments
Number of additional acquisitions completed (in entities)
Number of Businesses Acquired
Non-controlling interests associated with the book value of PNG sold to third parties
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance
Increase in noncontrolling interest from sale of PNG common units
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Sale of noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (Note 10)
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Netting Adjustment:
Offsetting [Abstract]
Derivative Liability Positions
Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative Asset Positions
Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract]
Costs
Offering Costs, Partnership Interests
Office property and equipment
Office Equipment [Member]
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
2017
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
2016
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2014
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
OPERATING INCOME
Operating income/(loss)
Operating Income (Loss)
Field operating costs
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
2015
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
Expenditures related to leases
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals
Total
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
2014
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months
2015
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year
Other comprehensive loss
Total period activity
Other comprehensive loss
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Other current liabilities
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
2016
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year
Deferred loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Thereafter
Other Commitment, Due after Fifth Year
Total
Other Commitment
2017
Other Commitment, Due in Fourth Year
Other current assets
Other Current Assets [Member]
2018
Other Commitment, Due in Fifth Year
Currency translation adjustments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Other commitments
Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Reclassification adjustments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax
Other, net
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Other
Other Noncash Income (Expense)
Impairments of long-lived assets primarily related to Pier 400 terminal project
Impairments of long-lived assets
Other Asset Impairment Charges
Other Assets, Net
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Other
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent
OTHER ASSETS
Other Assets, Net
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Assets, Net
Other expense, net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Other current liabilities
Other Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt under credit facilities and other
Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Other short-term debt
Other Short-term Borrowings
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Partners' Capital Excluding Noncontrolling Interests
Total Net Income Attributable to Plains
Parent [Member]
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated and distributions to participating securities
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings
Partner Capital Components [Axis]
Partner Capital Components [Domain]
Other
Other
Partners' Capital, Other
Distributions
Partners' Capital Account, Distributions
Equity-indexed compensation expense
Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation
Partners' Capital and Distributions
Total partners' capital excluding noncontrolling interests
Partners' capital excluding noncontrolling interests
Partners' Capital
Units Issued
Units Sold
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sale of Units
Issuance of common units (in units)
Partners' Capital and Distributions
Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block]
Noncontrolling interests
Partners' Capital Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Number of PAA common units issued for each outstanding common unit of PNG
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Acquisitions
PNG Merger (in units)
Total partners' capital
Partners Capital
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Balance
Balance
Net proceeds from Sale
Net Proceeds
Partners' Capital Account, Sale of Units
Issuance of common units
PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA:
Partnership Income [Abstract]
Costs reimbursed to general partner
Payment for Administrative Fees
Payments for Legal Settlements
Settlement payments
Cash payment for (proceeds from) termination of interest rate swaps
Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Financing Activities
Other investing activities
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest
Investment in unconsolidated entities
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Additions to property, equipment and other
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Pipelines and related facilities
Pipelines [Member]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Axis]
Commodity Price Risk Hedging:
Price Risk Derivatives [Abstract]
Private Placement
Private Placement [Member]
Total borrowings
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt
Cash received related to formation of pipeline
Cash received upon formation of equity-method investment
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital
Short-term borrowings related to cash overdraft
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts
Other financing activities
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net repayments under PAA commercial paper program (Note 6)
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper
Net proceeds from the issuance of PNG common units
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests
Borrowings under credit agreements
Proceeds from Lines of Credit
Net proceeds from the issuance of common units (Note 8)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units
Net proceeds from private placement on PNG common units
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement
Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes
Issuance of senior notes
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt
Proceeds from sales of assets
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets
NET INCOME
Net income
Net Income Attributable to Plains
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Average Depreciable Life
Estimated Useful Lives
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, useful life
Property and Equipment
Components of property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Inventory [Axis]
Inventory [Domain]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Accounts Receivable
Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable and other receivables, net
Receivables, Net, Current
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to PAA
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Probable recoveries from insurers and third parties recorded as a receivable
Probable recoveries from insurers, net of deductibles
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries Receivable
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Related party transaction
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party [Axis]
Purchases and related costs
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party Transactions
Repayments under credit agreements
Repayments of Lines of Credit
Total repayments
Repayments of Debt
Repayments of senior notes
Repayments of senior notes
Repayments of Senior Debt
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current [Abstract]
Restricted cash
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenues
Revenue from Related Parties
Total revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues and long lived assets attributable to geographic areas
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
REVENUES
Revenues [Abstract]
Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk
Phantom common units which vested in increment (in percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage
Estimated amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years
Schedule of amortization of the contract under the declining balance method for the five full or partial calendar years
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Net proceeds received by PNG from sale of common units
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction
Price per unit of common units issued
Number of common units issued to Plains (in units)
Number of common units issued representing limited partner interest (in units)
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction
Sale of Stock, Name of Transaction [Domain]
Forecast
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Business acquisition fair value determination
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
Derivative financial assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Summary of equity-indexed compensation activity for long-term incentive plan awards
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]
Net deferred gain/(loss), including tax effects, recognized in AOCI for derivatives
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Components of income tax expense
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Components of debt
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Long-term debt maturities
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Summary of differences between tax expense based on the statutory federal income tax rate and the entity's effective tax expense
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Open foreign currency exchange contracts
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Information related to transactions with related parties
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Components of intangible assets that have finite lives
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Equity Method of Accounting
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of interest rate risk hedging
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Incentive Distribution Made to Managing Member or General Partner [Table]
Per unit cash distributions and the portion of the distributions representing an excess over the MQD
Schedule of Incentive Distributions Made to Managing Members or General Partners by Distribution [Table Text Block]
Schedule of goodwill by segment and changes during the period
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Segment financial data
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Components of other assets, net of accumulated amortization
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Summary of derivative assets and liabilities on condensed consolidated balance sheet
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Impact of derivative activities recognized in earnings
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Operating segment information
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Segments [Domain]
Revenues:
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Operating Segments
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Geographical [Domain]
Senior notes
Total
Senior Notes, Noncurrent
Senior notes
Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Notes, Current
Senior Notes, Current
Other acquisitions
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per unit
LTIP Vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in units)
Unit issuance (in units)
Phantom common units for which vesting criteria was modified (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Unit forfeitures (in units)
Unit forfeitures (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures
Granted (in dollars per unit)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (in units)
Outstanding at end of period (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Vested (in units)
Equity-indexed compensation expense
Share-based Compensation
Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per unit)
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per unit)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Award vesting rights (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights
Units granted (in units)
Units granted (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted
Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per unit)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unit forfeitures
Cancelled or forfeited (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Unit forfeitures (in units)
Vested (in dollars per unit)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Authorized grants (in units)
Authorized grants (in units)
Equity Compensation
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Unit issuance (in units)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period
Equity Award [Domain]
Units tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations (in units)
Units withheld for taxes (in units)
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation
Short-term debt:
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Weighted average interest rate, short-term (as a percent)
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Short-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Short-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Site Contingency [Table]
Environmental remediation disclosures
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Letters of credit
Standby Letters of Credit
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
State income tax
State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations
Scenario [Axis]
Statement [Table]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Statement [Line Items]
Document and Entity Information
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Geographical [Axis]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Equity Components [Axis]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Segments [Axis]
Units issued in connection with the settlement of vested awards, net of tax withholding (in units)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
Issuance of common units under LTIP, net of units tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations (in units)
Unit split conversion ratio
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Consolidated subsidiary, ownership interest held by the parent (as a percent)
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Axis]
Cash paid for:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Treasury locks entered into in anticipation of issuance of 4.70% senior notes due 2044
Treasury Lock [Member]
Debt issue costs
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Vesting [Axis]
Vesting [Domain]
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING (in units)
Diluted weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units)
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted
Weighted average LTIP units (in units)
Weighted Average Number Diluted Limited Partnership Units Outstanding Adjustment
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING (in units)
Basic weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units)
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic
Write off of debt issuance cost
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost