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Derivatives entered into during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

No definition available.

Name:	paa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetsLiabilitiesDerivativeEnteredInto
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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The total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from the derivative net asset/liability balance measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which are included in earnings or resulted in a changed in net asset/liability balance.

No definition available.

Name:	paa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeNetAssetLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets).Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those liabilities still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

No definition available.

Name:	paa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeNetAssetLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarningsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

The total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from the derivative net asset/liability balance measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity).

No definition available.

Name:	paa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeNetAssetLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

The derivative net asset/liability balance measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

No definition available.

Name:	paa_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeNetAssetLiabilityValue
Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	paa_UnrealizedGainsAndLossesRelatingToLevel3DerivativesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Fair value of the assets less the liabilities of a derivative or group of derivatives.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41271-113958

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41228-113958

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13495-108611