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 Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment Adjusted EBITDA									$ 3,230	$ 2,681	$ 2,081
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization of unconsolidated entities									(62)	(56)	(45)
Gains/(losses) from derivative activities net of inventory valuation adjustments									(160)	519	46
Long-term inventory costing adjustments									20	(21)	24
Deficiencies under minimum volume commitments, net									18	(7)	(2)
Equity-indexed compensation expense									(17)	(55)	(23)
Net gain/(loss) on foreign currency revaluation									(14)	(3)	26
Significant acquisition-related expenses											(6)
Depreciation and amortization									(601)	(520)	(517)
Gains/(losses) on asset sales and asset impairments, net									(28)	114	(109)
Gain on investment in unconsolidated entities									271	200
Interest expense, net									(425)	(431)	(510)
Other income/(expense), net									24	(7)	(31)
INCOME BEFORE TAX									2,246	2,414	902
Income tax expense									(66)	(198)	(44)
NET INCOME	$ 307	$ 454	$ 448	$ 970	$ 1,117	$ 710	$ 100	$ 288	2,180	2,216	858
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(9)		(2)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PAA	$ 306	$ 449	$ 446	$ 970	$ 1,117	$ 710	$ 100	$ 288	2,171	$ 2,216	856
Line 901 Incident
Adjustments:
Line 901 incident									$ (10)		$ (32)