XML 34 R29.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Inventory (Tables) | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Jun. 30, 2012
Inventory Tables [Abstract] |
Inventory Balance By Type |
|  | June 30, |  | December 31,
|  | 2012 |  | 2011
|  | (in millions)
Coal, fuel oil and other raw materials |  | $ | 452 |  | $ | 444
Spare parts and supplies |  |  | 374 |  |  | 341
Total |  | $ | 826 |  | $ | 785

X
- Details
Name: | aes_InventoryTablesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Tabular disclosure of inventories not expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within the normal operating cycle including inventoried costs relating to long-term contracts or programs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Topic -SubTopic -Publisher SEC -Number 210 -Article 5 -Subparagraph a,b,c -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Paragraph 6 -Section 2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryNoncurrentTableTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration