Operating Segments (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains
Segment profit	$ 408	$ 466	$ 1,640	$ 1,404
Depreciation and amortization	(93)	(210)	(265)	(356)
Interest expense	(72)	(74)	(224)	(214)
Other income, net	3	4	2	6
Income tax expense	(9)	(13)	(79)	(43)
NET INCOME	237	173	1,074	797
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(8)	(22)	(23)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLAINS	$ 231	$ 165	$ 1,052	$ 774