Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Receivables, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable and other receivables, net Inventory, Net Inventory Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] OTHER ASSETS Goodwill. Goodwill Equity Method Investments Investments in unconsolidated entities 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 Inventory, Noncurrent Long-term inventory Other Assets, Noncurrent Other long-term assets, net Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL Liabilities, Current [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Debt, Current Short-term debt Total short-term debt Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Senior Notes, Noncurrent Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $16 and $18, respectively Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other long-term debt Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Commitments and Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 10) Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] PARTNERS' CAPITAL Limited Partners' Capital Account Common unitholders (397,680,214 and 375,107,793 units outstanding, respectively) General Partners' Capital Account General partner Partners' Capital Total partners' capital excluding noncontrolling interests Partners' Capital Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance, end of period Balance, beginning of period Total partners' capital Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and partners' capital Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Senior notes, unamortized discount Unamortized discount Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Balance, end of period (in units) Balance, beginning of period (in units) Common unitholders, units outstanding (in units) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Revenues [Abstract] REVENUES Revenue from the sale of crude oil, NGL and natural gas during the period. Sales and Related Revenues Supply and Logistics segment revenues Revenue from the transportation of crude oil and NGL on pipelines, gathering systems, trucks and barges during the period. Pipeline Tariff Activities Trucking and Related Revenues Transportation segment revenues Revenue from the storage, terminalling and throughput services for crude oil, refined products, NGL and natural gas, as well as NGL fractionation and isomerization services and natural gas and condensate processing services during the period. Storage Terminalling Processing and Related Revenues Facilities segment revenues Revenues Revenues Total revenues Costs and Expenses [Abstract] COSTS AND EXPENSES Cost of Goods and Services Sold Purchases and related costs Operating Costs and Expenses Field operating costs General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) OPERATING INCOME Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities Interest Expense Interest expense, net Interest expense (net of capitalized interest of $13, $10, $27 and $22, respectively) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income/(expense), net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest INCOME BEFORE TAX Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current income tax expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax benefit/(expense) Deferred income tax (benefit)/expense Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income NET INCOME Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA Net income attributable to PAA Partnership Income [Abstract] NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA: Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners LIMITED PARTNERS Net income/(loss) attributable to limited partners Net Income (Loss) Allocated to General Partners GENERAL PARTNER Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax BASIC NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT Basic net income/(loss) per limited partner unit Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted DILUTED NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT Diluted net income/(loss) per limited partner unit Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIMITED PARTNER UNITS OUTSTANDING Basic weighted average limited partner units outstanding Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIMITED PARTNER UNITS OUTSTANDING Diluted weighted average limited partner units outstanding Interest Costs Capitalized Interest expense, Capitalized interest CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income/(loss) Total period activity Other comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to PAA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Derivative Instruments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Translation Adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Net deferred gains (losses) from interest rate risk hedging included in AOCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Currency translation adjustments CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM 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: Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Equity-indexed compensation expense Equity-indexed compensation expense Inventory Write-down Inventory valuation adjustments Charge related to the write-down of inventory The difference between the sale price and book value of linefill and base gas that was sold during the reporting period. Gain (Loss) on Sale of Linefill and Base Gas Gain on sales of linefill and base gas Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Gain on foreign currency revaluation The net cash received (paid) for terminated hedging instruments. Net Cash (Paid) Received for Terminated Hedging Instruments Settlement of terminated interest rate hedging instruments Cash paid in connection with termination of interest rate derivatives Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Distributions from unconsolidated entities Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to property, equipment and other Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Investment in unconsolidated entities The cash inflow associated with the sale of linefill and base gas. Cash Received Related to Sales of Linefill and Base Gas Cash received for sales of linefill and base gas The cash outflow associated with the purchase of linefill and base gas. Cash Paid Related to Purchases of Linefill and Base Gas Cash paid for purchases of linefill and base gas Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from sales of assets Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Net borrowings/(repayments) under commercial paper program (Note 6) Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes (Note 6) Repayments of Senior Debt Repayments of senior notes (Note 6) Repayments of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Net proceeds from the issuance of common units (Note 7) Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Contributions from general partner Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Distributions paid to common unitholders (Note 7) Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Distributions paid to general partner (Note 7) Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Effect of translation adjustment on cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for: Interest Paid, Net Interest, net of amounts capitalized Income Taxes Paid, Net Income taxes, net of amounts refunded CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL Limited Partner [Member] Common Units General Partner [Member] General Partner Parent [Member] Partners' Capital Excluding Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Distributions Total distributions paid during the period Partners' Capital Account, Sale of Units Issuance of common units Issuance of common units, net proceeds Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sale of Units Issuance of common units (in units) Issuance of common units (in units) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of common units under LTIP Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of common units under LTIP (in units) Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Settlement of employee income tax withholding obligation under LTIP Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Settlement of employee income tax withholding obligation under LTIP (in units) Units withheld for taxes (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Unit-based Compensation Equity-indexed compensation expense Distribution equivalent right payments made and obligations for future payments. Distribution Equivalent Right Payments Distribution equivalent right payments Partners' Capital, Other Other Organization and Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Inventory, Linefill and Base Gas and Long-term Inventory The complete disclosure related to inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, linefill, and base gas and long-term inventory, the method of determining inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory. If inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory at the lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included. Inventory Linefill and Base Gas and Long Term Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory, Linefill and Base Gas and Long-term Inventory Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Partners' Capital and Distributions Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block] Partners' Capital and Distributions Derivatives and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives and Risk Management Activities Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Operating Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Segments Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Computation of basic and diluted net income/(loss) per limited partner unit 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. Schedule of Inventory Linefill and Base Gas and Long Term Inventory [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of debt Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution [Table Text Block] Schedule of distributions paid, net of reductions in the general partner's incentive distributions Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative disclosures Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of terms of forward starting interest rate swaps Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Open forward exchange contracts Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [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 on a gross basis Tabular disclosure of derivative and other financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements. Schedule of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Net deferred gain/(loss), including tax effects, recognized in AOCI for derivatives Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative financial assets and liabilities by level within the fair value hierarchy accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of changes in fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of activity for equity-indexed compensation plans Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Summary of expense recognized and the value of vested LTIP awards under equity-indexed compensation plans Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment financial data Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to PAA Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transaction Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of related party transactions Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table]