Debt (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt
Weighted-average life of long-term debt	12 years
Maturities
2015	$ 550
2016	480
2017	400
Thereafter	4,900
Total	6,330
Aggregate unamortized net discount	15	13
Other long-term obligations excluded from debt maturities	5
Debt Covenant Compliance	As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our credit agreements and indentures.
Issuance period for standby letters of credit, upper limit	seventy days
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 24	$ 33

This element represents the weighted-average life of long-term debt.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Long-term obligations and excluded from aggregate maturities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition

The upper limit of the issuance period for standby letters of credit, as stated in days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
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Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

States whether the entity was in compliance with the debt covenants throughout the reporting period, and describes facts and circumstances of any compliance failure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

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-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 3

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+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Details

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- Definition

Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601

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-Publisher FASB

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-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of all notes and loans payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Period Type:	instant