XML 50 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit                      
General partner ownership interest (as a percent)                 2.00%    
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit:                      
Net income attributable to Plains $ 278 $ 281 $ 225 $ 182 $ 142 $ 81 $ 131 $ 151 $ 966 $ 505 $ 579
Less: General partner's incentive distribution paid                 (221) (168) (136)
Less: General partner 2% ownership                 (15) (7) (9)
Net income available to limited partners in accordance with the application of the two-class method for MLPs                 $ 730 $ 330 $ 434
Denominator:                      
Basic weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units)                 149 137 130
Effect of dilutive securities:                      
Weighted average LTIP units (in units)                 1 1 1
Diluted weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units)                 150 138 131
Basic net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit) $ 1.38 $ 1.48 $ 1.14 $ 0.90 $ 0.68 $ 0.28 $ 0.65 $ 0.80 $ 4.91 $ 2.41 $ 3.34
Diluted net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit) $ 1.37 $ 1.47 $ 1.13 $ 0.90 $ 0.67 $ 0.28 $ 0.65 $ 0.80 $ 4.88 $ 2.40 $ 3.32