XML 103 R73.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.23.1

General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Change in Accounting Estimate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 01, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5 and $5, respectively | $ 1,479 | $ 1,799 | $ 1,418 |  | $ 1,479
Other Assets, Current | (800) | (1,533) | (897) |  | (802)
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net |  | 319 | 409 | $ 288 |
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent | (1,319) |  |  |  | (1,351)
Other Assets, Noncurrent | (1,605) | (2,979) | (2,188) |  | (1,635)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | (731) | (1,635) | (1,089) |  | (692)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | 2,217 | 2,067 | 1,769 |  | 2,233
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance | 32 | 26 | 26 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current | 20 | 5 | 5 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) |  | 53 | 16 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff |  | (19) | (11) |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation |  | (14) | (4) |  |
Accounts and Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss |  | 83 | 63 | 62 |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss |  | 28 |  |  |
Leasing Arrangement |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance |  | 1 | 2 |  |
Other Current Assets [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net | $ 165 |  |  |  | $ 156
Accounts Receivable |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current |  | 3 | 9 | 9 |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) |  | 10 | 9 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff |  | (19) | (11) |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery |  | (3) | (2) |  |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current |  | 28 | 30 | 32 |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery |  | (2) | (2) |  |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Other Entity [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current |  | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) |  | 1 | 0 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff |  |  | 0 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation |  | 0 | 0 |  |
AES Argentina [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current |  | 30 | 23 | $ 20 |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) |  | 22 | 7 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff |  | 0 | 0 |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery |  | (1) | 0 |  |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation |  | (14) | (4) |  |
AES Southland [Domain] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current |  | 20 |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease) |  | 20 |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff |  | 0 |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery |  | 0 |  |  |
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation |  | $ 0 |  |  |
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss |  |  | $ 0 |  |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] | Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Financing Receivable, Credit Loss Rate | 2.40% |  |  |  |
Accounts and Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss | $ 34 |  |  |  |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] | AES Argentina [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Financing Receivable, Credit Loss Rate | 41.20% |  |  |  |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5 and $5, respectively | $ 0 |  |  |  |
Other Assets, Current | (2) |  |  |  |
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net | 9 |  |  |  |
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent | (32) |  |  |  |
Other Assets, Noncurrent | (30) |  |  |  |
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | (39) |  |  |  |
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | $ (16) |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Financing Receivable, Credit Loss Rate + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aes_FinancingReceivableCreditLossRate
Namespace Prefix: | aes_
Data Type: | dtr-types1:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of allowance for credit loss of accounts and financing receivables. Includes, but is not limited to, notes and loan receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsAndFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after allowance for credit loss, of right to consideration from customer for product sold and service rendered in normal course of business, classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481990/310-10-45-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481990/310-10-45-9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of allowance for credit loss on accounts receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479344/326-20-45-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-4 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-13 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-13 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of allowance for credit loss on accounts receivable, classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479344/326-20-45-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in allowance for credit loss on accounts receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-13 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase in allowance for credit loss on accounts receivable, from recovery. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (e) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-13 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of direct write-downs of accounts receivable charged against the allowance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-13 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableWriteOffs
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
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 Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after allocation of valuation allowances and deferred tax liability, of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible differences and carryforwards, with jurisdictional netting. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482525/740-10-45-4 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 6 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482525/740-10-45-6 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) which decreases (increases) allowance for credit loss on financing receivable. Excludes net investment in lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-13 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of allowance to cover probable credit losses on loans and leases. Includes carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations. Excludes allowance for loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b)(1)(ii) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481696/310-30-50-2 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (c)(1) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 310 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-11B Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (g) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 310 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-11B Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 6.L.1) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 310 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480418/310-10-S99-4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after allowance for credit loss, of accounts and financing receivables, classified as noncurrent. Includes, but is not limited to, notes and loan receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481990/310-10-45-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of equity (deficit) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Excludes temporary equity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(24)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(19)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 12: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(22)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1 Reference 13: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.31) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of current assets classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481372/852-10-55-10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(8)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of noncurrent assets classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(17)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of accumulated undistributed earnings (deficit). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481372/852-10-55-10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(2)(i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480016/944-40-65-2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480016/944-40-65-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480990/946-20-50-11 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(a)(4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(17)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479617/946-210-S99-1 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480008/505-10-S99-1 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)(a)(3)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditLossStatusAxis=us-gaap_LeasingArrangementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |