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Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 8) (USD $)
In Millions, except 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
Partners' Capital and Distributions                      
Net income attributable to Plains $ 278 $ 281 $ 225 $ 182 $ 142 $ 81 $ 131 $ 151 $ 966 $ 505 $ 579
Transfers to the noncontrolling interests:                      
Increase in capital from sale of PNG units                 64 101  
Decrease in capital from sale of interest in SLC Pipeline                     (38)
Change from net income attributable to Plains and net transfers to the noncontrolling interest                 1,030 606 541
Changes in the noncontrolling interests in partners' capital                      
Beginning balance       231         231    
Sale of noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (Note 5)                 370 268 26
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests                 28 9 1
Equity compensation expense (Note 10)                 28 16 5
Ending Balance 524       231       524 231  
LTIP Vesting                      
LTIP unit vestings, fair value                 24 26 19
Noncontrolling Interests
                     
Changes in the noncontrolling interests in partners' capital                      
Beginning balance       231       63 231 63  
Sale of noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (Note 5)                 306 167 64
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests                 28 9 1
Distribution to noncontrolling interest                 (40) (10) (2)
Equity compensation expense (Note 10)                 3 3  
Net deferred loss on cash flow hedges                 (4)    
Other                   (1)  
Ending Balance 524       231       524 231 63
PNG Long Term Incentive Plan Awards
                     
LTIP Vesting                      
LTIP awards, issued (in units)                 242,762    
LTIP unit vestings, fair value                 $ 15