Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011 bbl Segments InterestRateSwaps	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011 Y D bbl Segments InterestRateSwaps	Jun. 30, 2010
Operating Segments
Number of operating segments	3		3
Revenues:
External Customers	$ 8,859	$ 6,124	$ 16,553	$ 12,248
Intersegment	181	157	358	310
Total revenues of reportable segments	9,040	6,281	16,911	12,558
Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities	4	1	5	2
Segment profit	365	257	714	536
Maintenance capital	27	22	52	33
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains
Segment profit	365	257	714	536
Depreciation and amortization	(63)	(64)	(126)	(131)
Interest expense (net of capitalized interest of $6, $3, $11 and $9, respectively)	(62)	(62)	(128)	(120)
Other income/(expense), net	2	2	(20)	(1)
Income tax expense	(9)		(22)
NET INCOME	233	133	418	284
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8)	(2)	(10)	(2)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLAINS	225	131	408	282
Transportation
Revenues:
External Customers	147	139	288	277
Intersegment	143	120	276	232
Total revenues of reportable segments	290	259	564	509
Equity earnings in unconsolidated entities	4	1	5	2
Segment profit	128	130	265	257
Maintenance capital	17	15	35	22
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains
Segment profit	128	130	265	257
Facilities
Revenues:
External Customers	126	84	244	158
Intersegment	38	37	81	77
Total revenues of reportable segments	164	121	325	235
Segment profit	86	70	164	129
Maintenance capital	7	5	10	8
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains
Segment profit	86	70	164	129
Supply and Logistics
Revenues:
External Customers	8,586	5,901	16,021	11,813
Intersegment			1	1
Total revenues of reportable segments	8,586	5,901	16,022	11,814
Segment profit	151	57	285	150
Maintenance capital	3	2	7	3
Interest expense related to hedged inventory purchases	7	5	12	8
Reconciliation of segment profit to net income attributable to Plains
Segment profit	$ 151	$ 57	$ 285	$ 150

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