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Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
Partners' Capital and Distributions
Units Issued	7,935,000
Gross Unit Price (in dollars per unit)	$ 64.00
Proceeds from Sale	$ 508
General Partner Contribution	10
Costs	(15)
Net Proceeds	$ 503

X

- Definition

This element represents the gross unit price per capital unit.

+ Details

Name:	paa_LimitedPartnersUnitPricePerUnit
Namespace Prefix:	paa
Data Type:	us-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The cash inflow from the contribution of general partners to the equity offering during the year.

+ Details

Name:	paa_PartnersCapitalAccountGeneralPartnerContribution
Namespace Prefix:	paa
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	paa_PartnersCapitalAndDistributionsDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	paa
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Costs incurred in connection with the offering and selling of additional partner interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section D

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OfferingCostsPartnershipInterests
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to the sale of units. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Practice Bulletin (PB)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 15

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Total units issued during the year due to the sale of units. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Practice Bulletin (PB)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 15

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsSaleOfUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The cash inflow from the issuance of common limited partners units during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 18

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonLimitedPartnersUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration