XML 198 R164.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Discontinued Operations and Held-For-Sale Businesses (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Oct. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 164 |  | $ 529
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (288) |  | (368)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,320 |  | 4,036
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,151) |  | (3,954)
Asset Impairment Charges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 355 | 537 |  | 1,098
Net loss from disposal and impairments of discontinued operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (225) | 611 |  | 1,119
Other Asset Impairment Charges |  |  |  | $ 42 | $ 74 | $ 92 | $ 277 | $ 90 | $ 168 |  |  | 208 | 537 |  | 1,096
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (985) | 507 |  | 20
Impairment Expense Pre Tax Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (611) |  | (1,385)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (166) | [1] | (160)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 |  | (78)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (608) |  | (1,463)
Income (loss) on discontinued operations, before tax, attributable to Noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (25) |  | (142)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income tax, attributable to parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (633) |  | (1,605)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (21) |  | 495
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 218 | (654) |  | (1,110)
Borsod [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operation Deferred Gain on Disposal |  |  |  | 26 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) |  |  |  | $ 20 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Eletropaulo Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Investment Retained after Disposal, Ownership Interest after Disposal |  | 17.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (611) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss from disposal and impairments of discontinued operations |  |  |  |  |  | (199) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (455) |  |
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Gains (Losses) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (243) |  |
Impairment Expense Pre Tax Total |  |  |  |  |  | $ 243 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (633) |  | (192)
Sul Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss from disposal and impairments of discontinued operations | $ (737) |  | $ (382) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,100)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |
Reduction in Stockholders equity due to sale of business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 92
Assets carrying amount |  |  | 1,600 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal |  |  | 266 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (1,400)
Eletropaulo Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from divestiture of business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 340 |  |  |  |
Sul Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal |  |  | 135 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested | $ 484 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] | Sul Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Asset Impairment Charges |  |  | $ 783 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
[1] | Includes a loss contingency recognized by our equity method investment in discontinued operations.

X
- Definition This element represents the aggregate carrying amount of the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by the entity before the recognition of impairment charges. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_AssetsCarryingAmountDisclosureNonrecurring
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Discontinued Operation Deferred Gain on Disposal + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_DiscontinuedOperationDeferredGainonDisposal
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Gains (Losses) reclassified from AOCL + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPensionGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income tax, attributable to parent + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_Incomelossfromdiscontinuedoperationsbeforeincometaxattributabletoparent
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition (Income) loss on discontinued operations, before tax, attributable to Noncontrolling interest + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_IncomelossondiscontinuedoperationsbeforetaxattributabletoNoncontrollinginterest
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reduction in Stockholders equity due to sale of business + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_ReductioninStockholdersequityduetosaleofbusiness
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226348&loc=d3e2420-110228 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of investing activities of discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of operating activities of discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) from deconsolidation of subsidiary and derecognition of group of assets constituting transfer of business or nonprofit activity, excluding conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights and transfer of good or service in contract with customer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4582445-111684 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percent, prior to disposal, of ownership interest of a discontinued operation in which an equity method investment is retained. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (d)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721665-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationEquityMethodInvestmentRetainedAfterDisposalOwnershipInterestPriorToDisposal
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of gain (loss) not previously recognized resulting from the disposal of a discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e957-107759 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721525-107759 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of gain (loss) not previously recognized resulting from the disposal of a discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e957-107759 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721525-107759 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of income (loss) from a discontinued operation. Includes, but is not limited to, the income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and adjustments to a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721523-107759 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1012-107759 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114873790&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721525-107759 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e957-107759 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(14)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of income (loss) from operations classified as a discontinued operation. Excludes gain (loss) on disposal and provision for gain (loss) until its disposal. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e957-107759 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721523-107759 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationDuringPhaseOutPeriodBeforeIncomeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of tax expense (benefit) related to a discontinued operation. Includes, but is not limited to, tax expense (benefit) related to income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, tax expense (benefit) related to gain (loss) on disposal, tax expense (benefit) related to gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721525-107759 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109238882&loc=d3e38679-109324 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32672-109319 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1012-107759 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721523-107759 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of tax (expense) benefit on (gain) loss recognized for the (reversal of write-down) write-down to fair value, less cost to sell, of a discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109238882&loc=d3e38679-109324 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721525-107759 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxExpenseBenefitFromProvisionForGainLossOnDisposal
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of costs of goods sold attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCostsOfGoodsSold
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) in the disposal group, including discontinued operation, recognized in the statement of income as a result of the sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109240241&loc=d3e32211-110900 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationForeignCurrencyTranslationGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of other expense attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4613673-111683 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of income (loss) from a discontinued operation attributable to the parent. Includes, but is not limited to, the income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and adjustments to a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e957-107759 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721523-107759 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721525-107759 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4569616-111683 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1012-107759 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity
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_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The charge against earnings resulting from the write down of long lived assets other than goodwill due to the difference between the carrying value and lower fair value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226691&loc=d3e2921-110230 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges
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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the cash inflow during the period from the sale of a component of the entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | invest_InvestmentAxis=aes_EletropauloSubsidiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | invest_InvestmentAxis=aes_SulSubsidiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |