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Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
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 $ 230 $ 182
Less: General partner's incentive distribution paid (65) (50)
Less: General partner 2% ownership (3) (3)
Net income available to limited partners in accordance with the application of the two-class method for MLPs $ 162 $ 129
Denominator:    
Basic weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units) 157 143
Effect of dilutive securities:    
Weighted average LTIP units (in units) 1 1
Diluted weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding (in units) 158 144
Basic net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit) $ 1.03 $ 0.90
Diluted net income per limited partner unit (in dollars per unit) $ 1.02 $ 0.90