Partners' Capital and Distributions - Subsidiary Distribution Terms (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
PAA
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (as a percent)	67.00%
AAP
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (as a percent)	58.00%
SLC Pipeline LLC
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (as a percent)	25.00%
PAA
Distributions
Percentage of available cash distributed	100.00%
Number of days after end of quarter within which distributions must be paid to unitholders	45 days