XML 143 R99.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

Investments In and Advances To Affiliates - Summary of Financial Information of Affiliates & Subsidiaries (Details) - USD ($) |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Apr. 18, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jul. 31, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Jul. 01, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (95,000,000) | $ 28,000,000 | $ 984,000,000 |  |
OPGC Affiliate [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 49.00% | 49.00% |  | 49.00% | 49.00% | 49.00% |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  |  |  |  |  | $ 23,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 158,000,000 | $ 43,000,000 | $ 92,000,000 | $ 201,000,000 |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds |  |  |  |  |  | 135,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fluence [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage |  |  |  |  | 44.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fluence [Member] | Qatar Investment Authority |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates |  |  |  |  |  | $ 125,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Guacolda Affiliate [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 34.00% |  |  | 33.00% | 34.00% | 33.00% |  |  |
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Facts and Circumstances Leading to Impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 127,000,000 | $ 158,000,000 |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 92,000,000 |  |  |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 99,000,000 |  |  |  |
Guacolda Affiliate [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds |  |  |  |  | $ 34,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gas Natural del Este [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received |  |  | $ 55,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment |  |  | $ 2,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Uplight |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 32.00% |  |  | 32.00% | 32.00% | 32.00% |  |  |
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred |  |  |  | $ 53,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 98,000,000 |
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal |  |  |  | $ 12,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sPower [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage |  | 26.00% |  |  |  | 50.00% |  |  | 50.00% | 50.00% | 50.00% |  |  | 50.00%
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business |  | $ 28,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold |  | 48.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds |  | $ 173,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sPower [Member] | Long-term Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds |  | $ 58,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barry |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | [1] |  |  |  |  | 100.00% |  |  | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |  |  |
Other Long-term Debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 46,000,000 |  |  | $ 44,000,000 | $ 46,000,000 | $ 44,000,000 |  |  |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Member] | OPGC Affiliate [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 152,000,000 | 212,000,000 |  | 212,000,000 |  |  |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Member] | Guacolda Affiliate [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 212,000,000 |  | $ 212,000,000 |  |  |
[1] | Represents a VIE in which the Company holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary.

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 Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageSold
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Recognized, Equity Affiliate Level + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_ImpairmentofLongLivedAssetsRecognizedEquityAffiliateLevel
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6613-128477 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6578-128477 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents an other than temporary decline in value that has been recognized against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the investment represents the amount of the write down which is or was reflected in earnings. The written down value is a new cost basis with the adjusted value of the investment becoming its new carrying value subject to the equity accounting method. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 32 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121548190&loc=d3e32787-111569 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of an equity method investment. + References Reference 1: 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=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(7)(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(9)(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109237563&loc=d3e33749-111570 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8813-108599 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) from sale and disposal of integrated set of activities and assets capable of being conducted and managed for purpose of providing return in form of dividend, lower cost, or other economic benefit to investor, owner, member and participant. + References Reference 1: 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=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment assets, including oil and gas property and timber property. + 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=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
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_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of noncash consideration received for selling an asset or business through a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4304-108586 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4313-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationReceived1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow from an entity that is affiliated with the entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the sale of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence. + 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=121586364&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of unrealized gain (loss) on investment. + 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=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=aes_QatarInvestmentAuthorityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis=us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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