XML 15 R48.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measurements) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Impairment expenses | $ 8 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges |  | $ 166 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges |
Goodwill impairment expense | 0 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |  | 154 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss |
East Bend DPL [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 2 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember |
DPLER [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  | 136 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember |
Buffalo Gap [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  | 18 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember |
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | East Bend DPL [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Impairment expenses |  |  | 12 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember | [1]
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Total other non-operating expense | 8 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_OtherAffiliatesMember | [1] |  |
Discontinued operations and held for sale businesses [Member] | Cameroon [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Impairment expenses |  |  | 38 us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | [2]
Equity Method Investee [Member] | DPLER [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Total other non-operating expense |  |  | 136 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember | [3]
Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Total other non-operating expense | 0 us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember |  |  |
Goodwill [Member] | Buffalo Gap [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairment expense |  |  | 18 us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | East Bend DPL [Member] | Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
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_EastBendDPLMember | [1]
Fair Value [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | East Bend DPL [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 2 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember | [1]
Fair Value [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | East Bend DPL [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
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_EastBendDPLMember | [1]
Fair Value [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member] | Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
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 = us-gaap_OtherAffiliatesMember | [1] |  |
Fair Value [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | 21 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_OtherAffiliatesMember | [1] |  |
Fair Value [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
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 = us-gaap_OtherAffiliatesMember | [1] |  |
Fair Value [Member] | Discontinued operations and held for sale businesses [Member] | Cameroon [Member] | Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
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 | [2]
Fair Value [Member] | Discontinued operations and held for sale businesses [Member] | Cameroon [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 334 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | [2]
Fair Value [Member] | Discontinued operations and held for sale businesses [Member] | Cameroon [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
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 | [2]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | DPLER [Member] | Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | DPLER [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | DPLER [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Buffalo Gap [Member] | Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Buffalo Gap [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Buffalo Gap [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 10 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember | [3]
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] | Level 1 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember |  |  |
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | 0 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember |  |  |
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | 29 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember |  |  |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | East Bend DPL [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 14 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_EastBendDPLMember | [1],[4]
Carrying Amount [Member] | Discontinued operations and held for sale businesses [Member] | Cameroon [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 372 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_CameroonMember | [2],[4]
Carrying Amount [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | DPLER [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | 136 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_DplerMember | [3],[4]
Carrying Amount [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Other Affiliates [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | 29 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_OtherAffiliatesMember | [1],[4] |  |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring | 29 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember | [4] |  |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Goodwill [Member] | Buffalo Gap [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Nonrecurring |  |  | $ 28 us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_GoodwillMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis = us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_BuffaloGapMember | [3],[4]
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Annual Revenue Growth Input | (3.00%)aes_AnnualRevenueGrowthInput / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |
Pretax Operating Margin Input | (13.00%)aes_PretaxOperatingMarginInput / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |
Fair Value Inputs, Cost of Equity | 0.00%aes_FairValueInputsCostofEquity / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Annual Revenue Growth Input | 0.00%aes_AnnualRevenueGrowthInput / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |
Pretax Operating Margin Input | 56.00%aes_PretaxOperatingMarginInput / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |
Fair Value Inputs, Cost of Equity | 0.00%aes_FairValueInputsCostofEquity / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] | Solar Spain [Member] |  |  |  |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Annual Revenue Growth Input | 0.00%aes_AnnualRevenueGrowthInput / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember |  |  |
Pretax Operating Margin Input | 24.00%aes_PretaxOperatingMarginInput / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember |  |  |
Fair Value Inputs, Cost of Equity | 12.00%aes_FairValueInputsCostofEquity / aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis = aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember / aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis = us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = aes_SolarSpainMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember |  |  |
[1] | See Note 15—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
[2] | See Note 16—Discontinued Operations and Held-For-Sale Businesses for further information.
[3] | See Note 14—Goodwill Impairment for further information.
[4] | (1) Represents the carrying value (including costs to sell) at the date of measurement, before fair value adjustment.

X
- Definition Annual revenue growth used in forecasting cash flows. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_AnnualRevenueGrowthInput
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Cost of Equity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_FairValueInputsCostofEquity
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Pretax operating margin used in projecting cash flows. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_PretaxOperatingMarginInput
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- 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
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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
- Definition Amount of loss from the write-down of an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + 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 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13854-109267 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
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 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 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=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | aes_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisUnobservableInputsAxis=aes_DiscountedCashFlowMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis=aes_DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis=aes_LongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis=us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | aes_FairValueByAssetTypeAxis=us-gaap_GoodwillMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=aes_BuffaloGapMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=aes_DplerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=aes_EastBendDPLMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis=us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis=us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |