Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 10) (AAP LP Class B Units)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
AAP LP Class B Units
Partners Capital and Distribution
Units Outstanding (in units)	183,500	175,500
Outstanding Units Earned (in units)	80,063	80,063
Reserved for Future Grants, outstanding	16,500	24,500

The number of outstanding awards on non-stock option plans for which the employer has issued equity instruments to an employee and the units issued have been earned as required performance conditions have been met, giving the employee the right to receive quarterly distributions.

No definition available.

Name:	paa_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsUnitsEarnedOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant