XML 66 R65.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Partners' Capital and Distributions (Details 6) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 29, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2012
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
Common and Series A Subordinated Unit Subtotal
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Common and Series A Subordinated Unit Subtotal
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Common Units
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
Common Units
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
Series A Subordinated Units
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series A Subordinated Units
PNG
quarter
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
tranche
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
PNG
Feb. 28, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 1
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 1
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 1
PNG
quarter
Mcf
Feb. 28, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 2
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 2
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 2
PNG
quarter
Mcf
Feb. 28, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 3
PNG
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 3
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 3
PNG
quarter
Mcf
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 4
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 4
PNG
quarter
Mcf
Aug. 16, 2010
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 5
PNG
Dec. 31, 2012
Series B Subordinated Units
Tranche 5
PNG
quarter
Mcf
Partners Capital and Distribution                                                    
Number of potential conversion tranches, before Second Amended and Restated Agreement                     3                              
Number of potential conversion tranches, after Second Amended and Restated Agreement                     5                              
Portion of Series B subordinated units for which performance thresholds modified                       one third                            
Prior to Modification (in units)       43.5 32.0     18.1 13.9     11.5     4.6     3.8     3.1          
Modification (in units)         (2.0)       (2.0)     2.0     (2.0)     (1.0)     (1.0)   3.0   3.0  
Post Modification (in units)     43.5     30.0 18.1     11.9     13.5     2.6     2.8     2.1   3.0   3.0
General partner ownership interest (as a percent)           2.00%                                        
Performance Thresholds                                                    
Series B subordinated units that will convert into Series A subordinated units                               2.6     2.8     2.1   3.0   3.0
Working gas storage capacity (in MMcf)                               29,600,000     35,600,000     41,600,000   48,000,000   48,000,000
Annualized distribution level (in dollars per unit)                           $ 1.71 $ 1.44 $ 1.71 $ 1.71 $ 1.53 $ 1.71 $ 1.71 $ 1.63 $ 1.71 $ 1.71 $ 1.71 $ 1.80 $ 1.80
Minimum distribution on annualized basis (in dollars per unit)                   $ 1.35                                
Conversion of subordinated units, terms In February 2012, PNG modified the terms of the first three tranches of the PNG Series B subordinated units held by PAA. The modification increases the quarterly distribution benchmark for Tranche 1, 2 and 3 from annualized levels of $1.44 per unit, $1.53 per unit and $1.63 per unit, respectively, to an annualized level of $1.71 per unit. The Series A subordinated units will convert to common units once certain earnings and distribution targets are met for three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods.                                                
Number of consecutive quarters of cash sufficiency                               2     2     2   2   2
Number of consecutive quarters of cash distribution                               2     2     2   2   2
Number of non-overlapping quarters for which cash distribution and earnings thresholds must be met                   4                                
Number of consecutive years for which the distribution and earnings thresholds must be met for four consecutive non-overlapping quarters                   3 years