Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Estimated environmental reserve Contingencies Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Abstract] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Component Amount Amount of first costs for environmental remediation costs to be born by reporting entity per acquisition agreement Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Gross Recognized remaining undiscounted gross environmental remediation liability Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Acquisitions and Divestitures Environmental reserve recognized Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Material Components Description of first costs for environmental remediation costs to be born by reporting entity per acquisition agreement Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Reserve for environmental liabilities, short-term Reserve for environmental liabilities, long-term Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Derivative Instruments Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Net (loss) deferred in AOCI Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Translation Adjustments Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Units tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity-indexed compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Expense recognized Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets Amortization under the declining balance method Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairments Impairments Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Fair value of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Total current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase Price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Acquisition-related costs Business Acquisition [Line Items] Potential Acquisition of Publicly-held Common Units of PNG Dispositions Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Interest acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Pro forma, Basic (in dollars per unit) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Pro forma, Diluted (in dollars per unit) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Supplemental pro forma: Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Summary of unaudited pro forma results of operations Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Business acquisition, allocation of fair value of assets and liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Total assets due to assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Inventory Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Purchase price allocation: Goodwill Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property and equipment Property and equipment, net Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Pro forma, Net income attributable to Plains Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro Forma, Total revenues Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition-related costs incurred Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions and Dispositions Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability Contingent tax liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total net assets acquired Acquisitions and Dispositions Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Acquisitions Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value 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 [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Net gains (loss) expected to be reclassified to earnings in next 12 months Commercial Paper Notes, Current Commercial Paper Commercial paper notes Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper Program Commitments and Contingencies. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 12) Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Legal Contingencies Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Plains Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk [Line Items] Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of major customer revenue (as a percent) Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Change Due to Net Income Attributable to Parent and Effects of Changes, Net Change from net income attributable to Plains and net transfers to the noncontrolling interest Issuance of PNG common units Increase in capital from sale of PNG units Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Issuance of Equity by Subsidiary to Noncontrolling Interests Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net [Abstract] Transfers to the noncontrolling interests: Potential Acquisition of Publicly-held Common Units of PNG Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table] Schedule of impact of changes in the entity's ownership interest in subsidiary on the entity's capital Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in progress Contractual Obligation Total Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year 2017 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2016 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2013 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2014 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year 2015 Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Total future non-cancelable commitments Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Future non-cancelable commitments relating to operating and capital leases and third-party operation agreements Contributed assets Contribution of Property Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] COSTS AND EXPENSES Co-venturer [Member] Enterprise Product Partners Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Crude Oil [Member] Crude oil Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Canadian federal and provincial income tax Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current income tax expense Total current tax (benefit)/expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Current tax (benefit)/expense: Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) State income tax Customer Advances, Current Advance cash payments received from third parties to mitigate credit risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Consolidated revenue Customer Relationships [Member] Customer contracts and relationships Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total debt Debt, Current Short-term debt Total short-term debt Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument [Axis] Long-term Debt, Gross Term Loans, amounts outstanding GO Bonds obligor amount Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance Debt Covenant Compliance Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis LIBOR Basis Variable interest rate used Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument face value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Debt instrument fair value Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument, interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior notes, unamortized discount (in dollars) Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Long-term accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Short-term accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Canadian federal and provincial income tax Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax expense Deferred income tax benefit/(expense) Deferred income tax expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Deferred tax expense: Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State income tax State deferred income tax (benefit)/expense Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Book accruals in excess of current tax deductions Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Property and equipment in excess of tax values Depreciation Depreciation expense Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Netting Adjustment Derivative Assets Net Position - Asset Rate of fixed interest to be received on interest rate swap (as a percent) Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Average Forward Exchange Rate Average exchange rate for outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative credit-risk related contingent features Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features, Existence and Nature Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis Basis for variable interest rate Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Asset Derivatives Fair Value Gross Position - Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liability Derivatives Fair Value Gross Position - Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Net asset/(liability) at fair value Derivative, Fair Value, Net Rate of fixed interest to be received on interest rate swap (as a percent) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent Fair value of derivative instruments Derivatives and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Impact of derivative activities recognized in earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCI into income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Other gain/(loss) recognized in income Gain on derivative instruments recognized in interest expense attributable to the ineffective portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Total Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Net deferred gain/(loss) recognized in AOCI on derivatives (effective portion) Gain on derivative instruments deferred in AOCI Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion Derivative Liabilities Net Position - Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Netting Adjustment Derivative [Line Items] Derivative disclosures Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives disclosures Derivatives, Hedge Discontinuances, Termination of Hedging Instrument or Hedged Item [Policy Text Block] Cash Settlements Associated with Derivative Activities Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Derivatives That Qualify for Hedge Accounting Derivatives That Do Not Qualify for Hedge Accounting Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivative [Table] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans Dispositions Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Dispositions Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Distributions paid to common unitholders (Note 9) Unitholders of record, date Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Date of Record Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Cash distribution declared (in dollars per unit) Distributions Per Limited Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic Cash distributions per common unit (in dollars per unit) Cash distributions per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit) Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Due from Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable and other receivables, gross Accounts payable, gross Due to Related Parties, Current Early Repayment of Senior Debt Early redemption of senior notes Loss on early redemption of senior notes Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Effect of translation adjustment on cash Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Matters Environmental Expense and Liabilities [Abstract] Environmental Equity Method Investee [Member] Other Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership interest (as a percent) Equity Method Investments Investments in unconsolidated entities Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method of Accounting Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Investments in entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Fair Value Recurring Fair Value Measures Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Roll forward of Level 3 Net Asset Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Recurring Fair Value Measures Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 (liability) Transfers out of Level 3 (asset) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2014 Future amortization expense first full fiscal year Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Estimated amortization expense for the five full or partial calendar years Estimated amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible assets Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite Lived Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Average Depreciable Life Estimated Useful Lives Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract] Currency Exchange Rate Risk Hedging: Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract] Foreign Currency Transactions Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized (Gain)/loss on foreign currency revaluation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign currency derivatives Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Gain (loss) on sale of various property and equipment Gain (loss) on disposition of assets Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on early redemption of senior notes General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses General Partner Distributions Cash distributions paid to General Partner - 2% General Partner [Member] General Partner General partner General Partners' Capital Account General partner General Partners' Contributed Capital General Partner Contribution Goodwill. Goodwill Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Acquisitions Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill disclosures Goodwill [Roll Forward] Changes in goodwill Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Gross Profit Segment profit Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Amount of Impairment Loss Impairment charges - predominantly related to assets taken out of service Losses on impairment of assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Incentive Distribution, Distribution Cash distribution paid to General Partner - Incentive Incentive Distribution Made to Managing Member or General Partner [Line Items] Incentive Distribution Made to Managing Member or General Partner Quarterly Distribution Incentive Distribution, Managing Member or General Partner [Abstract] Net Income attributable to Plains Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Income before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest INCOME BEFORE TAX Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Income taxes, net of amounts refunded Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Total income tax (benefit)/expense Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Trade accounts receivable and other Trade accounts receivable and other Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Change in restricted cash Restricted cash in escrow for acquisitions Release of restricted cash previously held in escrow Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Interest Costs Capitalized Interest expense, capitalized interest Capitalized interest Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense (net of capitalized interest of $11, $9, $30 and $27, respectively) Interest Expense [Member] Interest expense Interest Paid, Net Interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contracts Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] Interest Rate Risk Hedging Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swaps Inventory, Net Inventory Inventory, Noncurrent Long-term inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Linefill, Base Gas and Long-term Inventory Inventory Write-down Non-cash charges related to the write-down of inventory Inventory valuation adjustments IPO [Member] IPO Leases [Abstract] Future non-cancelable commitments related to various operating and capital leases Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Outstanding letters of credit Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and partners' capital Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest General partner ownership interest (as a percent) Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Ownership interest (as a percent) Limited partner ownership interest (as a percent) Limited Partner [Member] Common Units Limited Partner Limited Partners' Capital Account Common unitholders (342,950,166 and 335,283,874 units outstanding, respectively) Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount Cash distributions paid to common unit holders Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Common unitholders, units outstanding (in units) Balance (in units) Balance (in units) Units outstanding (in units) Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Credit facility, interest rate (as a percent) Maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit [Member] Credit Facilities Credit agreements Line of Credit, Current Credit Facility, Current Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term debt: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Maturities Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2014 Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Long-term debt under credit facilities Notes and Loans, Noncurrent Total Notes Payable, Noncurrent Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $15 and $15, respectively Senior notes, net of unamortized discounts Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value Natural resources contamination - settlement paid Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Estimated maximum fines and penalties for alleged violations Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Expected maximum settlement amount Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Number of cases filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Major Customers [Axis] Margin Deposit Assets Initial margin Maturities of Senior Debt Repayments of senior notes Senior notes repaid Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Beginning balance Ending Balance Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distribution to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling interests in partners' capital Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling interests, ownership percentage of noncontrolling owners Ownership interest (as a percent) Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Changes in the noncontrolling interests in partners' capital Name of Major Customer [Domain] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLAINS Net income attributable to Plains Net Income Attributable to Plains Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners GENERAL PARTNER Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners LIMITED PARTNERS Net income available to limited partners Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic 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, Diluted 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), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities: Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Long Lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE) Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amount of outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional amount of interest rate derivatives Number of Businesses Acquired Number of additional acquisitions completed (in entities) Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Number of outstanding interest rate swaps (in contracts) Operating segments number Number of Operating Segments Offering Costs, Partnership Interests Costs Office Equipment [Member] Office property and equipment Operating Costs and Expenses Field operating costs Operating Income (Loss) OPERATING INCOME Operating income/(loss) Operating income Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals Expenditures related to leases Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments. Organization and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Basis of Presentation Other Asset Impairment Charges Impairments of long-lived assets primarily related to Pier 400 terminal project and anticipated sale of certain refined products pipeline systems and related assets Impairments of long-lived assets Other Assets, Net Other Assets, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Net Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Other, net Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] OTHER ASSETS Other Assets, Net Other Commitment Total Other Commitment, Due after Fifth Year Thereafter Other Commitment, Due in Fifth Year 2017 Other Commitment, Due in Fourth Year 2016 Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months 2013 Other Commitment, Due in Second Year 2014 Other Commitment, Due in Third Year 2015 Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Other commitments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Total period activity Other comprehensive income/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other comprehensive income/(loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Deferred gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges Other Current Assets [Member] Other current assets Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Long-term debt under credit facilities and other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income, net Other Short-term Borrowings Other short-term debt Parent [Member] Partners' Capital Excluding Noncontrolling Interests Total Net Income Attributable to Plains Undistributed earnings allocated and distributions to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Partners' Capital Total partners' capital excluding noncontrolling interests Partners' capital excluding noncontrolling interests Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Distributions Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital Partners' Capital Account, Sale of Units Issuance of common units Net proceeds from Sale Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation Equity-indexed compensation expense Partners' Capital Account, Units, Period Increase (Decrease) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Period Increase (Decrease) Issuance of common units (in units) Units Issued Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sale of Units PAA common units issued (in common units) Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total partners' capital Balance Balance Partners Capital Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] PARTNERS' CAPITAL Partners' Capital and Distributions Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block] Partners' Capital and Distributions Other Partners' Capital, Other Other Partnership Income [Abstract] NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLAINS: Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Financing Activities Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other investing activities Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs capitalized during the period Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Costs incurred in connection with financing arrangements Payments of Financing Costs Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Investment in unconsolidated entities Contribution to fund continued development of pipeline system Additions to property, equipment and other Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Pipelines [Member] Pipelines and related facilities Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Units by Name [Axis] Preferred Units, Class [Domain] Price Risk Derivatives [Abstract] Commodity Price Risk Hedging: Private Placement [Member] Private Placement 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 Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Net proceeds from the issuance of common units (Note 9) Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Net proceeds from private placement on PNG common units Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes Issuance of senior notes Borrowings under credit agreements Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Net proceeds from the issuance of PNG common units Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other financing activities Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts Short-term borrowings related to cash overdraft Net borrowings under commercial paper program (Note 7) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from sales of assets Proceeds from sale of various property and equipment Total borrowings Proceeds from Short-term Debt Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME Net income Net Income Attributable to Plains Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Property and Equipment Property and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Components of property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Average Depreciable Life Estimated Useful Lives Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Accounts Receivable Receivables, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable and other receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries Receivable Probable recoveries from insurers and third parties recorded as a receivable Probable recoveries from insurers, net of deductibles Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Purchases and related costs Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transaction Related Party Transactions Related Party [Axis] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Repayments under credit agreements Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayments of Senior Debt Repayments of senior notes Debt instrument face value Total repayments Repayments of Short-term Debt Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted Cash Restricted Cash and Investments, Current [Abstract] Revenue from Related Parties Revenues Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenues Total revenues External Customers Revenues Revenues [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues and long lived assets attributable to geographic areas Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Intersegment Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Net proceeds received by PNG from sale of common units Sale of Stock, Name of Transaction [Domain] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Number of common units issued representing limited partner interest (in units) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Price per unit of common units issued Number of common units issued to Plains (in units) Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Merger Agreement Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Components of income tax expense Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Components of debt Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Amounts of gain/(loss) recognized in AOCI on derivatives (effective portion) Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Impact of derivative activities recognized in earnings Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of derivative assets and liabilities on condensed consolidated balance sheet Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest rate risk hedging Total cash distributions paid or to be paid Schedule of Distributions Made to Members or Limited Partners, by Distribution [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of differences between tax expense based on the statutory federal income tax rate and the entity's effective tax expense Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method of Accounting Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] 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 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Financial assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Components of intangible assets that have finite lives Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of goodwill by segment and changes during the period Schedule of Incentive Distribution Made to Managing Member or General Partner [Table] Schedule of Incentive Distributions Made to Managing Members or General Partners by Distribution [Table Text Block] Per unit cash distributions and the portion of the distributions representing an excess over the MQD Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Long-term debt maturities Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of equity compensation activity Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Open foreign currency exchange contracts Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Components of other assets, net of accumulated amortization Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Business acquisition fair value determination Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Information related to transactions with related parties Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment financial data Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Segment [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Operating Segments Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Segments Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating segment information Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment Total revenues of reportable segments Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenues: Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating Segments Senior Notes, Noncurrent Senior notes Total Senior Notes, Current Senior Notes, Current Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Other acquisitions Share-based Compensation Equity-indexed compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights Award vesting rights (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per unit LTIP Vesting Unit forfeitures (in units) Unit forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Cancelled or forfeited (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per unit) 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 Granted (in units) Unit issuance (in units) 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) Units outstanding (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, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 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, Vested in Period Vested (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement, by Share-based Payment Award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Unit forfeitures (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures Units granted (in units) Units granted (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Authorized grants (in units) Authorized grants (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Unit issuance (in units) Award Type [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Compensation Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Units tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations (in units) Units withheld for taxes (in units) Short-term debt: Short-term Debt [Abstract] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Site Contingency [Line Items] Environmental remediation disclosures Site Contingency, Nature of Contingency [Domain] Site Contingency [Table] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Letters of credit Standby Letters of Credit Business Segments [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Unit split conversion ratio Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Units issued in connection with the settlement of vested awards, net of tax withholding (in units) Issuance of common units under LTIP (in units) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross LTIP awards, issued (in units) Issuance of common units under LTIP (in units) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of common units under LTIP Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] 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] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Debt issue costs Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING (in units) Basic weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS OUTSTANDING (in units) Diluted weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units) Weighted Average Number Diluted Limited Partnership Units Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average LTIP units (in units) Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Write off of debt issuance cost CANADA Canada UNITED STATES United States Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Legal Entity [Axis] Inventory hedged (in barrels, Mcf or megawatt hours) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount 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. 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 Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Assets The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to noncurrent assets. Purchase price allocation: Business and physical assets 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. 2010 Acquisitions Acquisitions in 2010 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to acquisitions made in 2010. Acquisitions in 2011 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to acquisitions made in 2011. 2011 Acquisitions Acquisitions in 2012 [Member] 2012 Acquisitions Represents information pertaining to the acquisitions made in 2012. Additional Average Spread Over LIBOR Percentage Additional average spread over LIBOR (as a percent) This element represents the percentage of additional interest rate over LIBOR for computation of interest rate swap. Level four annualized distribution threshold that must be reached for units to become earned. Annualized Distribution Level Four Annualized distribution level four (in dollars per unit) Level one annualized distribution threshold that must be reached for units to become earned. Annualized Distribution Level One Annualized distribution level one (in dollars per unit) Annualized distribution level three (in dollars per unit) Level three annualized distribution threshold that must be reached for units to become earned. Annualized Distribution Level Three Annualized distribution level two (in dollars per unit) Level two annualized distribution threshold that must be reached for units to become earned. Annualized Distribution Level Two 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 Annualized distribution threshold for vesting of DERs (in dollars per share) 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 Increase Number of Tranches Number of tranches for which annualized distribution threshold was increased Represents the number of tranches for which the annual distribution threshold was increased. Annualized Vesting Distribution Other Range [Member] Other ranges of annualized vesting distribution This element represents the other ranges of annualized distribution level. Area of land affected due to crude oil release (in acres) Represents the area of land affected due to release of crude oil. Area of Site Affected Due to Crude Oil Release Average Crude Oil Basis LLS and WTI Swaps 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. 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. 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. Awards with Vesting Date August 2018 [Member] Awards with a vesting date of August 2018 Represents long-term incentive plan awards with a vesting date of August 2018. Represents long-term incentive plan awards with a vesting date of August 2019. Awards with Vesting Date August 2019 [Member] Awards with a vesting date of August 2019 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. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Line Items] Basic and Diluted Net Income 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 Bay Area Air Quality Management District [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Bay Area Air Quality Management District Notices for Alleged Violations Bay Springs Pipe line [Member] Bay Springs Pipeline Represents the Bay Springs Pipeline, Mississippi. BP NGL Acquisition [Member] BP NGL Acquisition Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of BP Canada Energy Company. Business Acquisition Aggregate Capacity of Crude Oil Rail Terminals Acquired Aggregate capacity of rail terminals acquired (in barrels per day) Represents the aggregate capacity of rail terminals acquired in a business combination, expressed in barrels per day. Business Acquisition, Aggregate Capacity of Fractionation Plants Acquired Annualized NGL fractionation volumes of plants acquired (in barrels per day) Represents the aggregate capacity of fractionation plants acquired in a business combination, expressed in barrels per day. Business Acquisition Aggregate Capacity of Straddle and Field Gas Processing Plants Acquired Aggregate capacity of straddle and field gas processing plants acquired (in Mcf per day) Represents the aggregate capacity of straddle and field gas processing plants acquired in a business combination, expressed in Bcf per day. Business Acquisition, Contractual Rights Related to NGL Pipelines Acquired Contractual rights related to NGL pipelines acquired (in miles) Represents the contractual rights related to the NGL pipelines acquired in business combination, expressed in miles of pipeline. 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. The volumes of inventory acquired in a business acquisition. Inventory (volumes in barrels) Business Acquisition, Inventory Volumes Represents the long-term and seasonal NGL inventories acquired in a business combination, expressed in barrels. Business Acquisition Long Term and Seasonal Inventories Acquired Long-term and seasonal NGL inventories acquired (in barrels) Net usable NGL storage capacity acquired (in barrels) Represents the NGL storage capacity acquired in business combination, expressed in barrels. Business Acquisition, NGL Storage Capacity Acquired Business Acquisition, Number of Field Gas Processing Plants Acquired Number of field gas processing plants acquired Represents the number of field gas processing plants acquired in a business combination. Business Acquisition, Number of Fractionation Plants Acquired Number of fractionation plants acquired Represents the number of fractionation plants acquired in a business combination. 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. Business Acquisition, Number of Rail Cars under Long Term Leases Acquired Number of rail cars under long-term leases acquired Represents the number of rail cars under the long-term leases acquired in a business combination. Represents the number of straddle plants acquired in a business combination. Business Acquisition, Number of Straddle Plants Acquired Number of straddle plants acquired 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 Business Acquisition, Number of Transactions Completed Number of transactions completed Represents the number of transactions completed during the period. Business Acquisition, Number of Truck Terminals, Acquired Number of truck terminals acquired This element represents the number of truck terminals acquired in business acquisition. 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. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Base Gas The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to base gas. Base Gas 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 The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to environmental liability. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation Environmental Liability Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Imputed Interest Imputed interest The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to imputed interest. Purchase price allocation: Inventory and other working capital adjustments Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Inventory and Other Working Capital The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to inventory and other working capital adjustments. Linefill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation Linefill The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to linefill. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Long Term Inventory Long-term inventory The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to long term inventory. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Working Capital Including Cash Acquired Other working capital (including cash acquired) The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to working capital including cash acquired. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Working Capital, Net of Cash Acquired The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to working capital net of cash acquired. 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. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Working Capital Working capital The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to working capital. Escrowed purchase price Represents the amount of the purchase price that was escrowed at closing. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Escrowed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Escrowed, Percentage Percentage of remaining purchase price Represents the remaining percentage of purchase price that was escrowed at closing. Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners Pro forma, limited partner interest in net income attributable to Plains The pro forma net Income or Loss for the period as if the business combination or combinations allocated to limited partners. Represents the throughput capacity of a third-party straddle plant with which a long-term supply contract is held through a business combination, expressed in Bcf per day. Business Acquisition Throughput Capacity of Third Party Straddle Plant Long Term Contract Acquired Throughput capacity of third-party straddle plant long-term contract acquired (in Mcf per day) Represents the derivative instruments consisting of butane, which hedge subsequent product sales. Butane Position Contracts Related to Subsequent Sale of Product [Member] Short Butane position related to subsequent sale of products 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 Butte Pipeline Company [Member] 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 Expenditure Capital expenditures Expenditures made during the period to acquire and/or expand fixed assets. Capital expenditures made to expand the existing earnings capacity of our assets are considered expansion capital expenditures, not maintenance capital. 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. Represents the information pertaining to Capline and associated Tankage. Capline And associated Tankage Capline and Associated Tankage [Member] Number of cases filed The total number of cases filed. Cases Filed Number 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. Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified in Year Two and Three Gain expected to be reclassified to earnings prior to 2016 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 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 Approximate reduction in depreciation expense due to depreciable life extensions 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. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Represents subset of the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Components [Domain] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income include: deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Attributes of the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Class B 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. Represents the information pertaining to common units and Series A subordinated units. Common Unit and Series A Subordinated Unit [Member] Common and Series A Subordinated Unit Subtotal Common Units [Member] Common Units Represents activity related to common units which are a type of ownership interest in a corporation. Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit [Table] Schedule reflecting the computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit. ConocoPhillips Company [Member] Represents the information pertaining to ConocoPhillips Company. ConocoPhillips Company Consolidation Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary Parent Ownership Interest Changes Purchase of Interest by Parent Shares Issued or Issuable PAA common units expected to be issued in exchange for outstanding PNG common units Represents the units issued or issuable by the parent in exchange for all equity interests in a subsidiary owned by other than the parent entity. Schedule of changes made to holdings in limited partner units of PNG result of modification If the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary changes during the period, this element may be used for the complete disclosure requirement to present a separate schedule showing the effects of any changes in a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary on the equity attributable to the parent. Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Modification, Net [Table Text Block] 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] Represents the number to be divided into the amount in cubic feet of natural gas volumes in order to convert the volumes to barrels. Number used to divide into natural gas volumes to convert to barrels Conversion Natural Gas to Crude Barrels Divisor This element represents the number of consecutive quarters for which a quarterly cash distribution is paid. Number of consecutive quarters of cash distribution Conversion of Subordinated Units, Number of Consecutive Quarters of Distribution Required This element represents the number of consecutive quarters for which there is sufficient cash to pay quarterly distribution. Number of consecutive quarters of cash sufficiency Conversion of Subordinated Units, Number of Consecutive Quarters of Distribution Sufficiency Required This element represents the number of consecutive years for which the distribution and earnings thresholds must be met for four non-overlapping a quarterly periods. Number of consecutive years for which the distribution and earnings thresholds must be met for four consecutive non-overlapping quarters Conversion of Subordinated Units Number of Consecutive Years of Reaching Required Thresholds Conversion of Subordinated Units Number of Non Overlapping Quarters of Distribution and Earnings Thresholds Required This element represents the number of non-overlapping quarters for which a quarterly cash distribution is paid and earnings thresholds are met. Number of non-overlapping quarters for which cash distribution and earnings thresholds must be met Conversion of Subordinated Units, Number of Units to be Converted This element represents the number of series one subordinated units to be converted into another series on satisfaction of some operational and financial conditions. Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units This element specifies the terms of conversion of subordinated units into common units. Conversion of subordinated units, terms Conversion of Subordinated Unit to Common Units Terms Costs Reimbursed to General Partner Costs reimbursed to general partner Cost reimbursements made to the general partner of the entity. Extension period Credit Extension Period Extension period subject to approval Period for which credit facility or term loan was extended under the credit agreement. Crude oil and condensate pipeline (in miles) Represents the length of crude oil and condensate pipeline in miles. Crude Oil and Condensate Pipeline Miles Represents the derivative instruments in spread position for crude oil and gas futures and swaps. Crude Oil and Gas Spread Positions [Member] Butane/WTI spread positions 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] Crude Oil Basis LLS and WTI Swaps Differential Hedges [Member] Represents the derivative instruments consisting of LLS/WTI crude oil basis swaps, which hedge anticipated sales of crude oil. LLS/WTI crude oil basis swaps Crude Oil Contract [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a net short position for crude oil. PLA crude oil net short position Crude Oil Futures and Swaps Long Call Option [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a long call option position. PLA Crude oil long call option position 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 Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Debt to EBITDA Acquisition Period Maximum Ratio of debt-to-EBITDA during acquisition period, maximum 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. 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 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. Depreciation and amortization (Note 15) Broker receivable Cash collateral paid Derivative Asset Collateral Obligation to Return Cash Offset Amount of obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative assets. Cash Collateral Paid/(Received) Derivative Liability Collateral Right to Reclaim Cash Offset Amount of right to receive cash collateral under master netting arrangements offset against derivative liabilities. Represents the derivative instruments of swaps, which hedge anticipated purchases of diesel fuel. Diesel Fuel [Member] Swaps for anticipated purchases of Diesel Fuel 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. Distribution equivalent right payments made and obligations for future payments. Distribution equivalent right payments Distribution Equivalent Right Payments Distribution Equivalent Rights Cash Payments DER cash payments Aggregate cash payments made towards distribution equivalent rights during the reporting period that have been earned by satisfying service and performance requirements. 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 Distributions and Excess over Minimum Quarterly Distribution [Domain] Disclosure of per unit incentive cash distributions declared and paid to the general partner during the accounting period, including the disclosure of the per unit excess over minimum quarterly distributions ("MQD"). Distributions and Excess over Minimum Quarterly Distributions [Axis] Disclosure of per unit incentive cash distributions declared and paid to the general partner during the accounting period, including the disclosure of the per unit excess over minimum quarterly distributions ("MQD"). 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 Distribution Vesting Threshold One [Member] Distribution threshold one Represents the long-term incentive plan awards that vest upon achieving distribution threshold one. Distribution Vesting Threshold Three [Member] Distribution threshold three Represents the long-term incentive plan awards that vest upon achieving distribution threshold three. Distribution threshold two Represents the long-term incentive plan awards that vest upon achieving distribution threshold two. Distribution Vesting Threshold Two [Member] Document and Entity Information Eagle Ford Bakken and Niobrara [Member] Eagle Ford, Bakken and Niobrara Represents information pertaining to the crude oil rail loading terminals located in Eagle Ford, Bakken and Niobrara. Emission reduction credits Emission Reduction Credits [Member] Intangible assets representing the value of the entity's capitalized costs related to acquiring emission credits. 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. Rainbow Pipeline total release costs, excluding lost revenue Represents the subsequent revised total costs associated with the release (excluding lost revenue) based on costs incurred, as well as additional information concerning requirements for environmental restoration and remediation. Environmental Loss Contingency Estimate of Total Costs Excluding Lost Revenue Rainbow Pipeline total release costs, including lost revenue Represents the initial estimated total costs, including the lost revenue associated with the release, and excluding insurance recoveries, fines and penalties. Environmental Loss Contingency Estimate of Total Costs Including Lost Revenue Environmental Remediation Cash Expenditures Period in Years 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 costs borne by the seller of a business acquired by the reporting entity 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 Number of truck terminals for which an EPA request for information was received The number of truck terminals for which an Environmental Protection Agency request for information was received. EPA Request for Information, Number of Truck Terminals Equity Awards [Member] Equity Awards Incentive compensation equity awards awarded to employees consisting of a stated number of phantom shares or units. Equity Compensation Plan Fair Value Amortization Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization [Abstract] 2017 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 2016 Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2013 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. 2015 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 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 2014 Equity Based Compensation Plan Class B [Policy Text Block] AAP LP Class B Units Equity Compensation Disclosure of accounting policy for equity-based compensation plan of the general partner associated with Class B units. Equity Based Compensation Plan Class B Units of Plains AAPLP [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the class B units of Plains AAP, L.P. reported by a business entity. AAP LP Class B Units Estimated Potential Cost of Environmental Remediation Estimated potential cost of environmental remediation The amount of potential cost of environmental remediation as related to a particular environmental action. This amount is only an approximation and may be higher or lower depending on the nature and extent of cleanup. Estimated Potential Cost of Environmental Remediation Allocated PAA's share of estimated potential cost of environmental remediation as relates to a particular environmental action. This amount is only an approximation and may be higher or lower depending on the nature and extent of the cleanup. PAA's share of estimated potential cost of environmental remediation Estimated Size of Release Estimated size of release (in barrels) Represents the estimated size of the pipeline release. Estimated volume of crude oil released (in barrels) Represents the current estimated volume of crude oil released. Estimated Volume of Crude Oil Released Expense for Withholding Taxes This element represents the amount of expense during the current period for withholding taxes. Canadian withholding tax Fair Value Assets, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] 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. Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Settlements Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs, Reconciliation, Recurring Basis Asset (Liabilities) Settlements 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 Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis Derivative, Net Asset (Liability) Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings The total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from the derivative net asset/liability balance measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which are included in earnings or resulted in a changed in net asset/liability balance. Included in earnings 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). Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis Derivative, Net Asset (Liability) Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income The total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from the derivative net asset/liability balance measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity). Included in other comprehensive income The derivative net asset/liability balance measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. Beginning Balance Ending Balance Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs, Reconciliation Recurring Basis Derivative, Net Asset (Liability) Value Transfers out of Level 3 (asset) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers, Net Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers, Net Amount of transfers of financial instrument classified as a derivative asset (liability) after deduction of derivative liability (asset) into (out of) level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Field Operating Costs and General and Administrative Expenses 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 Field Operating Segment [Member] Costs related to site and field operations during the period. 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 swaps (30-year) Fixed rate senior notes Fixed Rate Senior Notes [Member] Represents the fixed rate senior notes. 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. Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate of USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00. Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.00 [Member] Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00 Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange USD for CAD at the rate of USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00, which is maturing in 2014. Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.00 Maturing in 2014 [Member] Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange USD for CAD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00 maturing in 2014 Foreign exchange forward contract that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00 maturing in 2013 Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate of USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00, which is maturing in 2013. Foreign Exchange Forward Contract at the Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.00 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 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 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 Contract at The Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 [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 1.04 Maturing in 2014 [Member] 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 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 Contract at The Rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.06 Maturing in 2015 [Member] 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 tt 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 Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.03 maturing in 2014. 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 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 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 1.04 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 1.04 maturing in 2015. 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 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 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 Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.06 Maturing in 2014 [Member] Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.06 maturing in 2014 Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.06 maturing in 2014. Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.07 maturing in 2015. Foreign exchange forward contracts that exchange CAD for USD at the rate USD 1.00 to CAD 1.07 maturing in 2015 Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts at the Rate CAD 1.00 to USD 1.07 Maturing in 2017 [Member] Foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 2013 Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts, which is maturing in 2013. Foreign Exchange Forward Contract Maturing in 2013 [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Contract Maturing in 2014 [Member] Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts, which is maturing in 2014. Foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 2014 Represents the foreign exchange forward contracts, which is maturing in 2015. Foreign exchange forward contracts maturing in 2015 Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Maturing in 2015 [Member] Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at Foreign Statutory Rate Income tax at statutory rate 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 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 Swap [Member] 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 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 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 The difference between the sale price and book value of linefill that was sold during the reporting period. Gain (Loss) on Sale of Linefill Gain on sale of linefill 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 (loss) on discontinued cash flow hedge reclassified to other income/(expense), net during the year The amount of gain reclassified into other income/(expense), net in the period when cash flow hedge is discontinued because it is probable that the original forecasted transactions will not occur by the end of the original period or an additional two month time period. Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring Reclassified to Other Income (Expense) Net Gardendale Gathering System Acquisition Represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of Gardendale Gathering System. Gardendale Gathering System Acquisition [Member] 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. General partner's incentive distribution The percentage of the distribution amount over the threshold that the general partner is entitled to as incentive distributions. General Partner Incentive Distribution Percentage Percent of distribution amount to the general partner above threshold as incentive distributions 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. General Partner Ownership Interest in Net Income (Loss) after Incentive Distribution General partner 2% ownership The general partner's ownership allocation of net income attributable to the parent after the incentive distribution is paid. Goodwill [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for goodwill. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill. Goodwill Purchase price accounting adjustments and other 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 Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding Class B Units: Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding Class B Units [Roll Forward] Hedged Transactions No Longer Probable [Member] Hedged Transactions no longer probable Derivative instruments whose anticipated hedged transactions are no longer being considered probably of occurring. Inactive Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturing in 2012 [Member] Represents PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility which will was scheduled to mature in 2012 but was terminated in July 2012. Terminated PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing in July 2012 Represents the 364-day senior unsecured credit facility that was originated in December 2011 and currently has not been activated. Terminated PAA senior unsecured 364-day revolving credit agreement Inactive Three Hundred Sixty Four Day Senior Unsecured Credit Facility [Member] Income Not Subject to Foreign Tax Partnership earnings not subject to current Canadian tax The earnings of the entity which are not subject to foreign enacted tax laws. 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 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 in net deferred taxes liabilities Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in net deferred taxes liability. Increase (Decrease) in Net Deferred Tax Liability Interest Expense Hedged Inventory Interest expense related to hedged inventory The interest expense incurred related to hedged inventory, which is included in segment profit. Inventory [Axis] Amount of inventories held by the entity, by inventory type. Inventory by Category [Abstract] Inventory by category 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 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 disclosures 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. Inventory [Line Items] Inventory Related Disclosures [Abstract] Inventory-related disclosures Schedule disclosing the various components of inventory. Inventory [Table] Inventory Type [Domain] Types of inventories held by the entity in a schedule of inventories. Inventory, Volumes (in barrels or in Mcf) The volume of current inventory as of the balance sheet date. Inventory, Volumes Current 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) The volume of noncurrent inventory as of the balance sheet date. Long-term inventory, Volumes (in barrels or Mcf) Inventory, Volumes, Noncurrent Inventory, Weighted Average Price Per Unit, Current The weighted-average price per unit of current inventory. Inventory, Price/Unit of measure (in dollars per unit) 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) Number of common units issued at closing of the IPO pursuant to the full exercise of the Underwriter's over-allotment option IPO, Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued at Closing over Allotment Option The number of shares issued or sold by the subsidiary or equity method investee per stock transaction at closing of the IPO pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. Kemp River Pipeline Release [Member] Kemp River Pipeline Release Represents the Kemp River Pipeline located in Northern Alberta, Canada. Land and Other [Member] This element represents the real estate assets held for productive use and related non-depreciable assets. Land and other Represents the Length of pipeline isolated and depressurized to conduct clean-up operations. Length of Pipeline Isolated and Depressurized Length of Pipeline Isolated and Depressurized (in miles) 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 Liability Awards [Member] Liability Awards Incentive compensation liability awards awarded to employees consisting of a stated number of phantom shares or units. 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 Linefill and Base Gas Volumetric Ratio of Mcf of Natural Gas to Btu Minimum Represents the minimum ratio of Mcf of natural gas to crude Btu. Ratio of Mcf of natural gas to crude Btu 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. Line of Credit Facility, Period for Activation of Facility Period for activation of credit facility Represents the period for activation of credit facility. This element represents the tenure of the line of credit facility. Tenure of credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Tenure of Facility Long Position on Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Long natural gas position for natural gas purchases Represents derivative instruments consisting of long natural gas futures contracts related to purchase of natural gas. Long Power Position for Power Supply Contracts [Member] Long power position for power supply requirements Represents the derivative instruments consisting of long power positions which hedge a portion of power supply requirements. 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 Excluded from Calculation of Maturities Long-term obligations and excluded from aggregate maturities. Other long-term obligations excluded from debt maturities Commitment to environmental project Represents the commitment to an environmental project. Loss Contingency Commitment for Environment Project Penalty or fines assessed Loss Contingency Penalty Assessed Represents penalty or fine assessed on the entity in connection with an environmental matter. Provision for penalty paid as a result of decree that was approved by the court. Loss Contingency Provision for Penalty Paid Provision for penalty paid Capital expenditures made during the period for the replacement of partially or fully depreciated assets in order to maintain the service capability, level of production, and/or functionality 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 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. 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 The maximum original maturity period of investments which are considered as cash equivalents. Maximum Maturity of Cash Equivalent Investments Period Maximum original maturity period of cash equivalent investments 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 2012 Continuous Offering Program May 2012 Continuous Offering Program [Member] Represents equity distribution agreement pursuant to which issue and sell common units through sales agent under May 2012 continuous offering program. 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. Working gas storage capacity (in MMcf) Minimum Working Gas Storage Capacity This element represents the minimum working gas storage capacity placed into service considered as performance threshold for conversion of subordinated units. 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. 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 Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Gulf Opportunity Zone Industrial Development Revenue Bonds Series 2010 [Member] 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 Modification of Holdings by Tranche [Axis] The division of modification of holdings by tranches. Modification of Holdings by Tranche [Domain] The division of modification of holdings by different tranches. This element represents modifications made in the series of units as per the amendment and restatement agreement. Modification (in units) Modification of Holdings, Units Modified This element represents the number of units after the modification in series of units. Post Modification (in units) Modification of Holdings Units, Post Modification Modification of Holdings Units Prior to Modification This element represents the number of units prior to modification in series of units. Prior to Modification (in units) The inventory subcategory of natural gas. Natural Gas [Member] Natural gas Natural resources contamination - damages settled The settlement amount of litigation damages. Natural Resources Contamination Damages Settled Net Cash (Paid) Received for Terminated Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Hedging Instruments Settlement of terminated interest rate and foreign currency hedging instruments The net cash received (paid) for 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 Income (Loss) Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic and Diluted Net Income per Limited Partner Unit 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 Net 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 borrowings/(repayments) under PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Note 7) Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short Term Letter of Credit and Hedged Inventory Facility The net cash inflow (outflow) due to borrowings (repayments) on the short-term letter of credit and hedged inventory facility. Net borrowings/(repayments) under PAA senior secured hedged inventory facility (Note 7) The net cash inflow (outflow) due to borrowings (repayments) on credit facilities of a consolidated subsidiary of the entity. Net borrowings/(repayments) under PNG credit agreement (Note 7) Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Subsidiary Credit Facilities Net short spread position hedging anticipated crude oil lease gathering purchases Net Short Spread Position on Anticipated Crude Oil Lease Gathering Purchase Contracts [Member] Represents the derivative instruments utilized to hedge anticipated crude oil lease gathering purchases. Nexen Acquisition [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Nexen Holdings U.S.A. Inc. Nexen Acquisition NGL The inventory subcategory of natural gas liquids (NGL). NGL [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 Net derivative positions per day (in barrels) Derivative hedges to manage the risk of not utilizing storage capacity (in barrels per month) Aggregate notional volume of commodity price risk derivatives to hedge the risk of not utilizing storage capacity, represented in barrels per month. Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives Hedged to Manage the Risk of Not Utilizing Non Officer Employee Long Term Incentive Tracking Unit Plan Non Officer Employee Long Term Incentive Tracking Unit Plan [Member] Represents the long-term incentive tracking unit plan offered to the non-officer employees of the entity. Number of Additional Businesses Acquired The number of additional businesses acquired by the entity during the period, which are not separately disclosed due to materiality. Number of additional acquisitions completed (in entities) Number of PAA common units issuable for each outstanding common unit of PNG Number of common units of the reporting entity which each outstanding common unit of the subsidiary other than that owned by the reporting entity will have the right to receive when canceled under the plan of merger. Number of Common Units of Reporting Entity Issuable by Right To Receive Per Share of Subsidiary Owned 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 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. 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. Number of Events Resulting in Release of Condensate Number of events occurred Represents the number of events resulting in a pipeline release. Number of interest rate swaps that terminate in August 2014 (in contracts) Number of Interest Rate Swaps Terminate in August 2014 The number of interest rate swaps that 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 Number of Potential Conversion Tranches after Amended and Restated Agreement The number of potential conversion tranches after the occurrence of an amended and restated agreement. Number of potential conversion tranches, after Second Amended and Restated Agreement Number of Potential Conversion Tranches before Amended and Restated Agreement The number of potential conversion tranches before the occurrence of an amended and restated agreement. Number of potential conversion tranches, before Second Amended and Restated Agreement 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. Number of Term Loans Number of term loans Represents the number of term loans. Represents the period for which sourcing services for gas supply will be provided, following the closing of the acquisition. Number of Years Sourcing Services for Gas Supply will be Provided after Acquisition Number of years sourcing services for gas supply will be provided after acquisition 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 Offsetting [Abstract] Netting Adjustment: Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Line Items] Derivative and financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Table] Disclosure of information about derivative and financial assets/(liabilities) that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements. Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Derivative Asset Positions Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Derivative Liability Positions Oil and Gas Terminal Location [Domain] Represents information by location of crude oil rail terminals. 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. Other 2010 Acquisitions [Member] Represents the information pertaining to other acquisitions made in 2010. Other 2010 Acquisitions Other Acquisitions 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 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 for an equity investee. Other Comprehensive Income, Partnership's Portion of Equity Investee Other Consolidated Equity Compensation Information [Abstract] Other Consolidated Equity-Indexed Compensation Information Other Current Liabilities [Member] Current liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Other current liabilities Other Equity Offerings [Member] Represents other equity distributions, not associated with the Continuous Offering Programs. Other Equity Offerings 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 assets 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 income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Outstanding Units Earned Outstanding Units Earned [Roll Forward] Outstanding Units [Roll Forward] Outstanding PAA Natural Gas Storage Acquisition [Member] This element represents information pertaining to the acquisition of the remaining interest in PAA/Vulcan Gas Storage, LLC, (subsequently PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNGS)). PNGS Acquisition This element represents information pertaining to PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNGS), a subsidiary of Plains All American Pipeline, LP. PNGS PAA Natural Gas Storage [Member] Paa Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturing in 2014 [Member] Senior secured hedged inventory debt facility scheduled to mature in August 2014 Represents senior secured hedged inventory facility which was schedule to mature in August 2014. Pacific Atlantic Terminals LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Plains Products Terminals LLC (PPT), formerly known as Pacific Atlantic Terminals LLC (PAT), which was previously owned by ExxonMobil and GATX and was acquired during the Pacific merger. Plains Products Terminals LLC Pacific Energy Partners LP [Member] This element represents the information pertaining to the acquisition of Pacific Energy Partners LP. Pacific Pacific Pipeline System LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Pacific Pipeline System, LLC. Pacific Pipeline System, LLC 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] Outstanding units (in shares) Partners Capital Common Unit Holder Units Outstanding The number of limited partner common units outstanding. Increase in Parent's capital balance from issuance of additional shares to noncontrolling interest holders. Increase to partners' capital Partners Capital Increase from Subsidiary Stock Issuance The inventory subcategory of parts and supplies. Other Parts and Supplies [Member] Payments for Distributions to General Partner Distributions paid to general partner (Note 9) The cash outflow for distributions of earnings to the general partner. Represents the information pertaining to Pemex Exploraciony Produccion (PEP). Pemex Exploraciony Produccion (PEP) Pemex Exploraciony Produccion [Member] Percentage Decrease in Distribution Level Vesting Criteria Percentage of reduction in specified distribution level Represents the percentage decrease in the distribution level that must be reached for awards to vest. 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. Performance Thresholds [Abstract] Performance Thresholds 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) 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 Diluted net income per limited partner unit impact (in dollars per unit) 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 Plains Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC [Member] Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC The investment in Plains Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC, a crude oil company, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Plains GP Holdings LP [Member] PAGP This element represents information pertaining to Plains GP Holdings, LP (PAGP). Represents details pertaining to the PNG Class B units. Class B Units of PNGS GP LLC PNG Class B Units [Member] 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). PNGGO Bond Term Loans [Member] Represents the GO Zone term loan of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity, which is provided for under the PNG senior unsecured credit facility. PNG GO Bond term loans Represents the GO Zone term loan of PAA Natural Gas Storage, LLC (PNG), a subsidiary of the reporting entity, which is provided for under the PNG senior unsecured credit facility. PNG GO Zone term loans PNGGO Zone Term Loans [Member] PNG Long Term Incentive Plan Awards [Member] PNG LTIP Awards Represents PNG's long-term incentive plans offered to employees, directors and consultants of the entity. Represents PNG's long-term incentive plans offered to employees, directors and consultants of the entity. PNG Long Term Incentive Plans [Member] PNG Long Term Incentive Plan 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] 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 revolving credit facility 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] Portion of Series B subordinated units for which performance thresholds modified Represents the portion of units for which performance thresholds were altered by an amended and restated agreement. Portion of Units for which Performance Thresholds Modified Ownership interest (as a percent) Principal Owners Ownership Percentage Interest in General Partnership The ownership percentage interest held by the principal owners of the LP's general partnership. Principal Owners Ownership Percentage Interest in General Partnership Maximum Size of Smallest Owner Interest The smallest reportable ownership percentage interest held by the principal owners of the LP's general partnership. Ownership interest (as a percent) Proceeds from Sale of Linefill Proceeds from sale of pipeline linefill This element represents the cash inflow that is associated with sale of linefill during the reporting period. Property tax abatement Property Tax Abatement [Member] Intangible asset representing the value of the entity's property tax abatement. Equity interest in PNGS contributed to PNG (as a percent) Percentage of another subsidiary's stock contributed by parent company to the subsidiary or equity method investee undertaking the offering during stock transaction in exchange for units of stock and a general partner ownership percentage of the subsidiary or equity method investee. Purchase of Stock, Parent Percentage of Ownership in Subsidiary Contributed in Offering Purchases and related costs Purchases and Related Costs. 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 [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 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] Rail Terminal Location [Axis] Information by location of oil and gas terminal. Rainbow Rainbow Pipeline Company [Member] This element represents information pertaining to the acquisition of Rainbow Pipe Line Company. Represents the Rainbow pipeline located in Alberta, Canada. Rainbow pipeline Rainbow Pipeline [Member] Rangeland Pipeline Release [Member] Rangeland Pipeline Release Represents the Rangeland pipeline located near Sundre, Alberta, Canada. 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 Range of Annualized Vesting Distribution Amount Dollars from 1.35 to Dollars 1.55 [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 the entity's net income attributable to the parent. Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains Reduction in All Incentive Distributions The total reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid to the general partner related to acquisitions made. Reduction in incentive distributions related to acquisition, total 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 Reduction in Per Year Incentive Distribution Rights [Abstract] Reduction in incentive distribution rights Reduction Per Year in Incentive Distribution Rights Thereafter Thereafter 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. 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 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. 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 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. Ownership interest in general partner of entity that was sold by a related party (as a percent) The percentage of ownership interest of related parties in the general partner of the entity that was sold during the period. Related Party, Ownership Interest in General Partner, Percentage Sold 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. Represents the information pertaining to Robinson Lake pipeline acquired as part of the Nexen Acquisition. Robinson Lake pipeline Robinson Lake Pipeline [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Rocky Mountain Pipeline System (RMPS), which was acquired during the Pacific merger. Rocky Mountain Pipeline System LLC (RMPS) Rocky Mountain Pipelines System LLC [Member] 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 Number of common units issued to Plains (in units) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued to Parent in Transaction The number of units issued to the parent by the subsidiary or equity method investee per stock transaction. Sale of Stock Percent of Equity Issued in Transaction The percent of equity issued or sold by the subsidiary or equity method investee per stock transaction. Percent of equity represented by common units (as a percent) Sales and Related Revenues 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 Supply and Logistics segment 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. Schedule of Capital Units Issued During Period [Table Text Block] Equity offerings of common units Disclosure of capital units issued in equity offerings during the period. 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. Schedule of Changes in Minority Interest in Partners Capital [Table Text Block] 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 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. Schedule of Long Lived Assets by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Long-lived assets attributable to geographical areas 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 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 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 the company's 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 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. Tabular disclosure of operational and financial benchmarks for conversion of series B subordinated units to series A subordinated units. Schedule of Operational and Financial Conditions Necessary for Conversion of Subordinated Units [Table Text Block] Operational and financial benchmarks for conversion of the Series B subordinated units into Series A subordinated units 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 Disclosure of reduction in incentive distributions related to acquisitions. Reduction in incentive distributions related to acquisitions Schedule of Reduction in Incentive Distributions Related to Acquisitions [Table Text Block] Revenues attributable to geographical areas 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] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Fair Value Amortization [Table Text Block] Equity compensation plan fair value amortization Disclosure that sets forth the estimated equity compensation plan fair value amortization to be recognized as an expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years. 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] Summary of Class B unit awards Summary of expense recognized and value of vesting related to equity-indexed compensation plans Disclosure that sets forth the equity compensation plan expense, the fair value of vesting (settled both in units and cash) related to the equity compensation plans, and the cash payments related to distribution equivalent rights for the period. Schedule of Share Based Payment Awards Expense [Table Text Block] Transportation segment revenues The segment of the entity pertaining to the transportation of crude oil and refined products. Transportation Segment Pipeline Tariff Activities Trucking [Member] The segment of the entity pertaining to the sale of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas storage. Supply and Logistics Segment Sales and Logistics [Member] Segment Storage Terminalling Processing [Member] The segment of the entity pertaining to the storing, terminalling and processing of crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas. Facilities Represents the 3.85 percent senior notes, which are due in 2023. Senior Notes Due 2023 at 3.85 Percent [Member] 3.85% senior notes due 2023 Senior Notes Due in August 2016 at 5.88 Percent [Member] Represents 5.88 percent senior notes, which are due in August 2016. 5.88% senior notes due August 2016 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. Represents 5.00 percent senior notes, which are due in February 2021. 5.00% senior notes due February 2021 Senior Notes Due in February 2021 at 5.00 Percent [Member] 6.13% senior notes due January 2017 Senior Notes Due in January 2017 at 6.13 Percent [Member] Represents 6.13 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2017. Senior Notes Due in January 2020 at 5.75 Percent [Member] Represents 5.75 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2020. 5.75% senior notes due January 2020 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 2037 at 6.65 Percent [Member] Represents 6.65 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2037. 6.65% senior notes due January 2037 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. Senior Notes Due in June 2015 at 5.25 Percent [Member] Represents 5.25 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2015. 5.25% senior notes due June 2015 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 May 2018 at 6.50 Percent [Member] Represents 6.50 percent senior notes, which are due in May 2018. 6.50% senior notes due May 2018 Senior Notes Due in May 2019 at 8.75 Percent [Member] Represents 8.75 percent senior notes, which are due in May 2019. 8.75% senior notes due May 2019 Senior Notes Due in May 2036 at 6.70 Percent [Member] Represents 6.70 percent senior notes, which are due in May 2036. 6.70% senior notes due May 2036 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 Notes Due in September 2015 at 6.25 Percent [Member] Represents 6.25 percent senior notes, which are due in September 2015. 6.25% senior notes due September 2015 Senior Secured Hedged Inventory Debt Facility [Member] Represents activity related to Senior secured hedged inventory credit facility. Senior secured hedged inventory facility PAA 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 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. Represents the Series A subordinated units that have a lower priority of repayment in liquidation of the entity's assets. Series A Subordinated Units Series A Subordinated Units [Member] Series B Subordinated Units Represents the Series B subordinated units that have a lower priority of repayment in liquidation of the entity's assets. Series B Subordinated Units Series B Subordinated Units [Member] 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 Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting of Earned Units Percentage Award vesting (as a percent) Represents the percentage of awards, which vests immediately upon becoming earned units. 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. Awards that will vest upon satisfaction of performance and/or service conditions (as a percent) 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) Share Based Compensation, Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Earned in Period 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, Equity Instruments Other than Option, Nonvested, Grant Date Fair Value Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding Class B Units, beginning balance The grant date fair value of outstanding units. Grant Date Fair Value of Outstanding Class B Units, ending balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Associated with Conversion Modified in Period The number of shares (or other type of equity) under an equity-based award plan pertaining to grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan) associated with the conversion of Series A and Series B subordinated units for which the vesting criteria was modified during the period. Phantom common units associated with the conversion of Series A and Series B subordinated units for which vesting criteria was modified (in units) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Earned Percentage Increments Increments (as a percent) Represents the percentage of total units held that will become earned upon achievement of each distribution level (or within one hundred and eighty days thereof). 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 Granted in Period Grant Date Fair Value 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 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) Outstanding at the ending of the period (in units) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in units) Reserved for future grants outstanding, ending balance (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) 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) 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 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 2016 (in units) Estimated unit vesting in 2013 (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 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 Estimated unit vesting in 2014 (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 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 The increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance under non-option equity instrument agreements due to shares that were cancelled as a result of occurrence of a terminating event. Unit forfeitures (in units) Share Based Compensation, Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Forfeited in Period Represents the annualized distribution threshold that must be met for the vesting of awards. 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 The impact to the number of outstanding awards due to a stock split during the period under the long-term incentive plans. Impact to number of unvested LTIP awards due to stock split Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Other Share Increase (Decrease) Stock Split Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Other Shares Available for Issuance Increase (Decrease) Stock Split Impact to number of units available for issuance under PAA LTIP The impact to the number of units available for issuance under the long-term incentive plans due to a stock split during the period. 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. 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 Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Vesting after Fifth Anniversary of Date of Grant Percentage Represents the percentage of awards, which vest immediately if the units become earned after the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Award vesting after the fifth anniversary of the date of grant (as a percent) Award vesting on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant (as a percent) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Vesting of Earned Units on Fifth Anniversary of Date of Grant Percentage Represents the percentage of earned awards, which vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. 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 Annualized distribution, low end of range (in dollars per unit) 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 quarterly distribution, high 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. Share Based Compensation Shares Outstanding under Equity Compensation Plans by Annualized Distribution Upper Range Limit 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 Natural Gas Position Related To Anticipated Natural Gas Sales [Member] Short swap position consisting of swaps related to anticipated sales of natural gas. Short natural gas position related to anticipated natural gas sales Short Position Contracts Related To Subsequent Sale of Product [Member] Short position related to anticipated sales of crude oil, NGL and refined products inventory Represents the derivative instruments in a net short spread position of calendar spread call options related to anticipated sales of crude oil, NGL and refined products inventory. Short Propane Position Contracts Related to Subsequent Sale of Product [Member] Short propane position related to subsequent sale of products Represents the derivative instruments consisting of short propane, which hedge subsequent product sales. Short Term Borrowings Repayment Period The period, in years, within which the short-term borrowings must be repaid. Repayment period SLC Pipeline This element represents the information pertaining to SLC Pipeline LLC. SLC Pipeline LLC [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 Southern Pines Acquisition [Member] 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. The upper limit of the issuance period for standby letters of credit, as stated in days. Standby Letter of Credit, Issuance Period, Upper Limit Issuance period for standby letters of credit, upper limit 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. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME St. James, Louisiana Represents information pertaining to the crude oil rail loading terminals located in St. James, Louisiana. St James Louisiana [Member] Storage capacity owned but not used in entity's transportation operations (in barrels) Volume of barrels of storage capacity owned but not used in the entity's transportation operations. Storage Capacity Owned but Not Used in Transportation Operations Storage, terminal and rail facilities Storage, Terminal and Rail Facilities [Member] 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. 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] Subordinated Unit Conversion Ratio The ratio applied to subordinated units for purposes of determining the number of other series of subordinated units that will be converted. Conversion ratio Subordinated Units Distribution Available Threshold Annualized The threshold annualized distribution amount that must be available to units with a higher priority before distributions can be made to the subordinated units. Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit) Minimum distribution on annualized basis (in dollars per unit) Subordinated Units Distribution Received Threshold Annualized The threshold annualized distribution amount that must be received by units with a higher priority before distributions can be made to the subordinated units. 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. Units purchased (in units) This element represents units purchased during the subsidiary equity issuance. Subsidiary Equity Issuance, Units Purchased The subsidiary's cash inflow from a general partner contribution made by the parent entity during the period. Subsidiary Proceeds from General Partner Contribution Contribution from general partner This element represents the number of units of the subsidiary owned by the parent. Subsidiary Units Owned PNG units owned by PAA (in units) 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 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. 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 Threshold for Disclosure Percentage Percentage required for qualification as major customer (as a percent) Threshold percentage which the entity uses for disclosure. Total Cost to Clean Up and Remediate Site before Insurance Recoveries Total cost to clean up and remediate the site, before insurance recoveries Represents the total cost to clean up and remediate the site, before insurance recoveries. Total Distribution Paid During Period Total distributions paid during the period The total cash 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. Represents the information pertaining to the tranche five of the modification of holdings. Tranche Five [Member] Tranche 5 Represents the information pertaining to the tranche four of the modification of holdings. Tranche Four [Member] Tranche 4 Represents the information pertaining to the tranche one of the modification of holdings. Tranche One [Member] Tranche 1 Represents the information pertaining to the tranche three of the modification of holdings. Tranche Three [Member] Tranche 3 Represents the information pertaining to the tranche two of the modification of holdings. Tranche Two [Member] Tranche 2 Represents the transfer of common units of subsidiary entity to noncontrolling interests in connection with the settlement of equity compensation awards. Number of common units transfer to noncontrolling interests in connection with the settlement of equity compensation awards (in shares) Number of common units transfer to noncontrolling interests in connection with the settlement of equity compensation awards (in shares) Transfer of Subsidiary Stock To Noncontrolling Interests in Settlement of Equity Compensation Awards Trucking Equipment and Other [Member] 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 Represents equity distribution to issue and sell common units to the public. Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Underwritten Equity Offering Total gains/(losses) for the period: Unrealized Gains and Losses Relating to Level 3 Derivatives [Abstract] USD Rail Terminal Acquisition [Member] USD Rail Terminal Acquisition Represents information pertaining to the acquisition of USD Rail Terminal. Variation Margin Paid Received Variation margin paid/(received) Additional margin paid (received) subsequent to the payment/receipt of initial margin. Vesting [Axis] Information by vesting type pertaining to equity-based compensation. Vesting [Domain] Vesting type pertaining to equity-based compensation. Volume of Crude Oil Recovered by Clean up Operations Volume of crude oil recovered by clean-up operations (in barrels) Represents the volume of estimated crude oil recovered by clean-up operations. The volume of operational storage capacity. Volumes of Operational Storage Capacity Volume of operational storage capacity (in barrels) 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] WTI Position Contracts Related to Subsequent Sale of Product [Member] Short WTI position related to subsequent sale of products Represents the derivative instruments consisting of WTI position, which hedge subsequent product sales.