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Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measurements) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense | $ 383,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges | $ 661,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges | $ 1,940,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges |  |  |  |  |
Other non-operating expense | 128,000,000 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense | 129,000,000 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense | 50,000,000 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense | 164,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss | 372,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss | 1,817,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |  |  |  |  |
DP&L (East Bend) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 2,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |
Ebute |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 36,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  | 36,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  |  | 58,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |
UK Wind (Newfield) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember
DPLER |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  |  |  | 136,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |  |
Buffalo Gap |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  |  |  | 18,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember | 10,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |
Itabo (San Lorenzo) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |  |  |  |
DP&L (Conesville) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |
DP&L |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  | 1,820,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |  |  |  | 307,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |
Mountain View |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_MountainViewMember |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (East Bend) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense | 12,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Ebute |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense | 67,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used | UK Wind (Newfield) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense | 11,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Itabo (San Lorenzo) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 16,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Beaver Valley |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 46,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (Conesville) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 26,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Lived Assets Held For Sale | U.S. wind turbines |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Cameroon businesses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense | 38,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 63,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Saurashtra |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 12,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SaurashtraMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Ukraine utilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 44,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UkraineUtilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Poland wind projects |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 65,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_PolandWindProjectsMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | U.S. wind projects |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset impairment expense |  | 47,000,000 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_USWindProjectsMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Affiliate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other non-operating expense |  | 129,000,000 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Affiliate | Silver Ridge Power |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other non-operating expense | 42,000,000 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SilverRidgePowerMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Affiliate | Entek |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other non-operating expense | 86,000,000 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EntekMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | Ebute |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  | 58,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | DPLER |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense | 136,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | Buffalo Gap |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense | 28,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | DP&L |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  | 307,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | Mountain View |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_MountainViewMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (East Bend) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 14,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Ebute |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 103,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  | 103,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | UK Wind (Newfield) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 11,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |  |  |  | 11,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Itabo (San Lorenzo) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 23,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |  |  |  |  | 23,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Beaver Valley |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 61,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |  |  |  |  | 61,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (Conesville) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 26,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 26,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |
Carrying Amount | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale | U.S. wind turbines |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 25,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |  |  |  |  | 25,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |
Carrying Amount | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Cameroon businesses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 372,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 414,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |  |  |  | 372,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 414,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |
Carrying Amount | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Saurashtra |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 19,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SaurashtraMember |  |  |  |  | 19,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SaurashtraMember |
Carrying Amount | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Ukraine utilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 164,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UkraineUtilitiesMember |  |  |  |  | 164,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UkraineUtilitiesMember |
Carrying Amount | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Poland wind projects |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 79,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_PolandWindProjectsMember |  |  |  |  | 79,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_PolandWindProjectsMember |
Carrying Amount | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | U.S. wind projects |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 77,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_USWindProjectsMember |  |  |  |  | 77,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_USWindProjectsMember |
Carrying Amount | Equity Method Affiliate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 240,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember |  |  |  |  | 240,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember |
Carrying Amount | Equity Method Affiliate | Silver Ridge Power |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 315,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SilverRidgePowerMember |  |  |  |  | 315,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SilverRidgePowerMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Equity Method Affiliate | Entek |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 211,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EntekMember |  |  |  |  | 211,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EntekMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Goodwill | Ebute |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 58,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  | 58,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |
Carrying Amount | Goodwill | DPLER |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 136,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |  |  |  | 136,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Goodwill | Buffalo Gap |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 28,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |  |  |  | 28,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |
Carrying Amount | Goodwill | DP&L |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 623,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |  |  |  |  | 623,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |
Carrying Amount | Goodwill | Mountain View |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_MountainViewMember |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_MountainViewMember |
Fair Value | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 309,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |  |  |  |  | 309,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (East Bend) | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 2,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Ebute | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Ebute | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Ebute | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 36,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |  |  |  | 36,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EbuteMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | UK Wind (Newfield) | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | UK Wind (Newfield) | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | UK Wind (Newfield) | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UKWindNewfieldMember |  |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Itabo (San Lorenzo) | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Itabo (San Lorenzo) | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Itabo (San Lorenzo) | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ItaboSanLorenzoMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Beaver Valley | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Beaver Valley | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | Beaver Valley | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 15,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |  |  |  |  | 15,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BeaverValleyMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (Conesville) | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (Conesville) | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held And Used | DP&L (Conesville) | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_ConesvilleDPLMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale | U.S. wind turbines | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale | U.S. wind turbines | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 25,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |  |  |  |  | 25,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |
Fair Value | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale | U.S. wind turbines | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_U.S.WindTurbinesMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Cameroon businesses | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Cameroon businesses | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 334,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 351,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |  |  |  | 334,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | 351,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Cameroon businesses | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember |  |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Saurashtra | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SaurashtraMember |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SaurashtraMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Ukraine utilities | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 120,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UkraineUtilitiesMember |  |  |  |  | 120,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_UkraineUtilitiesMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | Poland wind projects | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_PolandWindProjectsMember |  |  |  |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_PolandWindProjectsMember |
Fair Value | Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses | U.S. wind projects | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 30,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_USWindProjectsMember |  |  |  |  | 30,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_USWindProjectsMember |
Fair Value | Equity Method Affiliate | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |
Fair Value | Equity Method Affiliate | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |
Fair Value | Equity Method Affiliate | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 111,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |  |  |  |  | 111,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember |
Fair Value | Equity Method Affiliate | Silver Ridge Power | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 273,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SilverRidgePowerMember |  |  |  |  | 273,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SilverRidgePowerMember |  |
Fair Value | Equity Method Affiliate | Entek | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 125,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EntekMember |  |  |  |  | 125,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EntekMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | DPLER | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | DPLER | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | DPLER | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | Buffalo Gap | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | Buffalo Gap | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | Buffalo Gap | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |  |
Fair Value | Goodwill | DP&L | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |
Fair Value | Goodwill | DP&L | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |
Fair Value | Goodwill | DP&L | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset fair value nonrecurring |  | $ 316,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |  |  |  |  | $ 316,000,000 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DPLMember |

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- Definition Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2420-110228 + Details
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