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Commitments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Leases, Operating [Abstract] |  |  |
Operating lease and rental expense | $ 61 | $ 61 | $ 45
Leases Capital [Abstract] |  |  |
Capital leased assets, gross | $ 27 | $ 22 |

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- Definition Rental expense incurred for leased assets including furniture and equipment + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_OperatingLeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation of leased physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84164758&loc=d3e45014-112735 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeasesCapitalAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeasesOperatingAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration