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.

Operating Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Profit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment adjusted EBITDA									$ 2,081	$ 2,167	$ 2,212
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization of unconsolidated entities									(45)	(50)	(45)
Gains/(losses) from derivative activities net of inventory valuation adjustments									46	(404)	(110)
Long-term inventory costing adjustments									24	58	(99)
Deficiencies under minimum volume commitments, net									(2)	(46)	(13)
Equity-indexed compensation expense									(23)	(33)	(27)
Net gain/(loss) on foreign currency revaluation									26	(9)	29
Significant acquisition-related expenses									(6)
Depreciation and amortization									(626)	(494)	(432)
Interest expense, net									(510)	(467)	(432)
Other income/(expense), net									(31)	33	(7)
INCOME BEFORE TAX									902	755	1,006
Income tax expense									(44)	(25)	(100)
NET INCOME	$ 191	$ 34	$ 189	$ 444	$ 127	$ 298	$ 102	$ 203	858	730	906
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(2)	(4)	(3)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA	$ 191	$ 33	$ 188	$ 444	$ 126	$ 297	$ 101	$ 202	856	$ 726	903
Line 901 Incident
Adjustments:
Line 901 incident									$ (32)		$ (83)