Partners' Capital Notes [Abstract] Partners' Capital and Distributions [Table] Partners' Capital and Distributions [Table] Disclosure reflecting information pertaining to Partners' Capital and related distributions. Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account by Class [Axis] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Limited Partners' Capital Account, Class [Domain] Series A Preferred Units Seriesa Preferred Units [Member] Series A preferred units representing limited partner interests in the entity that rank pari passu with Series B preferred units, and senior to our common units and to each other classes or series of our equity securities with respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation and are convertible into common units by the holder or the entity under certain conditions. Series B Preferred Units Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Partners Capital and Distributions Partners Capital and Distribution [Line Items] No definition available. Sale of Series A preferred units (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Private Placement Sale of units, price per unit (in dollars per unit) Partners' Capital Account, Sale of Units, Price Per Unit Price per unit of partnership interest sold during the period. Transaction fee due to purchasers Partners' Capital Account, Private Placement of Units, Transaction Fee Due to Purchasers, Percentage The percentage transaction fee due to purchasers of units of limited partnership interest issued in a private placement. Net proceeds from sale of Series A preferred units Partners' Capital Account, Private Placement of Units Quarterly distributions per unit (in dollars per unit) Preferred Units, Quarterly Distributions Per Unit The quarterly distributions per unit to which holders of the preferred units are entitled. Annualized distribution rate (in dollars per unit) Preferred Units, Annualized Distributions Per Unit The annualized distributions per unit to which holders of the preferred units are entitled. Series A preferred unit conversion ratio Preferred Units, Conversion Ratio Ratio applied to the conversion of preferred units into common units. Common unit closing price as a percentage of Issue Price, over which the entity has conversion option Preferred Units, Convertible, Threshold Percentage for Common Unit Price Trigger The closing price of the partnership's common units as a percentage of the Issue Price of the preferred units that must be exceeded for a certain period of days in order for the entity to convert the preferred units, subject to minimum time requirements and certain minimum conversion amounts. Period for closing price of common units to be above threshold, to trigger conversion option Preferred Units, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Threshold period of specified consecutive trading days for which the closing price of the partnership's common units must be above a specified level to trigger the conversion option by the entity. Period after fifth and subsequent anniversaries of issuance for Distribution Rate Resets Preferred Units, Period After Fifth and Subsequent Anniversaries for Distribution Rate Reset Period following the fifth and each subsequent anniversary of the issuance date of the preferred units, within which the holders of the preferred units may elect to reset the preferred unit distribution rate. Number of distribution rate reset elections allowed Preferred Units, Number of Distribution Rate Reset Elections Allowed The number of times the holders of the preferred units may elect to reset the preferred unit distribution rate. Distribution rate reset, basis spread on variable rate Preferred Units, Distribution Rate Reset, Basis Spread on Variable Rate The percentage points to be added to the applicable rate of the ten-year U.S. Treasury to calculate the new distribution rate on the preferred units if the holders elect to reset the distribution rate. Period after sixth anniversary of issuance, after which units may be redeemed if distribution rate has been reset Preferred Units, Period after Sixth Anniversary for Commencement of Redemption Option Period following the sixth anniversary of the issuance date of the preferred units, after which the entity may choose to redeem all or a portion of the outstanding preferred units, if the holders of the preferred units have exercised a distribution rate reset. Value of common units if exchanged for redemption of preferred units, as a percentage of average price Preferred Unit Redemption, Percentage of Common Unit Average Price The percentage of the volume-weighted average price of the partnership's common units for a specified trading period, at which such common units are valued if given in exchange for the redemption of the preferred units. Redemption price as a percentage of Issue Price Preferred Units, Redemption Price as a Percentage of Issue Price The price at which the preferred units may be redeemed, as a percentage of the issue price of the units. Sale of Series B preferred units (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering Net proceeds from the sale of Series B preferred units Partners' Capital Account, Public Sale of Units Liquidation preference (in dollars per unit) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Distribution rate percentage Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Distribution rate per unit Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount Percentage spread on top of LIBOR for distribution Distribution Percentage Spread Percentage spread that will be added to the then-current three-month LIBOR to determine the distribution that will be paid. Redemption price (in dollars per unit) Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Redemption price percentage Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Percentage Redemption price as a percentage of the liquidation preference. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Canada CANADA Geographic Data Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues Revenues Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenues Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Marathon Petroleum Corporation Marathon Petroleum Corporation [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Marathon Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries. ExxonMobil Corporation Exxon Mobil Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to Exxon Mobil Corporation and its subsidiaries. Phillips 66 Phillips66 Company [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Phillips 66 Company and its subsidiaries. Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk [Line Items] Major customer percentage of total revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Omnibus Agreement Omnibus Agreement [Member] An agreement entered into, in connection with the Simplification Transactions, by and among Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., PAA GP Holdings LLC, Plains GP Holdings, L.P., Plains All American GP LLC, Plains AAP, L.P. and PAA GP LLC that provides for the following: (i) that Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. will pay all direct or indirect expenses of PAA GP Holdings LLC , Plains GP Holdings, L.P., Plains All American GP LLC, Plains AAP, L.P. and PAA GP LLC, (ii) the ability of Plains GP Holdings, L.P. to issue additional Class A shares and use the net proceeds therefrom to purchase a like number of Class A units from Plains AAP, L.P, and the corresponding ability of Plains AAP, L.P. to use the net proceeds therefrom to purchase a like number of common units from Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. and (iii) the ability of Plains GP Holdngs, L.P. to lend proceeds of any future indebtedness incurred by it to Plains AAP, L.P., and Plains AAP, L.P.’s corresponding ability to lend such proceeds to Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., in each case on substantially the same terms as incurred by Plains GP Holdings, L.P. Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] AAP Plains Aap L P [Member] Represents information pertaining to Plains, AAP L.P (AAP). Common Units Common Units [Member] Common units representing limited partner interests in the entity. Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Continuous and Underwritten Offerings Continuous And Underwritten Offerings [Member] Sales of common units under equity distribution agreements related to continuous offering programs and through underwritten public offerings. Continuous Offering Program Continuous Offering Program [Member] 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. Underwritten Offering Underwritten Offering [Member] Represents information pertaining to an underwritten public offering of common units. Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] General Partner General Partner [Member] Issuance of units (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sale of Units Issuance of units, net proceeds Partners' Capital Account, Sale of Units General partners' proportionate capital contributions Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Commissions to sales agents Commission Paid To Sales Agent Represents the costs incurred for commissions paid to the agent under the equity distribution agreement. Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Adjustment Eliminations And Reconciling Items [Member] Adjustment to reconcile revenues from external customers as presented to the Chief Operating Decision Maker to that presented on the statement of operations. Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Transportation Segment Transportation [Member] The segment of the entity of which operations generally consist of fee-based activities associated with transporting crude oil and natural gas liquids on pipelines, gathering systems, trucks and barges. Facilities Segment Facilities [Member] The segment of the entity of which operations generally consist of fee-based activities associated with providing storage, terminalling and throughput services for crude oil, refined products, natural gas liquids and natural gas, as well as natural gas liquids fractionation and isomerization services and natural gas and condensate processing services. Supply and Logistics Segment Supply And Logistics [Member] The segment of the entity of which operations generally consist of merchant-related activities, including the purchase of crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas at various locations and the resale or exchange of such products at various points along the distribution chain, the storage of inventory during contango market or seasonal storage of NGL and the transportation of crude oil and natural gas liquids, using various methods of transportation, from various delivery points, market hub locations or directly to end users. Operating Segments Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating segments number Number of Operating Segments Revenues: Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Other Information about Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract] Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Segment adjusted EBITDA Segment Adjusted EBITDA Revenues and equity earnings in unconsolidated entities less (a) purchases and related costs, (b) field operating costs and (c) segment general and administrative expenses, plus the entity’s proportionate share of the depreciation and amortization expense and gains and losses on significant asset sales of unconsolidated entities, and further adjusted for certain selected items including (i) gains or losses on derivative on derivative instruments that are related to underlying activities in another period (or the reversal of such adjustments from a prior period), gains and losses on derivatives that are related to investing activities (such as the purchase of linefill) and inventory valuation adjustments, as applicable, (ii) long-term inventory costing adjustments, (iii) charges for obligations that are expected to be settled with the issuance of equity instruments, (iv) amounts related to deficiencies associated with minimum volume commitments, net of applicable amounts subsequently recognized into revenue and (v) other items that the Chief Operating Decision Maker believes are integral to understand the entity’s core segment operating performance. Capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures made to expand the existing operating and/or earnings capacity of the entity's assets. Maintenance capital Maintenance Capital Capital expenditures for the replacement of partially or fully depreciated assets in order to maintain the operating and/or earnings capacity of the company's existing assets. Total assets Assets Investments in unconsolidated entities Equity Method Investments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Table] Disclosure of information about derivative and financial assets/ (liabilities) that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements. Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other long-term assets, net Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivative and financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting Offsetting Assets, Liabilities [Line Items] Netting Adjustment: Offsetting [Abstract] Derivative Asset Positions Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Gross Position - Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Netting Adjustment Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Cash collateral paid Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Net Position - Asset Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Positions Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Gross Position - Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Netting Adjustment Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net Position - Liability Derivative Liability Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Purchases and Related Costs Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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. Foreign Currency Transactions/Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income Per Common Unit Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Linefill and Base Gas and Long-term Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Allocation Partnership Income Allocation [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy relating to the allocation of net income to each type or class of partner. Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Hedge Accounting Documentation Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedge Documentation [Policy Text Block] Derivative Hedge Effectiveness Determination Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedge Effectiveness [Policy Text Block] Derivatives That Qualify for Hedge Accounting Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Derivatives That Do Not Qualify for Hedge Accounting Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges [Policy Text Block] Cash Settlements Associated with Derivative Activities Derivatives, Hedge Discontinuances, Termination of Hedging Instrument or Hedged Item [Policy Text Block] Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy Transfer Fair Value Transfer, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reimbursement of Expenses of Our General Partner and its Affiliates General Partner Expense [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for direct and indirect costs incurred on behalf of the reporting company by its general partner. Loss Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Matters Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating Segments Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Partners' Capital and Distributions Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block] Segment financial data Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to PAA Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Revenues attributable to geographic areas Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Long-lived assets attributable to geographic areas Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Series B Preferred Units Series B Preferred Units [Member] Series B preferred units representing perpetual limited partner interests in the entity that rank pari passu with Series A preferred units and are not redeemable at the opiton of the holders under any circumstances. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Units outstanding (in units) Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Changes in goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Goodwill Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Dispositions and reclassifications to assets held for sale Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Balance at end of period Operating Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Partnership earnings not subject to current Canadian tax Income Not Subject to Foreign Tax The earnings of the entity which are not subject to foreign enacted tax laws. Partnership earnings subject to current Canadian tax Income Subject to Foreign Tax The earnings of the entity which are subject to foreign enacted tax laws. Canadian federal and provincial corporate tax rate Foreign Tax Rate This element represents the rate at which the foreign income of an entity is charged to tax as per the enacted tax laws. Income tax at statutory rate Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at Foreign 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. Canadian withholding tax Expense for Withholding Taxes This element represents the amount of expense during the current period for withholding taxes. Canadian permanent differences and rate changes Foreign Period Tax on Permanent Book Versus Tax Differences and Rate Changes The permanent book versus tax differences in the current foreign income tax expense (benefit) and change in tax rate. State income tax Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Derivative instruments Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Book accruals in excess of current tax deductions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Property and equipment in excess of tax values Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Activity for preferred and common units Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Issuance of common units Net Proceeds From Sale Of Units [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of net proceeds from units sold during the period. Schedule of distributions paid Distributions Made to Limited Partner, by Distribution [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Components of property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Other Other Long Term Debt [Member] Other types of long-term debt not specifically identified. Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior secured hedged inventory facility Senior Secured Hedged Inventory Facility [Member] Represents activity related to Senior secured hedged inventory credit facility. 6.13% senior notes due January 2017 Senior Notes Due In January2017 At6.13 Percent [Member] Represents the 6.13 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2017. 6.50% senior notes due May 2018 Senior Notes Due In May2018 At6.50 Percent [Member] Represents the 6.50 percent senior notes, which are due in May 2018. 8.75% senior notes due May 2019 Senior Notes Due In May2019 At8.75 Percent [Member] Represents the 8.75 percent senior notes, which are due in May 2019. 2.60% senior notes due December 2019 Senior Notes Due In December2019 At2.60 Percent [Member] Represents the 2.60 percent senior notes, which are due in December 2019. 5.75% senior notes due January 2020 Senior Notes Due In January2020 At5.75 Percent [Member] Represents the 5.75 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2020. 5.00% senior notes due February 2021 Senior Notes Due In February2021 At5.00 Percent [Member] Represents the 5.00 percent senior notes, which are due in February 2021. 3.65% senior notes due June 2022 Senior Notes Due In June2022 At3.65 Percent [Member] Represents the 3.65 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2022. 2.85% senior notes due January 2023 Senior Notes Due In January2023 At2.85 Percent [Member] Represents 2.85 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2023. 3.85% senior notes due October 2023 Senior Notes Due In October2023 At3.85 Percent [Member] Represents the 3.85 percent senior notes, which are due October 2023. 3.60% senior notes due November 2024 Senior Notes Due In November2024 At3.60 Percent [Member] Represents the 3.60 percent senior notes, which are due in November 2024. 4.65% senior notes due October 2025 Senior Notes Due In October2025 At4.65 Percent [Member] Represents the 4.65 percent senior notes, which are due in October 2025. 4.50% senior notes due December 2026 Senior Notes Due in December 2026 At 4.50 Percent [Member] Senior Notes Due in December 2026 At 4.50 Percent [Member] 6.70% senior notes due May 2036 Senior Notes Due In May2036 At6.70 Percent [Member] Represents the 6.70 percent senior notes, which are due in May 2036. 6.65% senior notes due January 2037 Senior Notes Due In January2037 At6.65 Percent [Member] Represents the 6.65 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2037. 5.15% senior notes due June 2042 Senior Notes Due In June2042 At5.15 Percent [Member] Represents the 5.15 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2042. 4.30% senior notes due January 2043 Senior Notes Due In January2043 At4.30 Percent [Member] Represents the 4.30 percent senior notes, which are due in January 2043. 4.70% senior notes due June 2044 Senior Notes Due In June2044 At4.70 Percent [Member] Represents the 4.70 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2044. 4.90% senior notes due February 2045 Senior Notes Due In February2045 At4.90 Percent [Member] Represents the 4.90 percent senior notes, which are due in February 2045. Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction Type [Axis] Transaction [Domain] Transaction [Domain] Exchange Traded Exchange Traded [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Senior notes Other Other Debt [Member] Other types of debt not specifically identified. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] SHORT-TERM DEBT Short-term Debt [Abstract] Short-term notes and borrowings Short-term Debt Senior notes, current portion Senior Notes, Current Short-term debt Debt, Current Weighted average interest rate, short-term (as a percent) Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term debt, before deducting unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs Long-term Debt, Gross Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Senior notes, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs Senior Notes, Noncurrent Noncurrent portion of other long-term debt Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt instrument, interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument face value Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] LTIP Plains All American Long Term Incentive Plans [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Plains All American long-term incentive plans. Plains All American 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan Plains All American2013 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Represents information related to the Plains All American 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Plains All American PNG Successor Long-Term Incentive Plan Plains All American P N G Successor Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Represents information related to the Plains All American PNG Successor Long-Term Incentive Plan. Plains All American GP LLC 2006 Long-Term Incentive Tracking Unit Plan Plains All American G P L L C Long Term Incentive Tracking Unit Plan [Member] Represents information related to the long-term incentive tracking unit plan adopted by Plains All American GP LLC in 2006 for non-officer employees. Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Authorized grants (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Units outstanding (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Units outstanding that include DERs (in units) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Including Distribution Equivalent Rights Outstanding 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. Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Acreage Dedication Contracts Acreage Dedication Contracts [Member] Acreage Dedication Contracts [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Advantage Joint Venture Advantage Joint Venture [Member] Advantage Joint Venture [Member] Frontier Aspen, LLC Frontier Aspen, LLC [Member] Frontier Aspen, LLC [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Alpha Holding Company, LLC Alpha Holding Company, LLC [Member] Alpha Holding Company, LLC [Member] Propane Marine Terminal Propane Marine Terminal [Member] Propane Marine Terminal [Member] Individually immaterial business acquisitions Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Integrated System Of NGL Assets Integrated System Of NGL Assets [Member] Acquisition of an integrated system of NGL assets in Western Canada. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cash consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Length of gathering and transmission lines (in miles) Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Length Of Gathering And Transmission Lines Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Length Of Gathering And Transmission Lines Number of market interconnects Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Number Of Market Interconnects Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Number Of Market Interconnects Additional volume enhancements to gathering system (bbls per day) Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Volume Per Duration Of Additional Enhancements Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Volume Per Duration Of Additional Enhancements Area of acreage dedication (gross acres) Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Area Of Oil And Gas Contract Business Combination, Property And Plant Acquired, Area Of Oil And Gas Contract Number of acreage dedication contracts acquired Business Combination, Number of Finite Lived Assets Acquired Business Combination, Number of Finite Lived Assets Acquired Weighted-average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Acquisition-related expenses Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Number of acquisitions completed Number of Businesses Acquired Interest acquired Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Acquired The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting that was acquired during the period. Goodwill recognized Document and Entity Information Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock Outstanding (shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Net income allocation Partnership Agreement, Net Income Allocation Percent Partnership Agreement, Net Income Allocation Percent Other Assets [Abstract] Other Long-Term Assets, Net Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Other long-term assets, gross Other Assets, Noncurrent, Gross 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). Accumulated amortization Accumulated Amortization of Other Assets, Noncurrent Carrying amount of accumulated amortization of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Other long-term assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of future non-cancelable commitments Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Trade accounts receivable and other receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net OTHER ASSETS Goodwill Investments in unconsolidated entities Linefill and base gas Linefill and Base Gas Crude oil and NGL linefill in pipelines, tanks and caverns as well as base gas in natural gas storage facilities that are owned by the entity. Linefill and base gas are intended for long-term use. Long-term inventory Inventory, Noncurrent Other long-term assets, net Total assets LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Short-term debt Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other long-term debt Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 17) Commitments and Contingencies PARTNERS’ CAPITAL Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Unitholders Limited Partners' Capital Account Total partners’ capital excluding noncontrolling interests Partners' Capital Noncontrolling interests Partners' Capital Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total partners’ capital Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and partners’ capital Liabilities and Equity Other Consolidated Equity-Indexed Compensation Plan Information Other Consolidated Equity Compensation Information [Abstract] Other Consolidated Equity Compensation Information [Abstract] Equity-indexed compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense LTIP unit-settled vestings Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period, Total Settlement Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period, Total Settlement Fair Value LTIP cash-settled vestings Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vested In Period, Cash Settled Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Vested In Period, Cash Settled Equity-Indexed Compensation Plan Fair Value Amortization Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization [Abstract] 2018 Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year One 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. 2019 Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 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. 2020 Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense Year Three 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. 2021 Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 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. 2022 Equity Based Compensation, Fair Value, Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 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. Total Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Schedule of debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Issuances of senior unsecured notes Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Aggregate maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Foreign Currency Transactions Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract] Gain (loss) on revaluation of foreign currency transactions and monetary assets and liabilities Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Outstanding checks included in accounts payable that were reclassified from cash and cash equivalents Liabilities for Outstanding Checks Liability as of the balance sheet date of outstanding checks that were reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Accounts Receivable Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] NYMEX WTI oil price (in dollars per bbl) Volume Price, Price Per Volume Volume Price, Price Per Volume Advance cash payments received from third parties to mitigate credit risk Customer Advances, Current Standby letters of credit Standby Letters of Credit Received 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. Substantially all trade accounts receivable, net, maximum age of balances past their scheduled invoice date Trade Accounts Receivable Net Disclosure of Maximum Age of Balances Past Scheduled Invoice Date The maximum number of days past their scheduled invoice date for substantially all of the trade accounts receivable. Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Fair value of asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Investments in and summarized financial information for entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly financial data (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Table] Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Table] Schedule detailing information related to organization, basis of accounting, or basis of presentation, used to prepare the financial reports of the entity. AAP senior secured credit agreement AAP Senior Secured Credit Agreement [Member] AAP Senior Secured Credit Agreement [Member] Simplification Transactions Simplification Transactions [Member] The Simplification Transactions entered into by the entities which closed on November 15, 2016. Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] PAGP Plains G P Holdings L P [Member] Represents information pertaining to Plains GP Holdings, L.P. ("PAGP"), which owns a limited partner interest in Plains AAP, L.P. PAA GP Paa G P L L C [Member] Represents the information pertaining to PAA GP LLC. ("PAA GP"), of which AAP is the sole member. Organization and basis of presentation Organization and Basis of Presentation [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. Limited partner interest (units) Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest, Units Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest, Units Limited partner interest Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Economic ownership interest converted into non-economic interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Economic Ownership Interest Converted Into Non-economic Interest Percentage of economic interest held by the managing member or general partner of the limited liability company (LLC) or limited partnership (LP), converted into a non-economic interest. Units agreed to be issued in connection with the Simplification Transactions Limited Partner Capital Account Units Agreed To Be Issued Limited Partner Capital Account Units Agreed To Be Issued Units to be issued in the future (in units) Limited Partners Capital Account, Units Issuable Limited Partners Capital Account, Units Issuable Debt assumed Debt Assumed Debt Assumed Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives in Hedging Relationships Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as a Hedge Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity Derivatives Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Derivatives Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Derivatives Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Preferred Distribution Rate Reset Option Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Supply and Logistics segment revenues Sales And Related Revenues [Member] Revenue from the sale of crude oil, NGL and natural gas during the period. Transportation segment revenues Pipeline Tariff Activities Trucking And Related Revenues [Member] Revenue from the transportation of crude oil and NGL on pipelines, gathering systems, trucks and barges during the period. Field operating costs Field Operating Costs [Member] Costs related to site and field operations during the period. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation And Amortization [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing depreciation and amortization. Interest expense, net Interest Expense [Member] Other income/(expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Impact of derivative activities recognized in earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Total gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Loss recognized due to anticipated hedged transactions being probable of not occurring Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Loss on ineffective portion of cash flow hedges Loss on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] SLC Pipeline LLC S L C Pipeline L L C [Member] This element represents the information pertaining to SLC Pipeline LLC. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Ownership percentage sold Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold Other Long-Term Assets, Net Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Plains All American Pipeline L P [Member] Plains All American Pipeline L P [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. ("PAA"). Distribution Type [Axis] Distribution Type [Axis] Distribution Type [Domain] Distribution Type [Domain] Cash Distribution Cash Distribution [Member] Unit Distribution Unit Distribution [Member] Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Partners’ Capital Excluding Noncontrolling Interests Parent [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Fourth quarter distribution Fourth Quarter Distribution [Member] The distribution associated with earnings for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year which are paid in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. Percentage of available cash distributed Percentage Distribution of Available Cash This element represents the percentage of cash distributed out of available cash. Number of days after end of quarter within which distributions must be paid to unitholders Number of Days Required for Distribution to Unitholders after End of Quarter The number of days after the end of the relevant quarter within which distributions of available cash must be paid to unitholders. General partner ownership interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Units issued in connection with the Simplification Transactions Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Issued Distribution per common unit declared (in dollars per unit) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Cash distributions paid Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Distributions paid to unitholders Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount Unit distributions (in units) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Unit Distribution Dividends paid (in dollars per unit) Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Preferred unit dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock Distributions payable Dividends Payable Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Customer contracts and relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Property tax abatement Property Tax Abatement [Member] Intangible asset representing the value of the entity's property tax abatement. Other agreements Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Estimated Useful Lives Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Cost Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Estimated amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortization expense Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Computation of basic and diluted net income per common unit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Inventory, Linefill and Base Gas and Long-term Inventory Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] Crude oil Crude Oil [Member] NGL Natural Gas Liquids [Member] Natural gas Natural Gas [Member] Other Other Inventory [Member] Category of inventory not separately disclosed. Inventory Inventory [Line Items] Inventory-related disclosures Inventory Adjustments [Abstract] Charge related to the write-down of inventory Inventory Write-down Inventory by category Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory, Volumes (in barrels or in Mcf) Inventory, Volumes Current The volume of current inventory as of the balance sheet date. Linefill and base gas, Volumes (in barrels or in Mcf) Inventory, Volumes Linefill and Base Gas The volume of linefill and base gas inventory as of the balance sheet date. Long-term inventory, Volumes (in barrels or in Mcf) Inventory, Volumes, Noncurrent The volume of noncurrent inventory as of the balance sheet date. Total Inventory, Current and Noncurrent This element represents the aggregate of current and non-current inventory, including linefill and base gas. Inventory, Price/Unit of measure (in dollars per unit) Inventory, Weighted Average Price Per Unit, Current The weighted-average price per unit of current inventory. Linefill and base gas, 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. Long-term inventory, Price/Unit of measure (in dollars per unit) Inventory, Weighted Average Price Per Unit Noncurrent The weighted-average price per unit of noncurrent inventory. Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Red River Pipeline Red River Pipeline [Member] Red River Pipeline [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposed of by sale Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Held for sale Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Goodwill Goodwill [Member] Dispositions Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Proceeds from sales of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Ownership interest disposed of Disposal Group, Sale of Assets, Ownership Interest Disposed Of Disposal Group, Sale of Assets, Ownership Interest Disposed Of Recognized gains/(losses) related to sale of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Recognized gains related to sale of assets Gain On Disposition Of Assets Gross amount of gain on sale or disposal of assets. Recognized losses related to sale of assets Loss On Disposition Of Assets Gross amount of loss on sale or disposal of assets. Impairment losses Asset Impairment Charges Assets classified as held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Net long position associated with crude oil purchases Net Long Position On Crude Oil Derivative Contracts [Member] Represents the derivative instruments utilized to hedge risk associated with crude oil purchases. Net short time spread position hedging anticipated crude oil lease gathering purchases Net Short Time Spread Position On Anticipated Crude Oil Lease Gathering Purchase Contracts [Member] Represents the derivative instruments utilized to hedge anticipated crude oil lease gathering purchases. Crude oil grade basis position Crude Oil Grade Basis Position [Member] Represents the derivative instruments that hedge crude oil purchases based on grade basis differentials. Net short position related to anticipated net sales of crude oil and NGL inventory Net Short Position Contracts Related To Anticipated Net Sales Of Inventory [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a net short position related to anticipated net sales of crude oil and NGL inventory. PLA net short position consisting of crude oil futures related to anticipated sales Pipeline Loss Allowance Net Short Position Consisting of Crude Oil Futures [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a net short position consisting of crude oil futures related to pipeline loss allowance. PLA oil long call option position related to anticipated sales Pipeline Loss Allowance Crude Oil Long Call Option [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a long call option position related to pipeline loss allowance for crude oil. Long natural gas position for natural gas purchases Long Position On Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Represents derivative instruments consisting of long natural gas position related to purchase of natural gas. Short propane position related to subsequent sale of products Short Propane Position Contracts Related To Subsequent Sale Of Product [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a short position for propane that hedges the subsequent sale of products derived from our natural gas processing and NGL fractionation activities. Short butane position related to subsequent sale of products Short Butane Position Contracts Related To Subsequent Sale Of Product [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a short position for butane that hedges the subsequent sale of products derived from our natural gas processing and NGL fractionation activities. Short WTI position related to subsequent sale of products Short W T I Position Contracts Related To Subsequent Sale Of Product [Member] Represents the derivative instruments in a short position for WTI that hedges the subsequent sale of products derived from our natural gas processing and NGL fractionation activities. Long power position for power supply requirements Long Power Position For Power Supply Requirements Contracts [Member] Represents the derivative instruments consisting of long power positions which hedge a portion of power supply requirements. Derivatives and Risk Management Activities Derivative [Line Items] Commodity Price Risk Hedging: Price Risk Derivatives [Abstract] Derivative position notional amount (in barrels or Mcf) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Derivative position notional amount (in megawatt hours) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Combined summarized financial information for unconsolidated entities Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract] Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Noncurrent assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Revenues Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Operating income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Operating Income The amount of operating income reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Line 901 Incident Line901 Incident [Member] Represents information pertaining to the crude oil release from the Las Flores to Gaviota Pipeline in Santa Barbara County, California. Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Adjustments: Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization of unconsolidated entities Depreciation And Amortization Of Unconsolidated Entities The reporting entity’s proportionate share of depreciation and amortization expense and gains or losses on significant asset sales of unconsolidated entities. Gains/(losses) from derivative activities net of inventory valuation adjustments Gains (Losses) From Derivative Activities, Net of Inventory Valuation Adjustments Gains (losses) related to derivative instruments for which the underlying transaction does not occur in the current period and on derivatives that are related to investing activities, such as the purchase of linefill. Also includes the impact of corresponding inventory valuation adjustments, as applicable. Long-term inventory costing adjustments Long-Term Inventory Costing Adjustments Includes the impact of changes (resulting from fluctuations in market prices) in the average cost of crude oil and NGL inventory that is comprised of minimum working inventory requirements in third-party assets and other working inventory that is needed for the entity’s commercial operations which is considered necessary to conduct the entity’s operations and which the entity intends to carry for the foreseeable future, as well as writedowns of such inventory that result from price declines. Deficiencies under minimum volume commitments, net Deficiencies Under Minimum Volume Commitments, Net Includes the impact of amounts billed to counterparties for their deficiency obligation, net of applicable amounts subsequently recognized into revenue. Certain agreements require counterparties to deliver, transport or throughput a minimum volume over an agreed upon period. Substantially all of such agreements were entered into with counterparties to economically support the return on the reporting entity's capital expenditure necessary to construct the related asset. Some of these agreements include make-up rights if the minimum volume is not met. A receivable from the counterparty is recorded in the period that services are provided or when the transaction occurs, including amounts for deficiency obligations from counterparties associated with minimum volume commitments. If a counterparty has a make-up right associated with a deficiency, the revenue attributable to the counterparty’s make-up right is deferred and is subsequently recognized at the earlier of when the deficiency volume is delivered or shipped, when the make-up right expires or when it is determined that the counterparty’s ability to utilize the make-up right is remote. Equity-indexed compensation expense Equity Indexed Compensation Expense Awards That Will Or May Be Settled In Units Includes equity-indexed compensation expense associated with awards that will or may be settled in units. Net gain/(loss) on foreign currency revaluation Net Gain (Loss) On Foreign Currency Revaluation Includes gains and losses from the revaluation of foreign currency transactions and monetary assets and liabilities. Line 901 incident Significant Costs Related To Legal And Environmental Remediation Matters Significant Costs Related To Legal And Environmental Remediation Matters Significant acquisition-related expenses Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Interest expense, net Interest Expense Other income/(expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) INCOME BEFORE TAX Income tax expense NET INCOME Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to PAA Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of goodwill by segment and changes during the period Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Minimum Volume Commitments Minimum Volume Commitment Agreements [Member] Agreements that require counterparties to deliver, transport or throughput a minimum volume over an agreed upon period, some of which include make-up rights. Minimum Volume Commitments Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Total counterparty deficiencies Counterparty Deficiencies Amount associated with deficiencies by counterparties of their contractual minimum commitments. Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Deficiencies not yet billed or collected Counterparty Deficiencies Unbilled And Uncollected Amount that has yet to be billed or collected as of the balance sheet date associated with deficiencies by counterparties of their contractual minimum commitments. Total revenues Gross margin Gross Margin Total revenues less purchases and related costs, field operating costs and depreciation and amortization. Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Net income attributable to PAA Basic net income/(loss) per common unit (in dollars per unit) Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax Diluted net income/(loss) per common unit (in dollars per unit) Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted Cash distributions per common unit (in dollars per unit) Distributions Per Limited Partnership Unit Outstanding, Basic Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other AOCI, Other, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI, Other, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Total AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Deferred gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Total period activity Ending balance Current income tax expense: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Canadian federal and provincial income tax Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current income tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax expense/(benefit): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Canadian federal and provincial income tax Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred income tax expense/(benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Equity-Indexed Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Conversion Description [Axis] Stock Conversion Description [Axis] Conversion of Stock, Name [Domain] Conversion of Stock, Name [Domain] Conversion Of AAP Management Units Into AAP Units Conversion Of Aap Management Units Into Aap Units [Member] Right of holders of vested AAP Management Units, which represent a profits interest in AAP, to convert such units into AAP units and a like number of the entity's Class B shares. AAP Management Units Equity Based Compensation Plan A A P Management Units [Member] Represents information pertaining to AAP Management Units, which are equity compensation plan awards for members of senior management. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Unearned units Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Unearned Units Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Unearned Units Common units to be issued Units To Be Issued The number of common units to be issued for each AAP Management Unit once earned. Equivalent distribution entitled to be received when earned (as a percent) Equivalent Distribution Amount The percentage of the distribution paid by AAP to an AAP unit on a quarterly basis that each AAP Management Unit will be entitled to receive once earned. Unit conversion ratio Unit Conversion Ratio Ratio applied to determine the number of units or shares that would be received by holders choosing to convert or exchange one class of units or shares into another, as specified. Schedule of inventory, linefill and base gas and long-term inventory 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. 