Operating Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Profit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment adjusted EBITDA	$ 512	$ 632
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization of unconsolidated entities	(14)	(12)
Gains/(losses) from derivative activities net of inventory valuation adjustments	289	(122)
Long-term inventory costing adjustments	(7)	(23)
Deficiencies under minimum volume commitments, net	(11)	(27)
Equity-indexed compensation expense	(3)	(4)
Net gain/(loss) on foreign currency revaluation	4	(1)
Significant acquisition-related expenses	(5)
Depreciation and amortization	(121)	(114)
Interest expense, net	(129)	(112)
Other income/(expense), net	(5)	5
INCOME BEFORE TAX	510	222
Income tax expense	(66)	(19)
NET INCOME	444	203
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(1)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA	$ 444	$ 202

Includes the impact of amounts billed to counterparties for their deficiency obligation, net of applicable amounts subsequently recognized into revenue. Certain agreements require counterparties to deliver, transport or throughput a minimum volume over an agreed upon period. Substantially all of such agreements were entered into with counterparties to economically support the return on the reporting entity's capital expenditure necessary to construct the related asset. Some of these agreements include make-up rights if the minimum volume is not met. A receivable from the counterparty is recorded in the period that services are provided or when the transaction occurs, including amounts for deficiency obligations from counterparties associated with minimum volume commitments. If a counterparty has a make-up right associated with a deficiency, the revenue attributable to the counterparty’s make-up right is deferred and is subsequently recognized at the earlier of when the deficiency volume is delivered or shipped, when the make-up right expires or when it is determined that the counterparty’s ability to utilize the make-up right is remote.

No definition available.