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Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 6) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 1 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2011
Common Units
Dec. 31, 2010
Common Units
Dec. 31, 2009
Common Units
Dec. 31, 2011
PNG
Series A Subordinated Units
Dec. 31, 2010
PNG
Series A Subordinated Units
Dec. 31, 2011
PNG
Series B Subordinated Units
Dec. 31, 2010
PNG
Series B Subordinated Units
Feb. 28, 2011
PNG
Common Units
Dec. 31, 2011
PNG
Common Units
Dec. 31, 2010
PNG
Common Units
Feb. 28, 2011
PNG
Private Placement
May 31, 2011
PNG
Private Placement
May 31, 2011
PNGS
Private Placement
Dec. 31, 2010
PNGS
Private Placement
Partners Capital and Distribution                                    
Number of common units issued representing limited partner interest (in units)                             17,400,000      
Net proceeds from private placement on PNG common units                             $ 370      
Proceeds received by PNG from Plains for sale of common units                             230      
Contribution from general partner                             12      
Number of common units transfer to noncontrolling interests in connection with the settlement of equity compensation awards (in shares)   (100,000)                     (100,000)     58,672    
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership interest of reporting entity (as a percent)   100.00%                             64.00% 77.00%
Number of common units issued to Plains (in units)                             10,200,000      
General Partner Interest in PNG (as a percent)                             2.00%      
PNG units owned by PAA (in units)   53,600,000 43,500,000         11,900,000 11,900,000 13,500,000 13,500,000   28,200,000 18,100,000        
Units purchased (in units) 10,200,000                     10,200,000     10,200,000      
Non-controlling interests associated with the book value of PNG sold to third parties   370 268 26 63 99 (37)               306      
Increase to partners' capital                             $ 64