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Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 1 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Feb. 29, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 Bcf
PNG |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
General partner ownership interest (as a percent) |  | 2.00%
Series A Subordinated Units |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
Number of distinct tranches |  | 5
Series B Subordinated Units | Tranche 1 | PNG |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
Previous annualized distribution benchmark | $ 1.44 |
Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit) |  | $ 1.71
Working gas storage capacity (in Bcf) |  | 29.6
Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units |  | 2.6
Series B Subordinated Units | Tranche 2 | PNG |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
Previous annualized distribution benchmark | $ 1.53 |
Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit) |  | $ 1.71
Working gas storage capacity (in Bcf) |  | 35.6
Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units |  | 2.8
Series B Subordinated Units | Tranche 3 | PNG |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
Previous annualized distribution benchmark | $ 1.63 |
Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit) |  | $ 1.71
Working gas storage capacity (in Bcf) |  | 41.6
Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units |  | 2.1
Series B Subordinated Units | Tranche 4 | PNG |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit) |  | $ 1.71
Working gas storage capacity (in Bcf) |  | 48.0
Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units |  | 3.0
Series B Subordinated Units | Tranche 5 | PNG |  |
Performance Thresholds |  |
Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit) |  | $ 1.80
Working gas storage capacity (in Bcf) |  | 48.0
Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units |  | 3.0

X
- Definition This element represents the number of series one subordinated units to be converted into another series on satisfaction of some operational and financial conditions. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | paa_ConversionOfSubordinatedUnitsNumberOfUnitsToBeConverted
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents distinct tranches number. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | paa_DistinctTranchesNumber
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The percentage of general partner ownership in the subsidiary by the parent. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | paa_GeneralPartnerOwnershipInterestInSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the minimum working gas storage capacity placed into service considered as performance threshold for conversion of subordinated units. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | paa_MinimumWorkingGasStorageCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | paa_PerformanceThresholdsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The threshold annualized distribution amount that must be available to units with a higher priority before distributions can be made to the subordinated units. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | paa_SubordinatedUnitsDistributionAvailableThresholdAnnualized
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The previous threshold annualized distribution amount that must be available to units with a higher priority before distributions can be made to the subordinated units. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | paa_SubordinatedUnitsDistributionAvailableThresholdAnnualizedPrevious
Namespace Prefix: | paa_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration