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Other Non-Operating Expense (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2011
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items] |  |
Other non-operating expense | $ 49 | $ 0
Innovent [Member] |  |
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items] |  |
Other non-operating expense | 17 |
Generation Capacity (MW) | 75 |
Fair Value | 19 |
Carrying Amount | 36 |
Other Nonoperating Other [Member] |  |
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items] |  |
Other non-operating expense | 1 |
China Generation [Member] |  |
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Line Items] |  |
Other non-operating expense | 31 |
Fair Value | 133 |
Carrying Amount | $ 164 |

X
- Definition This element represents the aggregate carrying amount of the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by the entity before the recognition of impairment charges. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_AssetsCarryingAmountDisclosureNonrecurring
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Total generation capacity of the subsidiary, in megawatts. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_GenerationCapacityMegaWatts
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ComponentOfOtherExpenseNonoperatingLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of other expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating expense recognized during the period. Such amounts may include: (a) unusual costs, (b) loss on foreign exchange transactions, (c) losses on securities (net of profits), and (d) miscellaneous other expense items. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 5 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration