XML 166 R128.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Equity (Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - USD ($) |  |  |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Sep. 28, 2017 | Feb. 18, 2016 | Nov. 18, 2015 | Feb. 11, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Nov. 30, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 17, 2017 | Apr. 01, 2015 | Jun. 25, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (52,000,000) | $ 29,000,000 |  | $ 29,000,000 |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.70% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,465,000,000 | 2,794,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional Paid in Capital |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,501,000,000 | 8,592,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax |  |  |  |  | $ (3,883,000,000) |  |  |  |  | $ (3,883,000,000) |  | (1,876,000,000) | $ (2,756,000,000) |  | (3,883,000,000) |  |  |  |
Alto Maipo [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 62.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 196,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional Paid in Capital |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 229,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (33,000,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Masinloc Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Divestiture of Businesses, Portion Contingent Upon Achievement of Certain Restructuring Efficiencies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 23,000,000
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100.00% |  |  |  |  | 51.00% |  | 45.00%
Dominican Republic |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.00% | 10.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from divestiture of business | $ 60,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Interest, Sales Price |  |  |  |  | $ 18,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 7,000,000 |  | $ 25,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cachagua [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent |  |  | 99.90% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gener Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC |  |  | $ 24,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received Per Transaction |  |  | $ 145,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction |  |  | 70.70% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction |  |  | 66.70% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
IPP4 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 36.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
AES US Investment, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage Sold |  |  |  | 15.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received Per Transaction |  |  |  | $ 247,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24.90% |
sales agreement, Buyer option to purchase ownership interest, exercised |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 214,000,000 |
Gener Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold |  |  | 4.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Jordan [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration |  | $ 21,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  | $ 4,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold |  | 40.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquire additional shares through 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investment Options, acquisition percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  | 17.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquire additional shares through December 31, 2017 [Member] | Dominican Republic |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Interest, Sales Price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 125,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13,000,000 | $ 84,000,000 |  | 323,000,000 |  |  |  |
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] | AES Brasiliana [Domain] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Restructuring Costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 27,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] | IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Issuance Costs Not Expensed |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 84,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | (84,000,000) |  | (377,000,000) |  |  |  |
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (84,000,000) |  | $ (377,000,000) |  | (84,000,000) | [1] | (377,000,000) | [1] |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 83,000,000 | $ 17,000,000 |  | $ 119,000,000 |  |  |  |
Mitsui Ltd [Member] | IPP4 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Nebras Power Q.S.C [Member] | IPP4 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
[1] | See Note 17—Redeemable stock of subsidiaries for further information on increase in paid-in-capital transferred to redeemable stock of subsidiaries.

X
- Definition Percentage of equity interest in business disposed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOwnershipInterestSold
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Divestiture of Businesses, Portion Contingent Upon Achievement of Certain Restructuring Efficiencies + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_DivestitureofBusinessesPortionContingentUponAchievementofCertainRestructuringEfficiencies
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_GainonDispositionofStockinSubsidiaryRecordedtoAPIC
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The effective percentage of the affiliate's voting interest owned by the reporting entity (directly or indirectly) + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_InvestmentInAffiliateOwnershipPercentageSold
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Investment Options, acquisition percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_InvestmentOptionsacquisitionpercentage
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Interest, Sales Price + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_SaleAgreementBuyerOptionToPurchaseOwnershipInterestSalesPrice
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition sales agreement, Buyer option to purchase ownership interest, exercised + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_SalesagreementBuyeroptiontopurchaseownershipinterestexercised
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84228862&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84228862&loc=d3e681-108580 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84228862&loc=SL7669686-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Excess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of additional paid-in capital associated with common and preferred stock. For additional paid-in capital associated with only common stock, use the element additional paid in capital, common stock. For additional paid-in capital associated with only preferred stock, use the element additional paid in capital, preferred stock. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For transactions that are recognized separately from the acquisition of assets and assumptions of liabilities in the business combination, such as related to pre-existing relationships with the acquiree, this element represents the disclosure of the amount of any issuance related costs which have not been expensed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresIssuanceCostsNotExpensed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of consideration received or receivable for the disposal of assets and liabilities, including discontinued operation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of an organization or integrated set of activities (for example, but not limited to, a partnership or corporation) engaged in providing a product or service in a commercial, industrial, or professional environment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from sale of a portion of the parent's controlling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84161450&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96868048&loc=SL4569655-111683 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSaleOfParentEquityInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of other expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation. + 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=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the amount received from the sale of a portion of the company's business, for example a segment, division, branch or other business, during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of consideration received by subsidiary or equity investee in exchange for shares of stock issued or sold. Includes amount of cash received, fair value of noncash assets received, and fair value of liabilities assumed by the investor. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedPerTransaction
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of subsidiary's or equity investee's stock owned by parent company after stock transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipAfterTransaction
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of subsidiary's or equity investee's stock owned by parent company before stock transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SaleOfStockPercentageOfOwnershipBeforeTransaction
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.E) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27010918&loc=d3e74512-122707 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(31)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

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

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=aes_IPP4Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=aes_AESUSInvestmentInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=aes_IPALCOEnterprisesInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=aes_GenerSubsidiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=aes_JordanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | aes_AESUSInvestmentInc.AdditionalInvestmentOptionsAxis=aes_Acquireadditionalsharesthrough2016Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | aes_SignificantTransactionsBySubsidiaryAxis=aes_AcquireadditionalsharesthroughDecember312017Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=aes_DominicanRepublicMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis=aes_MitsuiLtdMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis=aes_NebrasPowerQ.S.CMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |