diff --git a/doc/src/sgml/ref/explain.sgml b/doc/src/sgml/ref/explain.sgml
index 1f35a1d..627119b 100644
--- a/doc/src/sgml/ref/explain.sgml
+++ b/doc/src/sgml/ref/explain.sgml
@@ -186,7 +186,8 @@ ROLLBACK;
       The overhead of repeatedly reading the system clock can slow down the
       query significantly on some systems, so it may be useful to set this
       parameter to <literal>FALSE</literal> when only actual row counts, and not
-      exact times, are needed.
+      exact times, are needed.  Running time of the entire statement is always
+      collected, even when node level timing is turned off with this option. 
       This parameter may only be used when <literal>ANALYZE</literal> is also
       enabled.  It defaults to <literal>TRUE</literal>.
      </para>
diff --git a/src/backend/commands/explain.c b/src/backend/commands/explain.c
index 38ce0ef..90fc727 100644
--- a/src/backend/commands/explain.c
+++ b/src/backend/commands/explain.c
@@ -414,6 +414,10 @@ ExplainOnePlan(PlannedStmt *plannedstmt, IntoClause *into, ExplainState *es,
 	if (es->buffers)
 		instrument_option |= INSTRUMENT_BUFFERS;
 
+	/*
+	 * Always collect timing for the entire statement, even when
+	 * node level timing is off.
+	 */
 	INSTR_TIME_SET_CURRENT(starttime);
 
 	/*