16 forward starting swaps (30-year) Sixteen Forward Starting Thirty Year Interest Rate Swaps2.86 Percent [Member] Sixteen Forward Starting Thirty Year Interest Rate Swaps2.86 Percent [Member] 8 forward starting swaps (30-year) Eight Forward Starting Thirty Year Interest Rate Swaps2.83 Percent [Member] Eight forward starting 30-year interest rate swaps to hedge the underlying benchmark interest rate related to anticipated interest payments, with an average fixed rate of 2.83 percent. Forward exchange contracts that exchange CAD for USD maturing in 2018 Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts That Exchange Canadian Dollars For US Dollars At Average Rate Disclosed Maturing in 2018 [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts That Exchange Canadian Dollars For US Dollars At Average Rate Disclosed Maturing in 2018 [Member] Forward exchange contracts that exchange USD for CAD maturing in 2018 Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts That Exchange U S Dollars For Canadian Dollars At Average Rate Disclosed Maturing In 2018 [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts That Exchange U S Dollars For Canadian Dollars At Average Rate Disclosed Maturing In 2018 [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Currency Exchange Rate Risk Hedging: Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract] Number of interest rate derivatives Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Term of derivative contract Derivative, Term of Contract Notional amount of derivatives Derivative, Notional Amount Average rate locked (percent) Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Average exchange rate (cad per usd) Derivative, Average Forward Exchange Rate Net derivative liability Derivative, Fair Value, Net Gain on embedded derivative Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net Summary of shares authorized Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Summary of activity for equity-indexed compensation plans Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of expense recognized and the value of vested LTIP awards under equity-indexed compensation plans Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Estimated equity-indexed compensation plan fair value amortization Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Fair Value Amortization [Table Text Block] Disclosure that sets forth the estimated equity-indexed compensation plan fair value amortization to be recognized as an expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value Measures Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Recurring Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Net derivative asset/(liability) Rollforward of Level 3 Net Asset/(Liability) Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Net gains for the period included in earnings Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Settlements Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Derivatives entered into during the period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Derivatives Entered Into Amount of derivatives entered into classified as a derivative asset (liability) after deduction of derivative asset (liability), measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Ending Balance Change in unrealized gains/(losses) included in earnings relating to Level 3 derivatives still held at the end of the period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2017-05 Accounting Standards Update 2017-05 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-05 [Member] ASU 2016-09 Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Increase in investments in unconsolidated entities Increase in partners' capital Cash outflow reclassed from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash outflow reclassed to financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Components of other long-term assets, net of accumulated amortization Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Components of intangible assets that have finite lives Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] 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. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Inventory valuation adjustments (Note 4) Deferred income tax expense/(benefit) Settlement of terminated interest rate hedging instruments Net Cash Paid (Received) for Terminated Hedging Instruments The net cash paid (received) for terminated hedging instruments. Change in fair value of Preferred Distribution Rate Reset Option (Note 12) Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities Distributions from unconsolidated entities Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable and other Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 6) Investments in unconsolidated entities (Note 8) Capital Contributions to Equity Method Investees Cash outflow for capital contributions subsequent to the initial purchase of interest in equity method investments, to fund the entity's portion of development, construction or capital expansion projects of the equity method investees. Additions to property, equipment and other Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sales of assets (Note 6) Return of investment from unconsolidated entities (Note 8) Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Cash received from sales of linefill and base gas Cash Received Related To Sales Of Linefill And Base Gas Cash Received Related To Sales 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 outflow associated with the purchase of linefill and base gas. Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net borrowings/(repayments) under commercial paper program (Note 10) Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Net borrowings under senior secured hedged inventory facility (Note 10) Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Hedged Inventory Facility The net cash inflow (outflow) due to borrowings (repayments) on the hedged inventory facility. Repayment under AAP senior secured revolving credit facility (Note 10) Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayment of AAP term loan (Note 10) Repayments of Secured Debt Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes (Note 10) Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Repayments of senior notes (Note 10) Repayments of Senior Debt Net proceeds from the sale of Series A preferred units (Note 11) Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Net proceeds from the sale of Series B preferred units (Note 11) Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Limited Partners Units Net proceeds from the sale of common units (Note 11) Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units Contributions from general partner Distributions paid to common unitholders (Note 11) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid Distributions paid to general partner (Note 11) Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Effect of translation adjustment on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash paid for: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Income taxes, net of amounts refunded Income Taxes Paid, Net Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Mesa To Basin Pipeline Mesa To Basin Pipeline Release [Member] Represents information pertaining to the crude oil release from the Mesa to Basin Pipeline in Midland, Texas. Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] May 2016 Indictment Indictment In California Superior Court Santa Barbara County [Member] Indictment filed in California Superior Court, Santa Barbara County, with alleged violations of California law. Class Action Lawsuits Class Action Lawsuits [Member] Represents information related to class action lawsuits filed against the company. Securities Law Class Action Lawsuits Securities Law Class Action Lawsuits [Member] Represents information related to securities law class action lawsuits filed against the company. Unitholder Derivative Lawsuits Unitholder Derivative Lawsuits [Member] Represents information related to unitholder derivative lawsuits filed against the company. Trade Accounts Receivable And Other Receivables Trade Accounts Receivable And Other Receivables [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing trade accounts receivable and other receivables. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] PHMSA Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Member] Represents information related to the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration ("PHMSA"). Legal, Environmental or Regulatory Matters Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimated undiscounted reserve for environmental liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Gross Estimated undiscounted reserve for environmental liabilities, short-term Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Estimated undiscounted reserve for environmental liabilities, long-term Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent Amounts probable of recovery under insurance and from third parties under indemnification agreements Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries Receivable Estimated size of release (in barrels) Estimated Size of Release Represents the estimated size of the pipeline release. Number of occasions of alleged failure to carry out damage prevention program and other procedures Number of Occasions Failed to Carry Out Program and Procedures The number of occasions on which the regulatory agency maintains that the entity failed to carry out a written damage prevention program and other procedures, with such failures resulting in a pipeline release. Estimated size of release to reach Pacific Ocean (in bbl) Estimated Size Of Release To Reach Body Of Water Estimated Size Of Release To Reach Body Of Water Number of employees charged in indictment Number of Employees Charged in Indictment Number of the entity's employees charged pursuant to an indictment. Total number of counts Indictment, Total Number of Counts Total number of counts included in the indictment. Total number of counts dismissed Indictment, Total Number of Counts Dismissed Indictment, Total Number of Counts Dismissed Number of felony charges dismissed Indictment, Number of Felony Charges Dismissed Indictment, Number of Felony Charges Dismissed Number of misdemeanor charges relating to wildlife Indictment, Number of Misdemeanor Charges Relating to Wildlife Number of misdemeanor charges included in the indictment, related to wildlife allegedly taken. Number of counts related to the release of crude oil or reporting of the release Indictment, Number of Counts Related to the Release of Crude Oil or Reporting of the Release Number of counts included in the indictment, related to the release of crude oil or reporting of the release, excluding charges relating to wildlife allegedly taken. Number of felony charges Indictment, Number of Felony Charges Number of felony charges included in the indictment, related to the release of crude oil or reporting of the release. Fines or penalties assessed Loss Contingency Penalty or Fine Assessed Represents penalty or fine assessed on the entity in connection with an environmental matter. Number of cases filed during the period Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Number of cases administratively consolidated into a single proceeding Loss Contingency, Claims Consolidated, Number Loss Contingency, Claims Consolidated, Number Aggregate total estimated costs Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Recoveries from insurance carriers Loss Contingency, Receivable, Proceeds Total release costs probable of recovery from insurance carriers Third Party Environmental Recoveries Received and Receivable Total third-party recoveries related to environmental remediation obligations, including amounts received to date and estimated amounts recoverable. Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Class C Shares Shares Class C [Member] Class C shares represent a non-economic limited partner interest that provides the holder the right to vote in elections of eligible directors together with the holders of Class A and Class B shares. Oxy Oxy [Member] Occidental Petroleum Corporation ("Oxy") or its subsidiaries. Equity Method Investees Equity Method Investee [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Agreement to Transport Crude Oil Agreement To Transport Crude Oil On Pipeline Of Equity Method Investee [Member] An agreement to transport crude oil on a pipeline that is owned by an equity method investee. Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Class C shares of PAGP held by PAA Limited Partnership Ownership Interest In Related Party Units Number of limited partner units in the related party held by the reporting entity. Costs reimbursed to general partner Payment for Administrative Fees Expenses paid on behalf of affiliates Expenses Paid On Behalf Of Affiliate Expenses, other than income taxes, paid on behalf of an affiliate pursuant to an agreement(including, but not limited to, expenses associated with (i) compensation for directors, director and officer liability insurance, (iii) listing exchange fees, (iv) investor relations expenses and (v) expenses related to legal, tax, financial advisory and accounting services). Revenues Revenue from Related Parties Purchases and related costs Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Trade accounts receivable and other receivables Due from Related Parties, Current Accounts payable Due to Related Parties, Current Costs related to services utilized Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Prepaid tariff costs Prepaid Tariff Costs Costs related to prepaid tariffs. Consolidated finance subsidiary co-issuer Consolidated Finance Subsidiary Issuer [Member] A consolidated finance subsidiary which is a co-issuer of the entity's debt securities. Lender Type [Axis] Lender Type [Axis] Lender Type [Axis] Lender Type [Domain] Lender Type [Domain] [Domain] for Lender Type [Axis] Non-extending Lender Non-extending Lender [Member] Non-extending Lender [Member] Other income/(expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] 6.50% senior notes due May 2018 8.75% senior notes due May 2019 5.88% senior notes due August 2016 Senior Notes Due In August 2016 At 5.88 Percent [Member] Represents the 5.88 percent senior notes, which are due in August 2016. 5.25% senior notes due June 2015 Senior Notes Due In June2015 At5.25 Percent [Member] Represents the 5.25 percent senior notes, which are due in June 2015. 3.95% senior notes due September 2015 Senior Notes Due In September2015 At3.95 Percent [Member] Represents the 3.95 percent senior notes, which are due in September 2015. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Senior unsecured revolving credit facility Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Represents the PAA senior unsecured revolving credit facility. Senior unsecured 364-day revolving credit facility Senior Unsecured364 Day Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Represents the senior unsecured 364-day revolving credit facility. Letters of credit Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Maximum aggregate borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Committed borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Credit facility extensions available Number of One Year Extensions of Revolving Credit Facility Represents the number of one-year extensions provided for under the credit facility. Number of years by which maturity date of credit facility may be extended Line of Credit Facility Period for Which Term of Credit Facility May Be Extended Represents the period for which the credit facility may be extended by the entity, pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement. Consolidated subsidiary, ownership interest held by the parent (as a percent) Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest Repayments of senior notes Offering price percentage Senior Notes Public Offering Price Percentage of face value at which senior notes are sold. Loss on early redemption of senior notes Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Debt instrument term Debt Instrument, Term Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Rail And Other Terminal Assets Rail And Other Terminal Assets [Member] Long-lived rail and other terminal assets. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Pipelines and related facilities Pipelines [Member] 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. Trucking equipment and other 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. Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Office property and equipment Office Equipment [Member] Land and other Land And Other [Member] This element represents the real estate assets held for productive use and related non-depreciable assets. Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property and equipment, gross Depreciation expense Depreciation Non-cash charge related to write-down of long-lived assets Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use Including Accelerated Depreciation The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments and accelerated depreciation recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale). Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative assets and liabilities Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Asset derivatives fair value Liability derivatives fair value Initial margin Initial Margin The amount of cash or securities required by a broker or counterparty as security for a trading or derivatives securities position. Variation margin posted Variation Margin Posted Returned Cash posted by (returned to) the reporting entity to (from) a broker or counterparty to comply with initial margin requirements. Net broker receivable Net loss deferred in AOCI Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Net loss expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Remaining loss expected to be reclassified to earnings through 2049 Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified Remaining Portion The estimated net amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings after the next twelve months. Net deferred gain/(loss) recognized in AOCI on derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Interest Rate Swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Schedule of terms of forward starting interest rate derivatives Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Summary of open forward exchange contracts Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Impact of derivative activities recognized in earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of derivative assets and liabilities on Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of net broker receivable (payable) Schedule of Due to (from) Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative financial assets that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative financial liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including enforceable master netting arrangements Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Net deferred gain/(loss) recognized in AOCI for derivatives Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, by level within the fair value hierarchy Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of changes in fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Unit [Table] Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Unit [Table] Schedule reflecting the calculation of basic and diluted net income per common unit. Net Income Per Common Unit Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Unit [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. Basic Net Income per Common Unit Net Income (Loss), Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Basic, Net of Tax [Abstract] Distributions to preferred unitholders Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Distributions to general partner General Partner Distributions Distributions to participating securities Distributions to Participating Securities Distributions to participating securities pertaining to current period earnings. Undistributed loss allocated to general partner Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to General Partner, Basic Amount of undistributed earnings (loss) allocated to the general partner of a partnership for the basic earnings (loss) per share or per unit calculation under the two-class method. Other Other Allocated Earnings, Basic Amount of earnings allocated to other for the basic earnings (loss) per share or per unit calculation under the two-class method. Net income allocated to common unitholders Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Common Unitholders Basic This element represents the net income (loss) allocated to common unitholders in the calculation of basic net income per common unit after deducting amounts allocated to preferred unitholders, participating securities and the 2% general partner's interest, as applicable, under the two class method. Basic weighted average common units outstanding (in units) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic Basic net income per common unit (in dollars per unit) Diluted Net Income per Common Unit Net Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Limited Partnership Unit, Diluted [Abstract] Distributions to preferred unitholders Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact, Diluted The amount of preferred stock dividends that is an adjustment to net income apportioned to common stockholders in the calculation of diluted net income per common unit. Undistributed loss allocated to general partner Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to General Partner, Diluted Amount of undistributed earnings (loss) allocated to the general partner of a partnership for the diluted earnings (loss) per share or per unit calculation under the two-class method. Other Other Allocated Earnings, Diluted Amount of earnings allocated to other for the diluted earnings (loss) per share or per unit calculation under the two-class method. Net income allocated to common unitholders Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Common Unitholders Diluted This element represents the net income (loss) allocated to common unitholders in the calculation of diluted net income per common unit after deducting amounts allocated to preferred unitholders, participating securities and the 2% general partner's interest, as applicable, under the two class method. Effect of dilutive securities: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] LTIP units (in units) Weighted Average Number Diluted Limited Partnership Units Outstanding Adjustment Diluted weighted average common units outstanding (in units) Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted Diluted net income per common unit (in dollars per unit) Organization and Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Liability Awards Liability Awards [Member] Incentive compensation liability awards awarded to employees consisting of a stated number of phantom shares or units. Accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Short-term accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Long-term accrued liability related to all outstanding LTIP awards and DERs Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Outstanding (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of period (in units) Granted (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Modified (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Modified in Period Number of units for which the vesting criteria was modified during the period. Cancelled or forfeited (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding at end of period (in units) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 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 Vested (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Modified (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Modified, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Grant date fair value of awards modified during the period. Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per unit) Units issued in connection with the settlement of vested awards, net of tax withholding (in units) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Units withheld for taxes (in units) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Vested awards settled in cash (in units) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Shares Vested In Period Settled In Cash Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Shares Vested In Period Settled In Cash Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Commitments Other Commitments [Line Items] Leases, rights-of-way easements and other Leases [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Other commitments Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months 2019 Other Commitment, Due in Second Year 2020 Other Commitment, Due in Third Year 2021 Other Commitment, Due in Fourth Year 2022 Other Commitment, Due in Fifth Year Thereafter Other Commitment, Due after Fifth Year Total Other Commitment Total Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 2018 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year 2019 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2020 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year 2021 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2022 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total Contractual Obligation Lease expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals Expenses associated with agreements Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Purchases Components of income tax expense Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Summary of differences between tax expense based on the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax expense Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Limited Partners Limited Partner [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Distributions (Note 11) Sale of Series B preferred units Sale of Series A preferred units Sales of common units Acquisition of interest in Advantage Joint Venture (Note 6) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Sale of interest in SLC Pipeline LLC (Note 6) Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Simplification Transactions (Note 1) Partners Capital Equity Transaction Other The change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the period related to an equity transactions not provided for in the taxonomy. Other Partners' Capital, Other Balance, end of period Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Supply and Logistics segment revenues Sales and Related Revenues Revenue from the sale of crude oil, NGL and natural gas during the period. Transportation segment revenues Pipeline Tariff Activities Trucking and Related Revenues Revenue from the transportation of crude oil and NGL on pipelines, gathering systems, trucks and barges during the period. Facilities segment revenues Storage Terminalling Processing and Related 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. Total revenues COSTS AND EXPENSES Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Purchases and related costs Cost of Goods and Services Sold Field operating costs Operating Costs and Expenses General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses OPERATING INCOME OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense (net of capitalized interest of $35, $47 and $57, respectively) Current income tax expense Deferred income tax (expense)/benefit NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT (NOTE 3): Earnings Per Unit [Abstract] Net income allocated to common unitholders — Basic Net income allocated to common unitholders — Diluted Diluted weighted average common units outstanding (in units) Diluted net income per common unit (in dollars per unit) Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Distributions Made to Limited Partner [Table] Distributions Made to Limited Partner [Table] Public Public Unit Holders [Member] Public Unit Holders [Member] Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] Distribution Made to Limited Partner [Line Items] Distributions paid to limited partners Total distributions paid Distributions paid to General Partner General Partners' Capital Account, Period Distribution Amount Distributions per common unit (in dollars per unit) Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Other assets and liabilities, net (including $4 million of cash acquired) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other, Net Amount of other net assets (liabilities) acquired (assumed) at the acquisition date. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Advantage Pipeline Holdings LLC (“Advantage Joint Venture”) Advantage Pipeline, LLC [Member] Advantage Pipeline, LLC [Member] BridgeTex Pipeline Company, LLC (“BridgeTex”) Bridge Tex Pipeline Company L L C [Member] BridgeTex Pipeline Company LLC, a crude oil pipeline company. Butte Pipe Line Company Butte Pipeline Company [Member] Butte Pipe Line Company (Butte), a crude oil pipeline company. Caddo Pipeline LLC Caddo Pipeline Llc [Member] Caddo Pipeline LLC, a crude oil pipeline company. Cheyenne Pipeline LLC (“Cheyenne”) Cheyenne Pipeline Llc [Member] Cheyenne Pipeline LLC. Diamond Pipeline LLC (“Diamond”) Diamond Pipeline Llc [Member] Diamond Pipeline LLC, a crude oil pipeline company. Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC (“Eagle Ford Pipeline”) Eagle Ford Pipeline L L C [Member] Eagle Ford Pipeline LLC, a crude oil pipeline company. Eagle Ford Terminals Corpus Christi LLC (“Eagle Ford Terminals”) Eagle Ford Terminals Corpus Christi Llc [Member] Eagle Ford Terminals Corpus Christi LLC, a crude oil terminal and dock company. Frontier Aspen LLC Frontier Pipeline Company [Member] Frontier Pipeline Company (Frontier), a crude oil pipeline company. Midway Pipeline LLC Midway Pipeline LLC [Member] Midway Pipeline LLC [Member] Saddlehorn Pipeline Company, LLC Saddlehorn Pipeline Company Llc [Member] Saddlehorn Pipeline Company LLC, a crude oil pipeline company. Settoon, Towing LLC Settoon Towing L L C [Member] Settoon Towing, LLC (Settoon Towing), a barge transportation services company. STACK Pipeline LLC (“STACK”) STACK Pipeline LLC [Member] STACK Pipeline LLC [Member] White Cliffs Pipeline, LLC White Cliffs Pipeline Llc [Member] White Cliffs Pipeline, LLC, a crude oil pipeline company. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Units contributed Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Value of units contributed Payments to acquire investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Return of investment from unconsolidated entities Capital contributions to equity method investees excluding capitalized interest Capital Contributions To Equity Method Investees Excluding Capitalized Interest Cash outflow for capital contributions (excluding capitalized interest) subsequent to the initial purchase of interest in equity method investments, to fund the entity's portion of development, construction or capital expansion projects of the equity method investees, net of cash received as a return of investment. Return of cash contributions Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Return Of Cash Contributions Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Return Of Cash Contributions Capitalized interest related to contributions to unconsolidated entities Amount by which investments in unconsolidated entities exceeded our share of the underlying equity in the net assets Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Partners' Capital and Distributions [Abstract] Partners' Capital and Distributions [Abstract] Balance, beginning of period (in units) Issuances of Series A preferred units in connection with in-kind distributions (in units) Sale of Series B preferred units (in units) Sale of common units (in units) Issuance of common units in connection with acquisition of interest in Advantage Joint Venture (Note 6) (in units) Issuance of common units under LTIP (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Unit-based Compensation Issuance of common units in connection with Simplification Transactions (in units) Partners' Capital Account, Units, Issued From Simplification Transactions Partners' Capital Account, Units, Issued From Simplification Transactions Balance, end of period (in units) Net Income Per Common Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of related party transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Credit agreements Paa Credit Facilities [Member] The entity's credit facilities, including a senior secured hedged inventory credit facility, a senior unsecured revolving credit facility and a senior unsecured 364-day revolving credit facility. Credit agreements and commercial paper program Line Of Credit And Commercial Paper [Member] Represents information pertaining to the line of credit and commercial paper agreement entered into by the entity. Weighted-average maturity of long-term debt Long Term Debt Weighted Average Maturity This element represents the weighted-average maturity of long-term debt, including current maturities. Coverage ratio of debt-to-EBITDA, maximum Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Debt to EBITDA Maximum Represents the maximum ratio of debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) required to be maintained under the credit agreement. Ratio of debt-to-EBITDA during acquisition period, maximum Debt Instrument, Coverage Ratio Debt to EBITDA 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 the credit agreement. Threshold for acquisition period qualification Acquisition Measurement Period Threshold Represents the minimum acquisition amount for the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio covenant compliance requirement to change. Total borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Total repayments Repayments of Debt Periods for which letters of credit are issued Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Maturities Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five