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Partners' Capital and Distributions - Incentive Distributions (Details) - General Partner - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2016
Incentive distributions
Reduction in incentive distributions	$ 22,000	$ 23,000	$ 15,000
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter in 2016	5,000
Reduction in incentive distributions per quarter after 2016	$ 3,750
Series A Convertible Preferred Units | Subsequent Event
Incentive distributions
Threshold annualized distribution level over which IDRs participate on converted units				$ 2.80

X

- Definition

The threshold annualized distribution level above which incentive distribution rights association with common units resulting from conversion of units will participate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	paa_
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Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The total reduction in the amount of incentive distributions paid to the general partner during the period, which was agreed to by the general partner in connection with certain events or transactions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The reduction per quarter in incentive distributions after the next fiscal year, as agreed to in connections with previous acquisition and merger agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The reduction per quarter in incentive distributions for the next fiscal year, as agreed to in connections with previous acquisition and merger agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	paa_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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X

- Details

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X

- Details

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X

- Details

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