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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment Adjusted EBITDA									$ 2,681	$ 2,081	$ 2,167
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization of unconsolidated entities									(56)	(45)	(50)
Gains/(losses) from derivative activities net of inventory valuation adjustments									519	46	(404)
Long-term inventory costing adjustments									(21)	24	58
Deficiencies under minimum volume commitments, net									(7)	(2)	(46)
Equity-indexed compensation expense									(55)	(23)	(33)
Net gain/(loss) on foreign currency revaluation									(3)	26	(9)
Significant acquisition-related expenses									0	(6)	0
Depreciation and amortization									(520)	(517)	(514)
Gains/(losses) on asset sales and asset impairments, net									114	(109)	20
Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated entities									200	0	0
Interest expense, net									(431)	(510)	(467)
Other income/(expense), net									(7)	(31)	33
INCOME BEFORE TAX									2,414	902	755
Income tax expense									(198)	(44)	(25)
NET INCOME	$ 1,117	$ 710	$ 100	$ 288	$ 191	$ 34	$ 189	$ 444	2,216	858	730
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	(2)	(4)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA	$ 1,117	$ 710	$ 100	$ 288	$ 191	$ 33	$ 188	$ 444	2,216	856	726
Line 901 Incident
Adjustments:
Line 901 incident									$ 0	$ (32)	$ 0