Other Information (Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Information
Deposits paid to vendors	$ 60,861	$ 52,192
Prepaid expenses and other	76,165	63,077
Total other current assets	$ 137,026	$ 115,269

Other information [Abstract]

Name:	etp_OtherInformationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	etp
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amount of the asset transferred to a third party to serve as a deposit, which typically serves as security against failure by the transferor to perform under terms of an agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 17
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 8
-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DepositAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 8
-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amount for an unclassified balance sheet date of expenditures made in advance of when the economic benefit of the cost will be realized, and which will be expensed in future periods with the passage of time or when a triggering event occurs and the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Also includes assets not individually reported in the financial statements, or not separately disclosed in notes.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant