Equity and Distributions, Issuances of Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Distribution Reinvestment Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Distribution Reinvestment Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Distribution Reinvestment Plan [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Distribution Reinvestment Plan [Member] EPCO and affiliates [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Distribution Reinvestment Plan [Member] EPCO and affiliates [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Employee Unit Purchase Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Employee Unit Purchase Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Employee Unit Purchase Plan [Member]	Apr. 30, 2010 Shelf Registration 2007 [Member]	Jan. 31, 2010 Shelf Registration 2007 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Shelf Registration 2010 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Shelf Registration 2010 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Shelf Registration 2010 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Shelf Registration 2010 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Shelf Registration 2010 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 2012 At-the-Market Registration [Member]
Registration Statements and Equity Offerings [Line Items]
Maximum common units authorized for issuance																			$ 1,000
Maximum common units authorized for issuance (in units)				70,000,000					440,879
Remaining units available for issuance (in units)				23,493,292					296,036
Net Cash Proceeds from Sale of Common Units [Abstract]
Number of common units issued (in units)				2,679,848	2,241,589	8,204,998			134,812	96,315	173,055	13,800,000	10,925,000	9,200,000	10,350,000	13,225,000			3,978,545
Offering price of common unit (in dollars per share)												$ 35.55	$ 32.42	$ 53.07	$ 44.68	$ 41.25
Gross proceeds from the sale of common units																			205.4
Net cash proceeds from issuance of common units	816.8	542.9	528.5	132.6	90.4	267.7	25.0	207.7	7.1	4.0	6.1	474.9	343.3	473.3	448.5	528.5			203.8
Senior notes issued under universal shelf registration																	$ 2,500	$ 2,750