XML 107 R82.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.21.2

Segments (Details) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) segment | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | $ 3,036 | $ 2,545 | $ 8,371 | $ 7,100 |
Number of strategic business units | segment |  |  | 4 |  |
Number of reportable segments | segment |  |  | 4 |  |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | 428 | 331 | $ 978 | 819 |
Reconciliation To Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized derivative losses (gains) | 53 | (26) | (24) | (24) |
Unrealized foreign currency transaction losses (gains) | (11) | 4 | (5) | 7 |
Disposition/acquisition losses (gains) | 33 | (100) | 277 | (130) |
Impairment losses | (18) | (657) | (1,121) | (878) |
Extinguishment of debt losses (gains) | (27) | (55) | (51) | (103) |
Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination | (36) | (72) | (256) | (72) |
Pretax contribution | 494 | (431) | 310 | (237) |
Net equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates | 25 | (112) | (15) | (106) |
Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests | 117 | (197) | 140 | 40 |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates | 586 | (516) | 465 | (91) |
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 35,030 |  | 35,030 |  | $ 34,603
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | (24) | (52) | (91) | (198) |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | 12 | 4 | 37 | 11 |
US and Utilities [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 1,327 | 1,061 | 3,248 | 2,945 |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | 254 | 185 | 426 | 313 |
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 15,277 |  | 15,277 |  | 14,464
MCAC [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 559 | 442 | 1,584 | 1,255 |
MCAC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 559 | 442 | 1,584 | 1,255 |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | 81 | 57 | 213 | 201 |
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 4,581 |  | 4,581 |  | 4,847
EURASIA [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 257 | 195 | 804 | 634 |
EURASIA [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 257 | 195 | 804 | 634 |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | 45 | 40 | 144 | 133 |
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 3,481 |  | 3,481 |  | 3,621
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | (3) | (3) | (9) | (7) |
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 21 | 49 | 82 | 191 |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | (47) | (77) | (109) | (220) |
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 749 |  | 749 |  | 342
South American SBU |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 896 | 850 | 2,744 | 2,273 |
South American SBU | Operating Segments [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Total Revenue | 896 | 850 | 2,744 | 2,273 |
Adjusted PTC |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Pretax Contribution | 83 | $ 122 | 267 | $ 381 |
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | $ 10,942 |  | $ 10,942 |  | $ 11,329

X
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_DebtRetirementLosses
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Dispositions/Acquisitions Gains (Losses) + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_DispositionsAcquisitionsGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_ImpairmentLosses
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_PreTaxContribution
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of pre-tax contribution for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_SegmentReportingInformationAdjustedPretaxContribution
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_SegmentReportingInformationAdjustedPtcAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: 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(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84165509&loc=d3e56426-112766 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 6: 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)(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124433192&loc=SL2890621-112765 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (bb) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123419778&loc=d3e5710-111685 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116870748&loc=SL6758485-165988 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124440516&loc=d3e30840-110895 Reference 2: 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=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=125521441&loc=d3e30690-110894 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gain (loss) related to the termination of a contract between the parties. The termination may be due to many causes including early termination of a lease by a lessee, a breach of contract by one party, or a failure to perform. + 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 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 940 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123384075&loc=d3e41242-110953 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 6: 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(10)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 7: 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(8)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399901&loc=d3e537907-122884 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8924-108599 Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(15)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before deduction of income tax expense (benefit) and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, and addition of income (loss) from equity method investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8924-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) for proportionate share of equity method investee's income (loss). + References Reference 1: 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(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 2: 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(10)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 3: 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=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(13)(f)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 6: 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 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same enterprise), (b) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (c) for which discrete financial information is available. An operating segment may engage in business activities for which it has yet to earn revenues, for example, start-up operations may be operating segments before earning revenues. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8672-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8672-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9031-108599 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9038-108599 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e9054-108599 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399901&loc=d3e537907-122884 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net change in the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of derivative instruments, including options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts, held at each balance sheet date, that was included in earnings for 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 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=aes_USandUtilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=aes_MCACMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=aes_EURASIAMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=aes_CorporateOtherAndOtherEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=aes_SouthAmericanSBUMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |