Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 6) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Income attributable to PAA
Net income attributable to PAA	$ 309	$ 231	$ 292	$ 528	$ 320	$ 165	$ 378	$ 230	$ 1,361	$ 1,094	$ 966
Transfers to/from noncontrolling interests:
Increase in capital from sale of PNG common units									40		370
Net transfers to/from noncontrolling interests									12
Partners' Capital Excluding Noncontrolling Interests
Transfers to/from noncontrolling interests:
Increase in capital from sale of PNG common units									8		64
Net transfers to/from noncontrolling interests									475
Partners' Capital Excluding Noncontrolling Interests | PNG
Net Income attributable to PAA
Net income attributable to PAA									1,361	1,094	966
Transfers to/from noncontrolling interests:
Increase in capital from sale of PNG common units									8		64
Decrease in capital from purchase of PNG common units in conjunction with the PNG Merger									(290)
Net transfers to/from noncontrolling interests									(282)		64
Change from net income attributable to PAA and net transfers to/from noncontrolling interests									$ 1,079	$ 1,094	$ 1,030