Operating Segments - Segment Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Adjusted EBITDA	$ 636	$ 489	$ 1,733	$ 1,451
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization of unconsolidated entities	(15)	(13)	(44)	(31)
Gains/(losses) from derivative activities net of inventory valuation adjustments	110	(216)	(107)	86
Long-term inventory costing adjustments	10	16	18	2
Deficiencies under minimum volume commitments, net	4	(8)	(9)	(5)
Equity-indexed compensation expense	(14)	(7)	(37)	(18)
Net gain/(loss) on foreign currency revaluation	3	14	(5)	27
Significant acquisition-related expenses				(6)
Depreciation and amortization	(131)	(151)	(306)	(401)
Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated entities	210		210
Interest expense, net	(110)	(134)	(327)	(390)
Other income/(expense), net	(3)	(1)	8	(6)
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE TAX	700	(11)	1,134	697
Income tax (expense)/benefit	10	45	(35)	(30)
Net income	710	34	1,099	667
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1)		(2)
Net income attributable to PAA	$ 710	$ 33	$ 1,099	665
Line 901 Incident
Adjustments:
Line 901 incident				$ (12)

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.